Coronavirus restrictions lifted in Burnley, Hyndburn, Trafford, Stockport and Bolton

Public health experts are warning residents not to be complacent following the lifting of restrictions Credit: PA

Lockdown restrictions are to be lifted in parts of Greater Manchester and Lancashire where incidence rates have decreased, the Department of Health and Social Care has announced.

From Wednesday 2 September restrictions on two households mixing introduced last month will be lifted in:

  • Bolton

  • Stockport

  • Trafford

  • Burnley

  • Hyndburn

Health and Social Care Secretary Matt Hancock said: “We brought in measures to protect people in these parts of Northern England, and I want to thank residents who have worked so hard to get on top of this virus.

 “We’re seeing the positive results of our local approach, and are able to bring in increasingly targeted measures.

“It is vital we can maintain this good progress. I have every faith people across the county, especially in areas where we are seeing higher numbers of cases, will continue to play their part by following local rules, and self-isolating and requesting a free test as soon as they get any symptoms.”

Lancashire's Director of Public Health Dr Sakthi Karunanithi said: "People living in Burnley and Hyndburn will be pleased that government has lifted the additional restrictions in their areas, but this should not lead to complacency."

"The virus is very much still present in both Burnley and Hyndburn so residents must play their part to help protect themselves, their families and their communities."

Hyndburn and Burnley will now have all enhanced restrictions lifted to bring them in line with the rest of the country, which is outlined on gov.uk.

Elsewhere in the county all existing restrictions remain, which means that in Preston and parts of Pendle residents can't have visitors or visit others in their homes or gardens, or socialise with friends at indoor venues. They can continue to meet in groups of up to six in outdoor public areas.

Lockdown restrictions still remain in Preston. Credit: PA

Residents in other parts of Pendle and in the northern part of Blackburn with Darwen have additional restrictions which means they cannot socialise with anyone, anywhere indoors or outdoors.