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HEALTH-VIRUS-BRITAIN-SCOTLAND
Virus restrictions extended in northern England
GLASGOW, Sept 2, 2020 (BSS/AFP) – The British government extended coronavirus restrictions in parts of northern England on Wednesday following a surge in infection rates, while fresh measures were also imposed on Glasgow.
A ban on people meeting others from outside their households in homes and private gardens had been due to be lifted in Bolton and Trafford, towns in Greater Manchester, along with other areas in the region.
But local politicians called for the restrictions to be kept in place following the increase in cases of Covid-19.
“We continually monitor outbreaks across the country, and have seen infection rates increase more than three times in Bolton in under a week, and double in Trafford since the last review,” Health Secretary Matt Hancock said.
“We have always been clear we will take swift and decisive action where needed to contain outbreaks.”
Restrictions were lifted as planned in other areas of north and northwest England Wednesday, including Burnley, Hyndburn, Stockport and parts of Calderdale, Kirklees and Bradford.
Elsewhere, the devolved government in Scotland said people living in Glasgow and two surrounding areas should not visit other people’s houses, after 66 new cases were recorded in the area on Tuesday.
The newly imposed measures will last two weeks.
“I know how difficult this will be — I am a Glasgow resident so these rules apply to me too. But they are essential to, I hope, nip this in bud and avoid tougher restrictions,” First Minister Nicola Sturgeon tweeted.
Nationwide restrictions were imposed in Britain in late March following a surge in cases of Covid-19.
Since then more than 41,500 people confirmed to have the virus have died, the worst death toll in Europe.
The lockdown has since been largely lifted but localised restrictions have been introduced to deal with flare-ups.
Scotland also announced that anyone arriving from Greece from Thursday morning would have to self-isolate for two weeks, after a “significant rise” in imported cases.
Greece is currently on a safe list for travellers entering England, but the policy is reviewed every week.
BSS/AFP/ARS/1845 hrs