Local lockdown confusion reigns - so here's a reminder for Oldhamers

Confusion over rulings has peaked this afternoon (Tuesday) after it emerged that the Health Secretary had reversed the government’s decision to release Trafford from Greater Manchester’s local lockdown, after just 12 hours of freedom.

The borough’s coronavirus infection rate continues to rise and currently stands at 35.8 per 100,000 people – more than three times the national average and a three fold increase on the week before.

This is in spite of there having been lower testing rates across the borough in the week until August 28.

Last week Labour council leader Coun Andrew Western and Trafford’s director for Public Health Eleanor Roaf expressed their concerns about the government’s plans to lift restrictions in Trafford but these were ignored.

On Friday, August 28 at 5pm the government announced its decision to release Trafford, Stockport and Bolton from the local lockdown restrictions preventing households from mixing indoors and in private gardens.

From midnight on Wednesday September 2, the three boroughs were no longer required to abide by these restrictions.

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham slammed the government’s handling of the situation, but here in Oldham, restrictions definitely remain, and do appear to be working as infection rates continue to fall.

Here's a reminder of the rules Oldhamers need to stick to in order to avoid potential action to be taken:

From midnight on Saturday, August 22, people were not allowed meet with anyone outside of their households.

Social activities both indoors and outdoors can only be shared between members of your immediate household.

This doesn’t impact on things like shopping, going to work or attending childcare settings including schools.

Oldhamers are also urged not to use pubic transport except for essential travel.

The number of people attending weddings, civil partnerships and funerals will be limited to household members, close family and no more than 20-people.

Local restaurants will also be urged to not have walk-ins and only seat people who make reservations in advance up to a maximum of six people per table.

Other businesses including pubs, workplaces and childcare can remain open.

The number of new coronavirus cases in Oldham is now on a downward trend after spiking dramatically in the first week of August. 

The infection rate had climbed to 108 per 100,000 people, with 266 cases recorded in the seven days to August 11.

As at last Friday, the rate had more than halved, down to 51.9 for the week ending August 24, with 123 cases.

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