Lockdown restrictions begin in Birmingham

People in Birmingham have been banned from visiting other households after the government announced new lockdown restrictions in the city.

It comes after a major increase in coronavirus cases were reported in the city - which now has the second most people with coronavirus in England.

Begining on Tuesday 15 September, the measures also cover neighbouring Sandwell and Solihull and will affect around 1.6 million people.

This rule is limited to people visiting other people at their homes and does not affect children going to school, getting on transport or people visiting shops or restaurants.

Under the new rules, people are banned from meeting others who are not in their household or support bubble, indoors or in private gardens.

According to the West Midlands mayor, Andy Street, the government will be making a further announcement - potentially affecting other areas of the country - soon.

The government announced on Friday that the latest R number is between 1 and 1.2 which means the number of people with virus is growing more quickly again.

Do you live in Birmingham? How do you feel about these stricter measures? Let us know in the comments.