Coronavirus: Leicester put under local lockdown

Leicester has become the first city in the UK to be put under a local lockdown by the government.

It is because there has been a rise in the number of coronavirus cases in the city, which is home to almost half a million people.

Shops not selling essential items will shut on Tuesday and schools will close for most children on Thursday.

"We recommend to people in Leicester, stay at home as much as you can," said Health Secretary Matt Hancock.

What are the latest lockdown rules in Leicester?

• All shops, except those selling essential items like food, medicines and petrol, will close from Tuesday.

• Schools will close from Thursday and will not reopen until next term. But, they will stay open for vulnerable children and children of key workers.

• People should avoid "all but essential travel to, from and within Leicester" said Mr Hancock and residents should "stay at home" as much as they can.

• Restaurants, pubs, cafes, hairdressers and cinemas must stay closed, unlike the rest of England.

• People who are most at risk of becoming seriously ill from coronavirus have been told not to leave their homes at all and to continue 'shielding'.

Around half a million people live in Leicester

How long will it last?

The government has said it will look at the situation again in two weeks to see if some restrictions can be lifted.

Where does it apply?

The new government plans will apply to the city of Leicester, as well as some surrounding areas including, Oadby, Birstall and Glenfield.

Leicestershire County Council says it is working on the details of this with Public Health England.