Health leaders in Trafford are urging people to follow the latest Government guidelines on Coronavirus restrictions.
Last night the Government imposed new rules in Greater Manchester, East Lancashire and parts of West Yorkshire as COVID-19 rates in those areas continue to rise.
The new rules mean you should not:
- meet people you do not live with inside a private home or garden, except where you have formed a support bubble (or for other limited exemptions to be specified in law)
- visit someone else’s home or garden even if they live outside of the affected areas
- socialise with people you do not live with in other indoor public venues – such as pubs, restaurants, cafes, shops, places of worship, community centres, leisure and entertainment venues, or visitor attractions. You may attend these venues with people you live with (or are in a support bubble with), but should avoid interaction with others. If you run such a business, you should take steps to ensure people do not interact with people they do not live with, in line with COVID-19 secure guidance
- visit friends or family in care homes, other than in exceptional circumstances. Care homes should restrict visits to these circumstances
Businesses including pubs, restaurants and other hospitality venues can remain open; but the new rules require businesses to ensure that people visiting their premises only interact with those they live with, or with whom they have formed a support bubble, in line with COVID-19 secure guidance.
The Government has advised that people celebrating Eid can still go to Mosques for prayers but are not allowed to mix in each other’s homes unless they are in a support bubble.
As we reported earlier this week, Coronavirus cases are going up in the borough. Last week we were seeing most of the increase in people under 40, with those aged 17-23 accounting for over half the cases. The latest figures show that we are starting to see cases rise in people in their forties and fifties.
Representatives from Trafford Council and NHS Trafford Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) are reminding people that they are still at risk from catching Coronavirus. They are encouraging everyone to practice social distancing, avoid gathering in large groups, and abide by the law by wearing masks in shops and on public transport, and washing their hands regularly.
Trafford Council Leader Andrew Western said:
“Rates of coronavirus are on the rise in nine out of ten boroughs in Greater Manchester – including Trafford – and it is important that this situation is halted. Nobody wants more restrictions imposed on them, but it is important that people follow the new guidelines. If we do, the restrictions will be lifted sooner. Please follow the new guidelines, social distance, wear masks in shops and restaurants and wash your hands properly at every opportunity. Thank you for your co-operation.”
Eleanor Roaf, Director of Public Health at Trafford Council, said:
“The Government has brought in these new restrictions to stop the spread of the virus. Although it is a disruption for us all, please remember what is at stake. I would urge everyone to continue to social distance, wear masks where the law says they should, and wash their hands as often as possible. Remember, coronavirus has not gone away and we need to make sure we all work together to stop it spreading. If you have any symptoms, however mild, we would encourage you to go for a test.”
Dr Mark Jarvis, Medical Director at NHS Trafford CCG, said:
"Until such time that a vaccine becomes available to treat this terrible virus, the best measure we have against COVID-19 is to social distance as much as possible. The NHS is doing everything it can to keep you safe and well but we need a commitment from our residents to play their part. In Trafford people have generally behaved very in this regard but I'd now urge everyone to follow the advice being given and to continue coming forward if you believe you have symptoms"
Find out more about the restrictions in Greater Manchester on the Government’s official website.
Posted on Monday 3rd August 2020