BREAKING: Southport lockdown confirmed as virus cases shoot up

Southport is once again set to plunge into a semi lockdown state as part of Merseyside-wide Coronavirus restrictions.

Pubs will shut early, care homes visits have been severely restricted and meetings at home have been banned in a swathe of new restrictions set to hamper the spread of the virus.

The government has officially confirmed that Southport will be included in sweeping lockdown restrictions that have been placed on the entire Merseyside Region after it was identified as a major area of concern.

The restrictions mean that different households are not permitted to mix in homes or gardens. The measures will take effect from Tuesday, Matt Hancock has announced.

Pubs and bars will have to shut from 10pm while every hospitality establishment will be instructed to carry out table service only.

Sefton Council have announced they have instructed care home managers to also limit visits to residents.

Only health professionals and families visiting those on end of life care are allowed to enter care settings, while all other none essential visits have been suspended.

The new strict regulations come as coronavirus cases continue to rise across Merseyside.

Guidance has also been issued recommending against non-essential travel on public transport.

This means residents are told only to travel if they are on the way to work, school or a medical appointment.

The guidance also recommends against attendance at amateur or semi-professional sporting events as spectators.

The restrictions come as cases in Liverpool, St Helen’s and Knowsley have all surpassed 100 cases per 100,000 residents.