Government decrees local lockdown stays for Greater Manchester and East Lancs

Life under local lockdown must continue for millions of residents across Greater Manchester, the Government ruled today.

The measures were introduced two weeks ago in a bid to contain rising levels of infection throughout the region, including East Lancashire and West Yorkshire.

The crackdown meant people from different households weren’t allowed to meet in each other’s gardens or homes.

An official two-week review of the measures wasn’t due until next Wednesday.

But England’s Chief Medical Officer, Prof Chris Whitty, chaired his weekly committee to look at infection rates across the country and made his recommendations to Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who decreed the local lockdown must continue for at least another week.

New figures show that Oldham now has the highest coronavirus infection rate in the country, overtaking the Lancashire borough of Pendle.

Public Health England (PHE) revealed that there were 258 cases in the week ending August 8, and 248 cases in the week ending August 9. The previous highest was 248 on April 12.

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Combined Authority said: “The Mayor of Greater Manchester and leaders once again agreed on Wednesday that increased restrictions should continue across the city region for another week.

“The situation in Greater Manchester remains challenging.

“It is clear that while the current restrictions appear to be having a positive effect in some places, we urgently need to bring the number of cases down in several boroughs.

“Everyone in Greater Manchester must do all they can to reduce the number of cases. That means individuals, pubs, restaurants and supermarkets all taking this seriously and following all the regulations.

“We will continue to work as one Greater Manchester system with a particular focus on providing support to Oldham as they strengthen further their intensive test and trace operation.

“We understand that this is a frustrating time for business owners, particularly in the areas affected, and it is important that these restrictions are reviewed on a weekly basis.

“We do not want any part of Greater Manchester to go in lockdown. But this requires us all to pull together right now.

“It’s a moment in which we all need to be aware of what is happening, follow the guidance and protect the health of everyone in Greater Manchester.”