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The new restrictions will take effect in Birmingham, Sandwell and Solihull next week after a spike in coronavirus cases in those areas.
Residents in all three areas have been urged to act immediately to help prevent the virus from spreading further, although the restrictions officially go into effect starting Tuesday, September 15.
The measures will prohibit people from different households from mingling within their houses or gardens, as the analysis suggests that the increase in cases is due to gatherings in the houses.
Groups of up to six will still be able to meet in pubs and restaurants, Birmingham City Council Leader Coun Ian Ward said during Friday’s announcement.
But there has been uncertainty about whether residents living on the borders will have to follow the restrictions.
The Leicestershire County Council produced an official postal code checker to help residents better understand the Leicester closure, but Birmingham City Council said it will not be.
However, a government zip code checker to check which council you are on clears this up for those on the periphery of areas.
Enter your zip code here to find out if you are in lockdown zones.
If you are with Birmingham City Council, Sandwell City Council or Solihull City Council, you will need to comply with the new rules.
If you are under any other neighboring authority, such as Walsall, Coventry or Worcestershire Council, you are not included in the restrictions.
There was also confusion about whether parents could continue to use their childcare support, whether affected residents could travel outside the areas, and whether they could visit pubs with friends and family.
These concerns were addressed in a question and answer session with Dr. Justin Varney, Birmingham’s director of public health, and the full answers can be viewed here.
Parents will still be able to use child care and early childhood settings, including caregivers and providers who offer clubs before or after school or other settings outside of school for children.
You can also continue to employ babysitters; see the guide on working safely in other people’s homes.
Friends or family members you do not live with should not visit your home to help with childcare unless they are part of your bubble of support.
The only people who should help you with childcare in your home are the people you live with, the people in your support bubble, or registered childcare providers, including babysitters.
(Image: BPM)
Children of separated parents can continue to move between households.
Dr. Varney explained, “We have to go back to the time when we could allow very few people into our homes.”
The restrictions will be reviewed weekly, with new announcements every Friday, according to West Midlands Mayor Andy Street, who announced the new measures at a key briefing on September 11.
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