Wigan residents encouraged to 'work together' to tackle spread of coronavirus as borough hits 'red alert'

Wigan's council leader has urged all residents to play their part in preventing the spread of coronavirus after the borough entered "red alert".
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Latest Public Health England figures show there has been a sudden spike in cases over the last few days, taking it from a figure in the mid-40s per 100,000 residents to 58.73.

Any area with more than 50 cases per 100,000 people is classed as being on "red alert" and Wigan is now the eighth local authority in Greater Manchester to reach this level.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

It comes despite the borough having low infection rates for much of the summer and residents being subject to fewer restrictions than those in other places.

Coun David MolyneuxCoun David Molyneux
Coun David Molyneux

Coun David Molyneux, leader of Wigan Council, said: “In recent weeks our rates of Covid-19 infection have seen a steady increase and unfortunately we have slipped over the threshold to red status (more than 50 cases per 100,000).

“Our escalation plans to prevent further spread are in action and our teams are working tirelessly to protect the people of this borough. But the longer we remain at this level, the more likely it is that we may face further restrictions.

“We have emphasised throughout the pandemic that we must all work together to tackle this virus. Our rates show how quickly a local scenario can change in a short space of time.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“We urge everyone to have the three Ws (wear your mask, wash your hands and watch your distance) at the forefront of your minds and follow the guidance around symptoms and when to isolate.

“This week we have called on the government to urgently step up and fix the issues in the national testing system. In the meantime, continue to stay safe, be responsible and be kind.”

The Government announced on Friday that further restrictions are being introduced across parts of the North West, Midlands and West Yorkshire to curb rising infection rates.

From Tuesday, people in Merseyside, Warrington, Halton and Lancashire (excluding Blackpool) must not socialise in homes and gardens with people they do not live with, hospitality venues serving food and drink will be restricted to table service only, and late-night operating hours will be restricted, with leisure and entertainment venues such as restaurants, pubs and cinemas required to close between 10pm and 5am.