Warrington is set to become a ‘very high’ local COVID alert area, tier 3, from 00.01am this Tuesday, 27 October.
Initial discussions indicated that Warrington’s new restrictions could come into play from Thursday 29 October, but a decision has been made between the council and government to bring this forward.
The joint agreement for Warrington’s enhanced restrictions to start from Tuesday was based on the need to urgently bring down the number of cases of coronavirus in the town and protect hospital capacity.
Leader of the Council, Cllr Russ Bowden, explained: “The decision for Warrington to enter tier 3 on Tuesday is the necessary and proportionate thing to do. We know that our case numbers in Warrington remain stubbornly high, but what is more concerning is the number of admissions into hospital. The upsetting and grim reality is that there are more people in hospital, more people in intensive care beds and more people being taken by the virus, and we need to do all we can to try to bring this under control.
“Moving into tier 3 is one of many important steps we need to take as a town to try and reduce transmission of the virus. Please keep doing all you can to play your part: wash your hands, keep your distance from others not in your household, wear a cloth face covering and if you have any symptoms, however mild, self-isolate and get tested immediately. We need to act together, and now, to protect our elderly and vulnerable loved ones, and to support our hospital and their staff who are doing a tremendous job.”
As part of the move into tier 3, the council secured a £5.9 million support package, with £1.68 million allocated to public health – including public protection, testing and enforcement – with a further £4.2 million to be used for business and employment support.
Warrington’s move to a ‘very high’ risk area means that:
- You must not socialise with anybody you don’t live with, unless you have formed a household or childcare support bubble, in any indoor setting or venue – including homes or restaurants
- You must not socialise with anybody you don’t live with, unless you have formed a household or childcare support bubble, in any private garden, or at most outdoor hospitality venues and ticketed events
- You must not socialise in a group of more than six in an outdoor public space, like parks
- Pubs and bars that do not serve substantial meals as a restaurant, like a main lunchtime or evening meal, must close
- You should avoid travelling outside Warrington wherever possible – only essential journeys, such as for work or caring responsibilities, should be made
- You should avoid staying overnight in another part of the UK
The full list of ‘very high’ risk guidance, restrictions and exemptions will be updated on our coronavirus pagein advance of Tuesday.
