Bolton residents have been asked to follow basic precautions and keep journeys to a minimum ahead of the latest phase in the easing of lockdown restrictions.
In line with the government’s “Roadmap out of Lockdown”, the following rules will apply from Monday, March 29.
- Up to six people, or two households, can meet outdoors either in public or in a private garden
- The “stay at home” rule will change to “stay local” and some restrictions will remain – people should work from home where possible and keep journeys to a minimum
- Foreign holidays will still not be permitted
- Outdoor sports facilities can reopen, and formally organised outdoor sports may resume
In line with the government’s plan, all children returned to school from March 8.
Further steps are planned in April and May with an eventual aim of lifting all restrictions no sooner than June 21, providing certain criteria are met.
Bolton Council’s Director of Public Health, Dr Helen Lowey, said:
“This gradual approach to easing lockdown is essential in helping us get back to normal without putting people at risk.
“I want to thank everyone for all they have done to limit the spread of COVID-19 and urge them to keep up this good work.
“We should all keep journeys to a minimum, stay local as much as possible and continue to work from home if we can.
“Evidence shows that meeting others outside is safer, but everyone should continue to follow precautions such as regular hand washing, maintaining a two-metre distance and wearing a face covering where social distancing is not possible”.
“The new rules start on Monday so please continue to observe the existing restrictions over the weekend.”