Stricter measures have been imposed on Bolton after a sharp rise in cases.
Tighter lockdown restrictions are set to be introduced in Bolton in a bid to try to slow down the spread of Coronavirus in the area. The town has been under stricter lockdown restrictions than the rest of the country for a number of weeks now, along with the rest of Greater Manchester – where residents have been banned from seeing other households indoors.
As part of the new restrictions, hospitality businesses will now only be able to serve takeaway only and will be required to close between 10pm and 5am, and residents must continue to avoid meeting other households both indoors and outdoors. It has also been advised to only use public transport if absolutely necessary.
The town has faced an increase in cases in recent weeks, with its infection rate becoming the highest in the country at 120 cases per 100,000 people – more than double the number required to be put on the government’s ‘red alert’ list.
Over the weekend, local authorities confirmed that stricter measures would be put in place “with immediate effect”, saying in a statement: “Now, more than ever, we need everyone in Bolton to play their part.
“Nobody wants these restrictions to remain a moment longer than necessary and we believe these new measures will keep everyone safe and help avoid a full lockdown in Bolton.”
Authorities have confirmed that those aged 18-49 make up 90% of the infections in the area, with Health Secretary Matt Hancock blaming young people in their 20s and 30s for socialising, namely in pubs, for the rise in infections. The Health Secretary spoke in the Commons today, also adding that local guidance against meeting with other households will be legally binding.
This is a breaking news story. More to follow.