Luton to move to Tier 2 "High" alert level, following spike in cases

You can watch Matthew Hudson's report here.

Watch here to see an interview with Director of Public Health Lucy Hubber on Luton moving to Tier 2 "High Alert" Covid Level

Luton will move to Tier 2 "High" Covid alert level from Saturday following a spike in cases in the town.

The news was confirmed by the leader of the borough council Hazel Simmons and Lucy Hubber, the town's interim Director of Public Health.

They said:

Admissions to the Luton and Dunstable Hospital are increasing Credit: ITV Anglia

They added that admissions to the Luton and Dunstable Hospital are rising along with Covid-19 related deaths in our communities.

As of last week Luton's weekly rate of Covid-19 cases per 100,000 people was over 160, almost the highest in the region.

Luton's Director of Public Health has told ITV News Anglia that Tier 2 restrictions are now vital Credit: ITV Anglia

Local leaders had hoped to avoid extra restrictions by asking people to act as if they were in tier 2.

They also confirmed that the move was a joint decision between local leaders and the Joint Biosecurity Centre, which monitors infection levels across England.

Luton North MP Sarah Owen said: "I am deeply concerned by the rise in cases of coronavirus over the last week or so in Luton.”

“We have resisted going into tier 2 for as long as possible but we need to now seriously follow the new guidance, particularly stopping mixing households indoors. Admissions at the L&D are rising, and that means an incredibly tough time for people who are sick, and our fantastic key workers who are trying to nurse them back to health. If cases continue to rise at an alarming rate, even harsher restrictions will follow.”

The further restrictions will take effect on Saturday, 31st of October.

  • Watch our quick explainer to the Government's Covid-19 Alert Levels

These restrictions include:

  • In any indoor setting, whether at home or a public place, people must not meet with

    anyone they don’t live with (unless they are part of your support bubble or essential carers).

  • If outdoors, whether in a garden or public outdoor space, people must not meet with people they don’t live with in groups of more than 6.

  • People should also limit the number of journeys they make away from home.

  • If people need to travel they should walk or cycle where possible, or plan ahead to avoid busy times and routes on public transport.