Greater Manchester’s lockdown rules are changing from today

The lockdown rules in Greater Manchester will be seeing an ‘overhaul’ as seven boroughs in the region are now on ‘red alert’. 

Coronavirus infection rates have increased in every Greater Manchester borough except Trafford, according to the latest data. 

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said on September 4th that lockdown has been slightly eased due to the hard work of ‘residents, communities and local authorities’ in bringing rates down. 

Casinos, bowling alleys and other leisure facilities were given the green light to reopen in Greater Manchester from today, September 8th – excluding in Bolton where rates have now reached 121.7 cases per 100,000 people, the Manchester Evening News reports.  

The rules in Greater Manchester will therefore match the changes put in place in the rest of the country on August 15th. 

However, as happened in Oldham when the infection rates were high, Bolton will face tighter restrictions. 

Restrictions are expected to be reviewed this Friday, September 11th. 

Here are the latest rules in each borough:

Salford, Rochdale, Trafford, Bury, Tameside and City of Manchester

• The ban on two households mixing indoors – including gardens – are still in place. 

Wigan and Stockport 

• No more than two households can mix together indoors in both boroughs with social distancing being practised
• Residents are being advised to limit the number of people they see over short periods and to avoid holding or attending celebrations
• Access a private garden externally and avoid use of toilets where possible
• You can stay overnight in someone else’s home if social distancing can be maintained
• You can only meet with one other household to sit indoors at bars and restaurants. You can meet with up to six people you do not live with outdoors. You can meet with more than six people if the total does not exceed two households. 

Bolton – any residents from Bolton must follow these rules in Bolton and when visiting any other area

• You cannot have anyone you do not live with in your home or garden
• People from different households cannot mix indoors or outdoors 
• Casinos, skating rinks, bowling alleys, indoor play areas and soft play and exhibition centres remain closed
• Family or friends who do not live with you cannot visit your home to help with childcare (unless they are part of a bubble) – you can use registered nannies and childcare providers
• Children with separated parents can move between households
• Public transport must only be used for essential purposes such as education and work
• Weddings, civil partnership ceremonies and funerals can still go ahead with a max of 30 people
• Wedding receptions and celebrations of any size in the form of a sit-down cannot take place 

Oldham  any residents from Oldham must follow these rules in Oldham and when visiting any other area

• You cannot have (or visit) anyone in your home or garden whether inside or outside of Oldham 
• You cannot socialise with people you do not live with inside public venues 
• Pubs and restaurants have been advised to stop walk-ins and only seat people who have booked in advance with a max of six people per table from one household 
• You cannot socialise with people you do not live with outdoors including parks or walking routes
• Family or friends who do not live with you cannot visit your home to help with childcare (unless they are part of a bubble) – you can use registered nannies and childcare providers
• Children with separated parents can move between households
• Weddings, civil partnership ceremonies and funerals can still go ahead with a max of 20 people