Trafford residents and businesses urged to follow new coronavirus restrictions


Health leaders in Trafford are urging residents and businesses to follow the new guidance after the region's coronavirus alert level was moved into 'very high' under Tier 3.

People living in Trafford and Greater Manchester now face the toughest set of restrictions set out in the government's new three-tier localised system.

It means people can't meet with anyone outside of their household or support bubble in any indoor setting, including homes, restaurants, pubs and bars.

People are also banned from meeting others not from their household in most outside venues - including private gardens, beer gardens and restaurant terraces - unless they’re in a support bubble.

However people can meet in outdoor public spaces such as a park or beach, the countryside or a sports venue but they must not mix in a group of more than six.

Support bubble guidance remains the same though, meaning a household with only one adult can join up with another household, allowing them to visit each other, stay overnight, and visit places together.

Pubs and bars must close unless they are serving substantial meals, like a main lunchtime or evening meal, and they may only serve alcohol as part of such the meal.

Casinos bingo halls, betting shops, adult gaming centres and soft play areas must also shut.

 

Trafford Council’s Director of Public Health Eleanor Roaf said:

“We recognise people’s frustrations the impact more restrictions has on their lives but if we are to reduce rates in Trafford then we need to follow the new guidance.

All the virus cares about is moving from person to person so the less contacts we have then the more chance we have of stopping it spreading.

Cases are rising particularly in the over 65s and this is a worry as they are more likely to be seriously ill from the virus and need hospital treatment.

I can’t stress enough people need to follow the guidance and the basic health messages of washing your hands properly, wearing a face covering in indoor public places and try to keep more than two metres apart from people you don’t live with wherever possible. If we all do this we will be out of the restrictions more quickly, and we will save lives.”

Cllr Jane Slater Trafford Council’s Executive Member for Health, Wellbeing and Equalities, said:

“At the moment we have cases of coronavirus across the whole of the borough so everyone needs to work together to get us out of these tough restrictions.

We all need to be keeping ourselves fit and healthy, this is even more important than ever due to the restrictions and while people cannot meet up in homes they can use some of our excellent green spaces including our award winning parks as long as they obey the rule of 6.

 I also know this is also a worrying time for many and I would stress that help is available for people who are struggling from our community response hubs who can be contacted on 0300 330 9073.”

Posted on Friday 23rd October 2020