Andy Burnham responds to government’s plan to end Covid-19 restrictions

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, has used his fortnightly press conference this week to respond to the government’s plans to end Covid-19 restrictions on July 19th, including the mandatory wearing of face coverings in a number of indoor settings.

Mr Burnham confirmed that the wearing of face coverings would not enforced on public transport in Greater Manchester, arguing that differing rules for the city-region could be confusing for passengers, and that the local government only had powers to enforce stricter rules on the tram network.

However, he also encouraged Greater Manchester residents to continue using face coverings in shops and on public transport despite the government’s relaxation of restrictions.

In his comments, Andy Burnham described the move to end mask-wearing rules during a time of rising Covid-19 case numbers nationwide as ‘fairly reckless. He commented that England is now entering ‘uncharted territory’ with regard to its handling of pandemic, and the strategy of loosening restrictions despite rising case numbers.

Speaking during his press conference, Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham said:

“We had the announcement from the Government yesterday. I broadly support the direction of travel although not with regard to the removal of the requirement to wear face coverings on public transport.

“After listening to the announcement I think the public will be feeling uncertain because on the one hand we were hearing a story of cases still rising, still being in the upward curve if you like of this Delta wave, the health secretary talking about 100,000 cases a day, it does not follow for people therefore that you remove all restrictions.

“I think the Government needs to think about its messaging at this particular moment in time and build that reassurance that amongst the public.

“We made clear, as did other mayors, that we did not think it was right to remove the requirement to wear face coverings on public transport but it’s a case of we are where we are. We need now to respond to the position that Greater Manchester is in, in relation to this new advice.

“The places that have had higher case levels throughout the pandemic will be at greater risk in the coming period.”