Police speak on new restrictions banning Wigan households from meeting indoors

Wiganers, like all other Greater Manchester residents, are not allowed to meet other households in homes and gardens or in public indoor spaces.

Assistant chief constable Nick Bailey said: "Once the legislation comes into place, Greater Manchester Police will continue with our approach of policing by consent and remain consistent with the four E’s approach that we have taken so far.

"We will continue to work with our communities. We will engage with people, explain the current circumstances and encourage people to do the right thing in complying with the government guidelines. We will only take enforcement action as a last resort, when people are not listening and putting others at risk.

"The guidance around attending licensed premises remains the same in that the premises should be managing social distancing requirements. If it is clear they cannot meet this requirement, and people are not social distancing, then they will be expected to close or face the prospect of police enforcing closure."

ACC Bailey said the force would also continue taking action against illegal raves.

He acknowledged the sudden changes to what was permitted were difficult for residents but urged them to do everything they could to keep themselves and other people safe and healthy.

"We understand the frustration of not being able to continue social lives, or visit friends and family, however the risk of coronavirus is still present and attending events in large groups is in breach of Covid legislation.

"Anyone - young and old - can catch coronavirus. If you or someone you’ve been close to tests positive, your life will be put on hold. The long-term health risks are not known and you could put your friends and family at serious risk by breaching the rules and socialising with people outside your household.

"The only way to stay safe and protect your family and loved ones is by following the guidelines outlined."

He said GMP is expecting a surge of calls reporting breaches of the guidelines over the weekend, especially as fine and sunny weather is forecast.

He urged people to only dial 999 in emergencies and use either 101 or the LiveChat function on the GMP website for anything else.

However, he stressed that all calls would be risk assessed and officers allocated accordingly.

He thanked the public for complying with lockdown measures during the pandemic so far and urged people to think of tackling the virus as a joint effort, particularly to help those most at risk.

He said: " I would urge the public to look out for each other, as we have seen across Greater Manchester throughout the pandemic, particularly those who are most vulnerable at this time.

"I just want to once again say thank you to the people of Greater Manchester for their continued support as we have seen the vast majority of people following the guidelines and protecting those who are most vulnerable in our society. "