Coronavirus cases are continuing to spike in Bolton despite introduction of stricter rules and restriction of people from socialising outside their households last week. As part of the new measures introduced by the Bolton Council in consultation with the Public Health England (PHE) presently all restaurants and hotels will be restricted to takeaway only and venues will be required to close between 10pm and 5am.
Besides Bolton, the Lancashire district of Hyndburn, the Leicestershire district of Oadby and Wigston, and the Lancashire city of Preston are also recording higher rates of coronavirus cases exceeding 100 cases per 100,000 in what is seen as a second Covid-19 wave. Manchester Council is already struggling to regulate local tourists/employers who are coming from Bolton. In the meantime, Greater Manchester Police has reported about halting illegal gatherings across the city and fixed penalty notices were issued at each of the incidents, which breached existing bans on groups of more than 30 meeting.
In the meantime, infection rate appears to be jumping in Birmingham, the second largest city of the UK. 1.6 million people in households across Birmingham, Solihull and Sandwell will not be able to mix with the West Midlands mayor warning people to comply with new local lockdown restrictions or face even tougher measures. Under the new rules, people are banned from meeting others who are not in their household or support bubble, indoors or in private gardens.
Speaking on Sunday about the jump in Covid-19 cases, Mayor Andy Street said, "We will use these restrictions, look at how the numbers move, and if they are not sufficient, we might have to go further. Everybody now has to comply with these to give us the best chance."
Speaking on Politics Midlands, the Mayor explained, "The whole point is that the areas that have been prepared in a Covid-safe way - schools, offices - we're saying that can continue but it has to be done in a way in which people feel confident about it. Critically, those places have been examined for safety for people to return."
These restrictions across Manchester and Birmingham appear with wider restrictions coming into force in England on Monday, banning social gatherings of more than six people.
In the meantime, Leicester which had been placed under tighter local lockdown rules since 29th June continues to witness easing of restrictions with casinos, bowling alleys and soft play areas, exhibition halls and conference centres and beauty parlours re-opening. Wedding receptions will also be allowed in the city with attendance limited to no more than 30 people. But, the ban on multi-household gatherings in homes and gardens remains. Remaining measures are due to be reviewed by 24th September as the Department for Health and Security said the relaxation brought rules for businesses in Leicester in line with the majority of England.
In Scotland, Lanarkshire joins areas around Glasgow subject to tougher controls, with the new rules already in force.
