'No suggestion' COVID restrictions will remain in place in Peterborough due to high rate when national restrictions are eased

Last week Northamptonshire County Council director of public health Lucy Wightman said she was waiting to hear back from Public Health England about whether areas could be held back on March 29, as the risk to the vulnerable may be too great.

Government statistics show that Corby in Northamptonshire has the highest COVID rate in the country.

Peterborough lies fourth on the table, with neighbouring Fenland in third and South Holland in Lincolnshire fifth.

MORE: Areas with high coronavirus rates may not be allowed out of lockdown, Northamptonshire health boss fears

MORE: Government statistics on COVID rates.Mrs Wightman said: "I just cannot see how you can use a blanket approach when you've got such significant variations in areas and we risk putting some of our most vulnerable at risk by doing so."

However, a spokeswoman for Peterborough City Council said: "There has been no suggestion from Government that this might happen, we’re following the national guidelines and will continue to work hard to see rates reduce as quickly as possible.”

The Government is planning to ease some restrictions later this month, with schools set to re-open on Monday.There will be further limited changes from 29 March, the week in which most schools will break up for Easter. Outdoor gatherings of either 6 people or 2 households will be allowed, providing greater flexibility for families to see each other. This includes in private gardens.

Outdoor sports facilities, such as tennis and basketball courts, will be allowed to reopen, and people can take part in formally organised outdoor sports.

At this point, the Stay at Home order will end, although many lockdown restrictions will remain.

Further easing of national restrictions could be implemented as early as April 12, when non essential retail and businesses including hairdressers could open, along side outdoor attractions and hospitality venues - providing service takes place outside.

More easing could take place in May and June, if Government tests are met.