Wigan's council leader's post-lockdown warning

Councillor David Molyneux thanked residents for abiding by the rules as the second national lockdown is set to come to a conclusion on December 2.

It comes as the infection rate in Wigan fell to 318.3 cases per 100,000 people in the week ending November 20, down by 28.4 per cent from the previous week.

But responding to the news that Greater Manchester will return to Tier 3 rules next week, the local authority leader in Wigan urged residents to stick to the regional restrictions, adhere to the guidelines and follow public health advice.

He said: “We have seen in recent weeks infection rates in the borough significantly fall and that is thanks to residents abiding by the rules.

“It’s vital residents continue to adhere to the guidelines and most importantly follow public health advice.

“I hope that by people continuing to do this we will see rates reduce further and this would mean we could ask government to review Wigan borough and Greater Manchester’s position in the tier system.

“So I would urge everyone to not be complacent at this critical point. Please remember to wash your hands regularly, wear a face covering and watch your distance when out in public.”

Wigan Marylebone and Bottling Wood still has the highest infection rate in the borough with 44 new cases confirmed in the week ending November 20.

Although the neighbourhood’s infection rate has fallen by 41.3 per cent compared to the week before, it is still one of seven areas with rate above 400 per 100,000.

The infection rate in Leigh South East doubled last week with 38 new cases – but in Leigh South there were only 13 new cases making it one of just four neighbourhoods in the borough with an infection rate below 200 per 100,000.

The whole borough of Wigan will enter Tier 3 restrictions from December 2.

Tier 3 restrictions are the strictest measures in England. They include a ban on household mixing indoors and in most outdoor areas, such as beer gardens.

Hotels, indoor entertainment venues and hospitality venues such as casinos, bowling alleys, cinemas and theatre will be closed as will bars, pubs, cafes and restaurants – although they are permitted to continue selling takeaway.

Leisure and sports facilities can continue to stay open, but group exercise classes should not go ahead. Saunas and steam rooms should close.

Travel to other parts of the UK, including for overnight stays other than where necessary, such as for work, education, youth services, to receive medical treatment, or because of caring responsibilities, should be avoided.

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