By Charlote Webster-
New measures are coming into law in Bolton, introducing late-night restriction of operating hours for venues and restricting the hospitality sector to takeaway only
The Department Of Health And Social Care has imposed a ban on mixing outside households in homes and in public outdoor settings in Bolton, after coronavirus cases reached 120 per 100,000 – the highest in the Uk.
Following discussions with local leaders, the Health Secretary, NHS Test and Trace, the Joint Biosecurity Centre (JBC), and the Chief Medical Officer for England, have all agreed to take further action to stop the spread of the virus in Bolton.
The government said all hospitality for food and drink will be restricted to takeaway only, as they imposed late-night restrictions of operating hours, meaning venues will be required to close between 10pm and 5am. Current guidance on restricting people from socialising outside their household will also be brought into law.
The rule applies to all casinos, skating rinks bowling alleys. indoor play areas, including soft play areas exhibition centres and conference halls. They include indoor performances and close contact services, on other words, any treatments on the face such as eyebrow threading or make-up application
Proactive Action
The new stipulations follow proactive action taken over the weekend by Bolton Council, in consultation with the government and Public Health England (PHE), to implement additional measures on household gatherings and use of public transport.
The North West regulations currently bans households from mixing indoors or in gardens. Guidance is already in place to prevent the mixing with those outside individual households in public outdoor places.
It means all socialising outside of individual households will be legally banned. These new regulations will be laid at the earliest opportunity. As part of the rules, face coverings must be worn on public transport, and failure to do so could result in a fine.
Speaking in the House of Commons, Health and Social Care Secretary Matt Hancock said: Unfortunately, after improving for several weeks, we have seen a very significant and concerning rise in cases in Bolton.
I want to say directly to everyone living in Bolton: I know how anxious this can be and I know the impact that these measures will have but we need to take this crucial step to keep this virus at bay.
PHE, the JBC and NHS Test and Trace are constantly monitoring the levels of infection and other data on prevalence of the virus across the country. As has always been the case, measures are kept under constant review to reduce the spread of the virus and save lives”.