‘Act responsibly
Sudden imposing of tighter lockdown measures prompt
have begun asking questions about the way in which the announcement was communicated to the public.
Rochdale Borough Council leader Allen Brett said: “We understand the government’s action and are broadly supportive of the measures. They are based on evidence that led us to implement our own measures two weeks ago. It’s unfortunate that whilst swift action is needed, the government reacted late and as a result rushed through measures without proper consultation, engagement and planning.
“We have been engaging with our communities extensively.
“They understand the need to implement these kind of measures and have generally responded well to what we have asked to help avoid an even tighter local lockdown being imposed. We are seeking a dialogue with government to ensure the measures are clear and we are likely to suggest minor refinements.”
He added that he could sympathise with residents who felt the instructions made little sense, saying: “One of the things that we can do is meet outdoors, but we’re hearing that we can’t meet in private gardens. A garden is outdoors in my opinion.”
Coun Brett said that he and other Greater Manchester council leaders were first informed that an announcement on new measures was coming from the government at 5pm on Thursday - but said no opportunity was given for consideration or consultation on the instructions.
He added: “One thing that I would like to be made clear is what is advice and what is an official regulation. I would have said any regulations ought to go through Parliament - we’re still a democracy after all.”
The council has also updated its advice on testing, with all residents being offered a test even if they don’t have symptoms, after testing data revealed a large number of infections in the borough were occurring among young people who did not display any symptoms of the virus.
Director of public health, Andrea Fallon, said: “We are doing more targeted mass testing and inviting everyone to take a test whether they have coronavirus symptoms or not. Offering a test to all will help ensure we can control the virus as