Additional restrictions in Warrington and Merseyside have been announced today, Thursday 1 October, in response to a continued high number of cases of coronavirus in the region.
The new restrictions for Warrington, in addition to the existing measures, are:
- Residents will be restricted from mixing with people outside their household in any indoor setting by law, including restaurants, bars and other indoor venues
- People are also advised not to meet people outside their household, or support bubble, in any outdoor setting, including parks, outdoor events or pub gardens
In other words, residents are banned from going for a drink or a meal indoors with someone they don’t live with, or visiting indoor venues together.
The police will be able to take action against those who break these rules, including asking people to disperse and issuing fixed penalty notices for those who participate in illegal gatherings.
These further restrictions will come into play from 00.01am on Saturday 3 October (ie from midnight on Friday).
This move by government follows the announcement made last week for additional restrictions and control measures for Warrington.
What are the rules and restrictions now in Warrington?
- Public transport should be used for essential purposes only – like going to work or school
- Residents are advised against spectating at amateur/semi-professional sports
- Only 15 people are allowed to attend weddings, civil ceremonies and receptions
- Face coverings must be worn in hospitality settings when not sat at your table, in shops and in taxis (unless you’re exempt on medical grounds)
- Workers who can work from home, should do so
- Hospitality for food and drink must be table service only
- Hospitality, leisure and entertainment venues are required to close between 10pm and 5am
- There can be no mixing of separate households, in one house or private garden (unless you have formed a household support or childcare bubble)
- Mixing of separate households in indoor settings is banned (unless you have formed a household support or childcare bubble), and mixing of separate households outdoors, such as in parks, is also not advised
A household support bubble is where a household with one adult joins with another household (on an exclusive basis). Households within a bubble can still visit each other, stay overnight, and visit public places together.
A childcare bubble is where someone in one household can provide informal (i.e. unpaid and unregistered) childcare to a child aged 13 or under in another household. This must occur on an exclusive basis – always the same two households.
Warrington Borough Council Leader, Cllr Russ Bowden, said: “These restrictions are disappointing for our town, but are, again, a necessary response in helping us to drive down the number of case of coronavirus in Warrington.
“Now more than ever, we need to do all we can to stop the spread of the virus. Getting the basics right – maintaining excellent hand hygiene, keeping your distance, and wearing a cloth face covering where necessary – has never been so important. We genuinely all have a part to play to stop coronavirus from spreading, particularly to our elderly or vulnerable loved ones.
“I’m aware the government has announced a support package for affected councils as part of the announcement of these new restrictions. I await the detail on what this funding could mean, but it’s clear that, as part of these strict new measures, we need to do all we can to support affected businesses – not least our hospitality industry which will, again, be seriously impacted by these new restrictions. We will, therefore, continue to work closely with government and press them for the support our hospitality sector and businesses need during this increasingly difficult period.”
Further guidance is expected in the coming hours and days. For the latest guidance and updates on Warrington’s restrictions, visit warrington.gov.uk/coronavirus
