Careful next step to easing of COVID-19 measures

The government has confirmed that the next step to easing of COVID-19 measures, designed to keep us all safe, will take place from Monday 12 April.

And as more venues open and interactions between people increase, residents are being reminded to keep following precautions to keep our local rates reducing.

In line with the government’s ‘Roadmap out of Lockdown’, the following rules will apply from Monday, April 12:

  • Indoor leisure (including gyms) for use individually or within household groups.
  • Outdoor attractions such as zoos, theme parks and drive-in cinemas can open.
  • Libraries and community centres.
  • Personal care premises such as hairdressers and nail salons.
  • All retail shops eg clothing, electrical etc can re-open.
  • Outdoor hospitality - there will be no need for customers to order a substantial meal with alcoholic drinks and no curfew, although customers must order, eat and drink while seated (‘table service’).
  • All children’s activities, indoor parent & child groups (up to 15 parents).
  • Domestic overnight stays (same household only).
  • Self-contained accommodation (same household only).
  • Up to six people, or two households, can meet outdoors either in public or in a private garden. Indoor meeting is still not allowed at this time
  • Continue to work from home if you can.

Bolton Council’s Director of Public Health, Dr Helen Lowey, said:

“Thank you to everybody for doing all they can to limit the spread of Covid-19 and I urge you to keep up this good work.

“This gradual approach to easing lockdown is essential, alongside the vaccination programme, in helping us get back to normal.

“As we move onto the next step of national roadmap it’s important that we do all we can to prevent the virus from spreading. COVID-19 loves nothing more than being passed from person to person and we need to continue to do all we can to prevent any further outbreaks.

“Remember if you have symptoms you need to stay at home, isolate and book a test via the national website. The government is also rolling out test kits for everybody to pick up and use twice a week for when you have no symptoms. One in three people have been found to carry the virus but don’t know they have it and are potentially passing it on to others. It’s important we all take up this offer, especially if we are unable to work from home and so are in regular contact with people.

“Personal hygiene is still important to prevent the spread. Wash your hands regularly and for at least 20 seconds; wear a face covering indoors especially where social distancing may be difficult, and where you will come into contact with people you do not normally meet; stay two metres apart from people you do not live with where possible, and open windows and doors to increase the flow of air.

“Thank you once again for everything that you have done and continue to do.”

Published: 9th April 2021