Bolton Council has welcomed a £1,000 fine imposed on a 23-year-old local man who failed to self-isolate after returning from a holiday in Ibiza.
The Bolton resident returned from his summer break on August 20 and should have quarantined for a two-week period under rules put in place to halt the spread of Covid-19.
Instead, he left his home on several occasions - visiting shops and coming into contact with people – and even held a house party attended by several friends.
After Greater Manchester Police were made aware of the breach of quarantine rules the man, who has not been named, was issued with a £1,000 fine.
Now, as Bolton faces new local restrictions due to rising Covid-19 cases, the council has urged people to follow the rules to slow the spread of the virus.
The actions of this holidaymaker were selfish and irresponsible, he has put others at risk by failing to self-isolate when returning from his holiday.
Bolton Council Executive Cabinet Member for Environment Services Regulatory, Cllr Hilary Fairclough, said:
“We are at a dangerous and critical time in our fight against Covid-19. The police have imposed a hefty fine on this individual which I believe the public would agree is the right thing to do.
“The actions of this holidaymaker were selfish and irresponsible, and he has put himself and others at risk by failing to self-isolate when returning from his holiday to Ibiza.
“The government has imposed a 14-day quarantine requirement on anyone returning from a trip to Spain, and other destinations, for good reason and this has been well publicised. The rule is there to help us get a grip on the rising covid-19 case numbers and help save lives.
“The vast majority of Bolton residents are doing their bit to abide by the rules even though this means being parted from loved ones for long periods of time. So it is disappointing that some people choose to take such a selfish attitude believing that the rules don’t apply to them.
“I would urge anyone heading abroad for a holiday to check the quarantine rules for their destination – and stick to those rules on their return. It is the right thing to do – for yourself and for others.”
This week, the government imposed new local restrictions in Bolton in response to rising Covid-19 case numbers in the borough.
All hospitality businesses in the town can only open for take-away – with all venues required to shut by 10pm.
It follows new restrictions on meeting other people which were imposed at the weekend – meaning Bolton residents must not meet up with anyone from outside their household or support bubble, indoors or outdoors.
For more information on which countries are subject to quarantine rules visit the government website.