Wigan public health boss backs new lockdown measures

Wigan Council's director of public health said the Greater Manchester wide measure brought in at midnight on Friday was the correct way to tackle rising numbers of Covid-19 cases in the majority of the region's local authorities.

The move had caused some frustration locally as the borough has some of the lowest new case numbers in the area.

But Prof Ardern said more localised lockdowns, targeting just those boroughs with the worst figures, would not work due to the small size of Greater Manchester.

She said: "Although in Wigan borough our new infection rates have remained very low in comparison to our neighbours, it is important that the whole region follows these new measures together.

“Viruses do not stop at boundaries and we are next to a number of boroughs with higher community transmission rates. By not complying with the new rules, we could undo all of the good work and sacrifices we have already made to contain and live with Covid-19.

“It is imperative we adhere to this preventative measure so we can maintain our good position and to protect ourselves and others. We cannot be complacent. A co-ordinated effort will bring rates down across the region, so we urge all of our residents to continue following social distancing guidelines and to observe frequent hand and respiratory hygiene.

“We will continuously update our advice as we receive more detail from the government."