LONDON (UK) – The British government re-imposed local COVID-19 restrictions in a few areas in the Greater Manchester area in northern England on Wednesday. A few days after it was lifted, the move was reversed.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said restrictions would be retained in the boroughs of Bolton and Trafford and his announcement on August 28 that they would be lifted on September 2 was being taken back.
Hancock said in a statement, “Following a significant change in the level of infection rates over the last few days, a decision has been taken that Bolton and Trafford will now remain under existing restrictions.”
“We have always been clear we will take swift and decisive action where needed to contain outbreaks.”
Easing of social distancing measures in Trafford and Bolton was criticised even as they ensured in other places in the densely populated metropolitan area.