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The COVID-19 restrictions will remain in effect in Bolton and Trafford, after another U-turn by the government that was supposed to lift local closures, but faced demands from city councils to keep them in place.
Both local councils cited increases in coronavirus infections, and the controlling Labor group at the Trafford Council called for the restrictions to remain in place for another week or two “in the interest of public safety.”
Bolton’s Council said that “a sudden and unpredictable spike” in COVID-19 cases should be taken “seriously.”
Announcing that existing lockdowns would continue, Health Secretary Matt Hancock said infection rates had increased “more than three times in Bolton in less than a week and doubled in Trafford since the last review.”
It means that Bolton and Trafford residents will not yet be able to socialize with other households in their own homes, gardens, pubs or restaurants for the foreseeable future.
However, social gatherings may resume for the first time in weeks starting today in Stockport, Burnley, Hyndburn and parts of Bradford, Calderdale and Kirklees, as planned.
The latest Public Health England data for Bolton shows that the weekly incidence rate is now 66.6 per 100,000. This compares with 18.9 between August 17 and 23.
Similarly, in Trafford the rate has increased to 36.8 from 17.8.
Hancock said: “Following a significant change in the level of infection rates over the past few days, the decision has been made that Bolton and Trafford will now remain under existing restrictions.
“This decision was made in collaboration with local leaders after reviewing the most recent data.”
He added: “We can lower the rates if we continue to work together and I urge everyone to continue to play their role by following the rules: get tested if you have symptoms, isolate yourself and practice social distancing.”
Local political leaders in Bolton had advocated for the removal of restrictions due to a drop in cases, but changed their minds after a spike in cases.
The analysis showed that the new cases were not limited to a single area, community or workplace, the city council said.
Infections between different households appeared to be the main cause of the increase, with people ages 18 to 49 accounting for the overwhelming majority of new cases, he added.
Trafford council leaders had recommended that the restrictions be maintained pending further evidence of a sustained downward trend in positive cases, but the government lifted them.
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham had previously said that easing restrictions on the areas was “completely illogical”, urging people to “continue to follow the guidance” not to have social gatherings in their home.
Sky News will host a half-hour Q&A TV show at 6.30pm today on the issues facing the UK and other countries as a result of the pandemic. Send your questions via Sky News twitter using #ASKSKYNEWS or WhatsApp number +447 583 000853
