The government enforced last-minute local restrictions on Greater Manchester just last night.
Tightening local restrictions on areas such as Greater Manchester, Bradford, Kirklees, Calderdale, Burnley, Blackburn with Darwen, Hyndburn, Rossendale and Pendle last night, the government has confirmed that residents within these areas will no longer be able to visit other households, as a result of increased transmission rates which the Track and Trace programme has reportedly identified as due to “households meeting and not abiding to social distancing” – according to Matt Hancock.
The new restrictions affect all ten of Greater Manchester’s boroughs and were put in place as of midnight last night – with fines of £100 given to those who do not follow them. But what exactly are these new restrictions? Here’s everything you can no longer do under the new local lockdown rules.
Visit friends or family in their houses or gardens
Visiting other households is no longer permitted under the tightened restrictions which affect Greater Manchester. Whether your friends or family live in the affected area or not, residents may no longer mix indoors with other households – including gardens. Any social meet-ups must now take place outside again, reverting back to the previous rule of meeting with up to six people in an outdoor space.
Go to public places with other households
Being unable to mix with other households also applies to public places such as pubs, restaurants, shops, cinemas, theme parks and places of worship. You may still visit these places, albeit only with those you live with. Social distancing also remains extremely important when around people outside of your household.
Go to the shop without a mask
This rule was already in place, however, this is your daily reminder to always wear a mask when visiting shops and other public places – in consideration for your fellow Mancs. The rule is mandatory for all shops, including post offices, convenience stores, takeaway food places such as Gregg’s and sandwich shops, on public transport and within non-essential shops and shopping centres.
Visit relatives in care homes
Visiting care homes is no longer permitted while the restrictions are in place, to protect those who fall under the ‘shielding’ portion of residents.