In the last seven days, there have been 1,306 positives cases of coronavirus across Liverpool, which is an increase of 577 on the week before. Now fears have risen that ministers could impose further restrictions on the city.
Mayor of Liverpool, Joe Anderson, called for the city to be placed under stricter conditions in an attempt to curb the spread of the virus.
He said: “I think we now have to stop the circuit.
“I think it is necessary in Liverpool but also in the whole country.
“We just cannot see the current level of increase in cases continuing at this rate.
“We have the third-highest rate in the country and are increasing rapidly.
“I think there is no doubt now that we need more stringent foreclosure measures.
“We simply cannot allow it to continue to spread at this rate.
“I think a few weeks of full lockdown might be the only way to stop this slope and try to get it under control.”
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He told the Telegraph: “We need clarity on the rules and local public health teams need funds to intervene.
“The infection rates and hospital admissions throughout the city of Liverpool are among the highest in the country.
“It is vital that the government gives councils the funding for public health to intervene.”
The UK has one of the highest infection and death tolls across Europe and fears of a second wave have been raised.
In a bid to curb a second national lockdown, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has introduced a number of new restrictions.
As of September 14, the ‘rule of six’ was introduced meaning groups of no more than six people were able to meet indoors or outdoors.
He then placed a curfew on all pubs to stop serving from 10pm.
Pubs, bars, restaurants and cafes have also been banned from playing music which exceeds 85 decibels, although live performances are exempt.
The same rules also say that pub landlords or those who run other venues like hotel bars, restaurants and members clubs, must take “all reasonable measures” to stop singing on the premises by customers in groups of more than six, and dancing.
Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the British Beer and Pub Association, lashed out at the government for not consulting the industry.
She said: “The cumulative impact of layering restriction upon restriction is making it harder for pubs to survive.
“We have already seen a total ban on music in pubs in Scotland, which has seen trade plummet there.
“The sector has not been consulted on the evidence base for these extra restrictions on music.
“We are acutely aware of our responsibilities as businesses, but the Government is in danger of cutting off any chance of a recovery.”
