North of England Lockdown: Nicola Sturgeon warns Scots to avoid all travel to north west England amid spike in coronavirus cases

The Scottish government said only “essential” travel to the region should be taken.

Scots have been warned not to travel to the North West of England, amid a spike in cases of coronavirus in the region.

Last night the UK government reimposed some lockdown restrictions across Greater Manchester, parts of east Lancashire and West Yorkshire, citing concerns over the number of new Covid-19 infections.

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Health Secretary Matt Hancock said on Thursday that people in the region would be banned from meeting each other indoors from midnight.

Scots have been warned not to travel to the North West of England, amid a spike in cases of coronavirus in the region.Scots have been warned not to travel to the North West of England, amid a spike in cases of coronavirus in the region.
Scots have been warned not to travel to the North West of England, amid a spike in cases of coronavirus in the region.

Now the Scottish government have issued a warning to Scots urging them not to undertake travel to North West England.

It said that only “essential travel” to the region should take place, and told Scots already in the region to minimise their contact with people when they return.

The First Minister chaired a meeting of SGORR, the Scottish Government’s Resilience Committee, following an update from the Prime Minister to the four nations on the decision to introduce new measures to control the spread of the virus in the affected areas.

Ms Sturgeon said: “I’m grateful to the Prime Minister for the update on the recent developments in the North West of England and all four nations agreed on the importance of sharing localised information as we work together to continue to suppress the virus.

“We have always been clear that localised flare ups are likely as we continue to suppress the virus but by responding quickly and appropriately we can limit the effect these have on wider transmission.

“I strongly advise anyone planning to travel to areas affected in the north of England, or anyone planning to travel to Scotland from those same areas, to cancel their plans.

“Anyone whose travel is essential should follow public health advice at all times including the FACTS guidance and remain extra vigilant in monitoring for symptoms.”

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The North West England restrictions apply to Greater Manchester, including the City of Manchester, Trafford, Stockport, Oldham, Bury, Wigan, Bolton, Tameside, Rochdale and Salford.

They also apply to Blackburn with Darwen, Burnley, Hyndburn, Pendle and Rossendale in Lancashire, and Bradford, Calderdale and Kirklees in West Yorkshire.

Similar restrictions will also apply to Leicester, which saw the first so-called “local lockdown” imposed on June 29.

Government guidance published on Friday states that it will be against the law for people from different households (so, those who do not live together) to meet in a private home or garden, unless they are part of a support bubble.

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