By Lucy Caulkett-
The Borough of Oldham in the UK has imposed localised restrictions after witnessing a worrying spike in virus cases.
Meanwhile, the Government said on Tuesday that the death toll has risen by 119, bringing the total to 45,878. But the UK’s “true” coronavirus death toll has passed 56,400, the latest Office for National Statistics figures reveal.
Tougher Restrictions For Oldham residents have been kicked into motion today following a ‘significant proportion’ of recent cases involve multiple people testing positive in a single household.
The news came as The Office For National Statistics said on Tuesday that the death toll has risen by 119, bringing the total to 45,878 . Council bosses have described household spread as a ‘real issue’ – especially in cases in which large families live together in one home.
The tougher guidelines are aimed at avoiding a full government-mandated local lockdown in the borough, as has taken place in Leicester.
It comes after 119 new cases of the virus were recorded in Oldham in the seven days to July 25 – more than a fourfold increase from the previous week, ending July 17, which saw 26 positive cases
Council bosses described the household spread as a ‘real issue’ – especially in cases in which large families live together in one home.
The tougher guidelines are aimed at avoiding a full government-mandated local lockdown in the borough, as has taken place in Leicester.
It comes after 119 new cases of the virus were recorded in Oldham in the seven days to July 25 – more than a fourfold increase from the previous week, ending July 17, which saw 26 positive cases.
“It is against the law for gatherings of more than 30 people to take place in private homes, including gardens and other outdoor spaces, and for a range of other events, including weddings, civil partnership ceremonies and services, community activities and support groups the government advice is the same.”
People are also being urged to wear a mask in situations where they cannot guarantee staying two metres apart, such as in shops and on public transport.
“We know that people across Oldham desperately want to see their friends and family, and get back to normal,” Councillor Shah added.
“But these restrictions are essential if we are to stop the spread of coronavirus and prevent a strict local lockdown being put in place, as we have seen elsewhere in the country.”
Care homes will also not be relaxing restrictions on visiting to protect older and vulnerable people.