Bolton and Trafford to remain in lockdown after ‘utterly chaotic’ U-turn in Whitehall

Coronavirus restriction s in Bolton and Trafford are to remain in place following a “significant change” in infection rates in both areas.

The U-turn from health secretary Matt Hancock came after council leaders in both boroughs had pleaded for the ban on two households mixing to be maintained.

Mr Hancock said: “Following a significant change in the level of infection rates over the last few days, a decision has been taken that Bolton and Trafford will now remain under existing restrictions.

“This decision has been made in collaboration with local leaders after reviewing the latest data.

“We continually monitor outbreaks across the country, and have seen infection rates increase more than three times in Bolton in under a

week, and double in Trafford since the last review.

“We have always been clear we will take swift and decisive action where needed to contain outbreaks.

“We can bring the rates down if we continue to work together and I urge everyone to continue to play their part by following the rules – get tested if you have symptoms, self-is olate and practice social distancing .”

The statement was released by the Department of Health and Social Care shortly after midday yesterday, the point at which it said the restrictions had been due to be lifted in the two Greater Manchester boroughs.

However, Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham was under the impression they had already been lifted overnight.

Before the U-turn was announced, Mr Burnham had described the decision to lift the restrictions as “completely illogical”, while council leaders accused ministers of bowing to pressure from Tory MPS rather than listening to local health experts.

Bolton and Trafford had been set to join other parts of northern England in resuming social gathering sin two households for the first time in weeks, along with Stockport, Burnley, Hyndburn and parts of Bradford, Calderdale and Kirklees.

A spokesman for Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said the decision was “utterly chaotic”.

Mr Burn ham compared the Government’ s weekly announcements on local restrictions as “like waiting for the white smoke out of the Vatican”.

He said :“National government sitting in White hall imposing decisions on local communities has got to stop, we can’t have that any more. It’s not working, it’s confusing people, it’s causing anger and resentment.

“In my view it’s local councils that need to be in the driving seat here, working then in consultation with the Government.”

Sir Keir said he planned to submit a detailed“exit strategy” to the Government for Greater Manchester local authorities to move from “crude blanket restrictions” within weeks.

As part of his plans he wants a more targeted approach with local control of the test and trace system, more financial support for people to selfisolate and a lead role for local councils on decision making.