Have fun but don't go overboard this weekend warn Wigan health bosses
The borough's director of public health says it would be far too easy to let infection rates slip
Last updated 16th Apr 2021
Health officials are encouraging us to use our newfound freedoms carefully ahead of the first weekend in months that people will be able to go to the pub.
Wigan’s COVID-19 rates are now below 50 cases per 100,000 people for the first time since last September.
The most recent data shows that for every 100,000 people 46.9 currently have the virus, which's down from a peak of over 500.
Meanwhile, the past week Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS foundation trust admitted just three COVID patients to their wards.
During the worst of Wigan's epidemic, they admitted 34 patients in a single day.
Infection rates in Wigan are still double the national average
However, Wigan's infections rate, despite continuing to fall, is still almost double the national average of 28.4 cases per 100,000 people.
Professor Kate Arden is the boroughs public health director, she told us we’re not quite out of the woods yet:
"It's been a long time for people. I think human nature being what it is, as soon as we get a lifting, we sort of want to go out and celebrate."
"I guess I'm saying yes, do that but don't completely let off steam because the quickest way of doing going back into lockdown is taking the brakes off a bit too soon."
"It would be very, very easy nationally for them to say we'll have to put the brakes on this. So that's really why I'm urging a little bit of slow steady, be sensible. Enjoy yourself but don't overdo it please."
"I suppose for those of us in Wigan because we've been under restrictions for so long, we know how difficult it is to live with those restrictions."
"So if we want to take them off, let's be sensible because we don't want to go back there."
Vaccinations latest:
Meanwhile, the latest vaccination stats show 316,091 doses of the coronavirus vaccine have now been given out across Wigan & St Helens.
63% of people across both boroughs have now had at least their first dose and 13% are fully protected.
Additionally, almost 95% of people over the age of 50 have now had at least one dose of the vaccine, they account for almost all deaths that have occurred due to the virus
However, we're reminded that young people can become seriously ill and suffer long COVID symptoms for months after coming down with the virus.
The latest analysis of data from thousands of users of the COVID Symptom Study app from ZOE, shows that one in 20 people are likely to suffer from COVID-19 symptoms lasting more than 8 weeks.
Meanwhile, all adults over 45 are now able to book an appointment to get their coronavirus jab through the NHS website.
How many people can I meet outside?
The "rule of six" means that six people from different households can meet up outside. More people can meet outside if they are only from two households, giving greater flexibility for families and friends.
Can I have people in my garden?
Yes, you can have people in your garden because both the rule of six and the two household rule apply to private outdoor spaces, including gardens.
Can I use my friend's toilet?
Yes, if necessary, you can enter someone's house to use the bathroom. However in these instances, you should wear a face covering, maintain social distancing from anyone not in your bubble, wash your hands thoroughly and immediately return outside when you are finished.
Can I get my hair cut by a hairdresser at home?
Yes, mobile hairdressers were allowed to resume work alongside other personal care premises from 12th April, meaning you can get your hair professionally cut at home.
How many people can I meet in a beer garden?
Groups of six people from different households can gather in beer gardens or the outdoor areas of pubs and restaurants. Restaurants and pubs must serve people outdoors via table service.
Can I go to weddings?
It depends on the number of guests. Weddings and commemorative events, including wakes, can go ahead with 15 guests. Wedding receptions are also permitted to have 15 guests as long as they take place outdoors. Meanwhile, 30 people can attend funerals.
Can I go clothes shopping?
Non-essential retail is allowed to resume meaning many stores, including clothes shops, are once again welcoming customers.
Can I take my child to a parent-child group indoors?
Yes, parent-children groups are now allowed to take place indoors with up to 15 adults, as children under 5 do not count towards this 15 attendee maximum.
Are children included in the rule of six?
Yes, children of all ages are included in the rule of six. However, if only two households are meeting up, there is no limit on the number of people. For example, six adults and four children from three different households cannot meet up, but the same number from only two households would be permitted.
Can we go inside if the weather's bad?
Unfortunately even if the weather turns you still cannot socialise inside with people who are not in your bubble. Indoor household mixing is expected to be reintroduced from 17th May if all goes to plan with the Government's roadmap out of lockdown.
Can I stay away overnight?
It depends. On 12th April, self-contained accommodation such as campsites and holiday lets where indoor facilities are not shared with other households. You can therefore stay in a caravan or in self-contained holiday lets with your household or bubble. However, you cannot go away with anyone out with your household or bubble, or stay at someone's house who is not in your bubble.
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