Lockdown easing in virus hotspots
CORONAVIRUS lockdown restrictions will be lifted in three regions after a fall in infection rates.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said “positive” progress meant two households could again mix in areas including Bolton, Stockport, and Trafford in Greater Manchester, and Hyndburn and Burnley, Lancs, from Wednesday.
The move will also release parts of Bradford, West Yorkshire, excluding the city and the town of Keighley, parts of Calderdale except Halifax, and areas of Kirklees apart from Dewsbury and Batley.
Protect
Although there were some improvements in Leicester, restrictions remain for a further two weeks as cases “remain high”, the Department of Health and Social Care said.
Mr Hancock said he had “every faith” people across the country would follow local rules.
He said: “We brought in measures to protect people in these parts of northern England and I want to thank residents who have worked so hard to get on top of this virus.
“We’re seeing the positive results of our local approach and are able to bring in increasingly targeted measures. It is vital we can maintain this good progress.”
He added: “I have every faith people across the country, especially in areas where we are seeing higher numbers of cases, will continue to play their part by following local rules and self-isolating and requesting a free test as soon as they get any symptoms.”
But the Local Action Gold Committee chaired by Mr Hancock, which meets weekly, has agreed that local restrictions should continue in some areas.
A ban on two households mixing indoors will remain in City of Manchester, Salford, Rochdale, Bury and Tameside.
In addition to an indoor household mixing ban, Oldham residents will continue to be told to avoid mixing with anyone from another household anywhere.
Cases per 100,000 in the town reached 67.1 during the week ending August 20 – the second highest in England – the Government said.
In the West Midlands a stubborn Covid-19 infection rate has pushed Sandwell up a national watchlist.
But neighbouring Birmingham has avoided a local lockdown after a “remarkable” turnaround.