Leicester Lockdown: what does this look like for Loughborough University students?
As you would have heard on both local and national news, Leicester has become the first city in the UK to be put under a local lockdown, as the government seeks to curb a spike of coronavirus cases in the city.
What are the lockdown rules in Leicester?
All non-essential shops closed from Tuesday 30th June, which will be enforced by law
Schools will close from Thursday and will not reopen until next term
People should avoid all but essential travel to, from, and within Leicester and should "stay at home as much as you can"
The planned easing of some restrictions in England on Saturday will not go ahead in Leicester. This means restaurants, pubs, cafes, hairdressers and cinemas will stay closed
The relaxation of shielding measures on 6 July - which will allow the most clinical-vulnerable to spend more time outside - will not go ahead in the city
A map has been released outlining which areas will be under the reinstated lockdown, and that does not include Loughborough. However, Sir Peter Soulsby - the mayor of Leicester - has said new laws will not include banning people travelling from Leicester to neighboring areas, so cases will inevitably transfer to Loughborough in the coming weeks.
While many healthy, young people such as students may not fall into the same categories of vulnerability as other populations, we can’t neglect the danger and long-term effects that the virus can have in anyone it encounters. Young people are less likely to show symptoms when infected, so the chance of asymptomatic transmission is high, having the potential to be deadly in social circles that do not adhere to distancing guidelines.
We encourage all students to stay vigilant, not only for your own health but for the safety of the rest of the Loughborough community of which nearly 20% are ages 65 and over. This includes:
Washing your hands regularly, with soap and for at least 20 seconds
Using hand sanitiser when hand washing facilities are unavailable
Keeping at least a 1 metre distance between yourself and others who are not in your household
Limiting social interactions with people outside of your household
Staying at home where possible
Further steps of isolation, however, may have an adverse effect on local businesses who have been working hard to safely reopen on the 4th of July. Instead of going to restaurants, consider ordering home to reduce transmission risks. Make the most of take-out food and drink services, and try to find ways to support local business owners remotely, such as by buying gift cards, ordering products home or placing advanced orders.
Above all, keep your head screwed on and remember the virus is far from gone; the steps you take towards protecting the Loughborough community now will ensure your world will return to normal - sooner rather than later.