Warrington moves to tier 3 very high risk Covid category restrictions
New measures came into play at midnight
People in Warrington are waking up this morning in the very high risk category of coronavirus restrictions.
That means you can't go and visit other households and you won't be able to go to the pub either unless they sell meals.
The move into Tier 3 was meant to happen on Thursday but over the weekend local authorities agreed to bring the rules in sooner.
Leader of Warrington Borough council Russ Bowden has told us
"This is around the public health imperative and the need to protect the people of Warrington and the need to protect lives and so there was no excuse for us to hold on to the original time line and that's why we agreed with government that we'd implement from midnight."
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
Cheshire Police say they'll be stepping up patrols to make sure people stick to the rules or face being fined up to £200.
Traditional activities like trick or treating are not recommended this year, while Hallowe’en parties with friends can’t happen either because it puts people at risk of further spreading the virus, meaning we have to find new and different ways to celebrate safely.
Superintendent Jo Marshall-Bell said: “It has been a tough year for many, and we recognise that seasonal festivities are really important for mental health and wellbeing.
“We really want you to have fun this Hallowe’en and Bonfire Night but to do so safely, within the law and bear in mind the current situation with the pandemic.
“Anti-social behaviour and criminal damage can have a significant impact on the local community and can have a long lasting effect on victims. Now more than ever we need to pull together to help slow the spread of the virus - while celebrating Hallowe’en a little differently.
“I’m confident the majority of residents will stick to the rules and do all they can to celebrate Hallowe’en safely, but there will be an increased officer presence across the county to provide reassurance and for anyone who may have any concerns over the Hallowe’en and Bonfire period. Our approach will continue to be engage, explain and encourage - and only as a last resort, enforce.”