Cumbria exempt from Scottish travel restrictions

Credit: PA

The Scottish Government is strongly advising against non-essential travel between Scotland and parts of the north west of England - but this does not include Cumbria.

Nicola Sturgeon said people living in Scotland who are visiting parts of Greater Manchester, Lancashire and West Yorkshire do not have to cut short their visit but must adhere to the rules and "be extra vigilant when you come home, especially for symptoms".

UK health secretary Matt Hancock announced on Thursday evening that “immediate action” was needed across those areas following a spike in Covid-19 cases.

People have been banned from meeting each other indoors, households can go to pubs, bars and restaurants but not with another household and police have powers to enforce the new restrictions

Mr Hancock said "households gathering and not abiding by the social distancing rules" was a reason for the stricter rules. Credit: ITV News

The First Minister said the advice against travel to the affected areas was taken following a call with Prime Minister Boris Johnson and is to "ensure we don't add to their challenge and also minimise risks of onward transmission here".

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 supress the virus.

“We have always been clear that localised flare ups are likely as we continue to supress 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.”

Cumbria was missed out from the list of areas that are under new restrictions. Director of Public Health, Colin Cox, said a drop in the number of cases of coronavirus in the county is 'good news' after figures released showed 55 positive tests compared to last week's 41.

Speaking after the announcement, Cox said: "It is sadly very clear that coronavirus is still circulating and being passed on.

"It is essential that we all recognise that the risk has not gone away and that we must all remain vigilant and follow all the latest guidance regarding hygiene and social distancing. For Cumbria I want to reassure residents that based on our most recent data I would describe our situation as stable.

"The latest figures in relation to Carlisle and Eden are encouraging but we must remain cautious and aware of the impact that our behaviour has on this situation.

"Our multi-agency Health Protection Board is closely monitoring the situation across the County and will act accordingly to any rises or concerns. However I cannot stress strongly enough that we can only maintain this position if people help us control any further infection outbreak by following the rules."      

Director of Public Health in Cumbria, Colin Cox. Credit: ITV News

Despite this, the Prime Minister announced on Friday afternoon that the lifting of lockdown restrictions will not go ahead as planned in England, saying he needed to "react to the first signs of trouble".

Boris Johnson said the reopening of small wedding receptions and the reopening of bowling alleys and casinos will be postponed, with the prevalence of coronavirus "likely to be rising for the first time since May".

The areas affected by the restrictions:

  • Greater Manchester

  • Pendle

  • Hyndburn

  • Burnley

  • Rossendale

  • Blackburn with Darwen

  • Bradford

  • Calderdale

  • Kirklees

  • Leicester City