Northampton council leader 'grateful' government has not put town into lockdown but warned more measures could come

The leader of Northampton council said he is grateful the government has not yet decided to put the town into lockdown but warned more measures could be imposed.

Northampton has been upgraded to an 'area of intervention' by the health secretary due to the coronavirus infection rate hitting 125.1 per 100,000 during the week ending August 13.

While other towns in the same bracket have experienced local lockdowns or other restrictions, the only action in Northampton is for the Greencore food factory to close and workers to self-isolate.

When asked by the Chronicle & Echo what more could come from the Department of Health and Social Care during a press conference this afternoon (Friday, August 21), Northampton Borough Council Jonathan Nunn said: "It is very much a moving feast.

"All of us want Public Health England to react however they need to, whether indeed that has to be enforcement," he said.

"We're trying to avoid every possible restriction on people's lifestyles and restrictions on people's businesses and therefore risking their jobs.

"But there are a variety of measures that could be introduced on a day-to-day basis that would be considered."

Northamptonshire Police Assistant Chief Constable Simon Blatchly said they are waiting for guidance from the government about increasing enforcement measures but they hope it is a last resort.

Northamptonshire County Council cabinet member for environment Ian Morris added that it is incumbent on everyone to follow the rules to get Covid-19 under control.

Cllr Nunn said: "To residents in Northampton and workers, we absolutely need to keep our foot on the gas with all of the national precautions we need to take plus the additional things we have said such as not car sharing and avoiding public transport as much as possible.

"If you have to then adopt the approach of 'no mask, no ride'.

"People also shouldn't mix with other households. Our hope still is to remain out of lockdown so we must continue as a collective to adhere to these restrictions."

Northampton was an 'area of concern' but following the outbreak of 292 Covid-19 cases at Greencore on Moulton Park Industrial Estate, the town has moved up to the highest level of government monitoring.

An 'area of intervention' is where there is divergence from the measures in place in the rest of England because of the significance of the virus' spread, with a detailed action plan in place, and local resources augmented with a national support, according to the government.

Cllr Nunn said they have already had help from military planners and specialist epidemiologists but at the moment the only 'divergence' relates to Greencore workers, who must now isolate at home for two weeks.

Secretary of State Matt Hancock will introduce regulations to ensure this is legally enforced and anyone who leaves isolation early without reasonable excuse will be subject to fines.

Specific advice for residents in Northampton, as well as those in Kettering, Corby and Wellingborough:

■ Limit contact with others outside of your household or bubble

■ Work from home if you can

■ Avoid using public transport or car sharing, wear face coverings if you cannot avoid these

■ Do not share items with others outside of your household or bubble

■ Even if you only have mild COVID-19 symptoms, get a test