Stockport back under local coronavirus restrictions

Following rising coronavirus infection rates in the borough, Stockport has been placed back under local restrictions in line with the rest of Greater Manchester.

The decision was announced by the Health Secretary Matt Hancock on the afternoon of 25th September, with new rules coming into effect from 26th September. Restrictions were also introduced in Blackpool and Leeds, and reintroduced in Wigan. Additional areas in South Wales were also placed under local restrictions by the devolved administration.

In addition to measures announced nationally by Boris Johnson last week, Stockport residents must not meet or host people you do not live with in private homes or gardens unless they are in your support bubble or for childcare.

Cllr Elise Wilson, Leader of Stockport Council, said:

These measures have been put in place by the government to protect us all and stop the spread of the virus. We have all lived with the impact of Covid for six months now and it has caused a great deal of upheaval to our lives and I know it has been difficult for many of us. But it is clear from the figures that Covid will be with us for a while yet and is critical that we all act now.

“The only way forward is for us to work together to get the number of cases under control again, we’ve done it before and we can do it again. Hand washing, adhering to social distancing guidelines and wearing a face covering should be second nature now and will help to stop the virus spreading.

“Please take the time to familiarise yourself with the latest information on what you can and can’t do and thank you for your efforts and perseverance.”

Covid-19 measures in place in Stockport

Covid loves the three Cs – close contact such as hugs, closed spaces, and crowds – so please avoid these as much as possible.

It is therefore important for us to all keep continuing to:

• Keep 2 metres from anyone you do not live with – you need to do this with friends and relatives that you don’t live with (or are not in a bubble with) as well as with other people that you have contact with.
• regularly sanitise (or wash) your hands thoroughly
• Wear a face covering where needed (unless exempt)
• Follow the safety guidance at your place of work and within your school or college

The following measures are currently in place in Stockport to restrict the spread of the coronavirus:

Meeting people safely

• You must not meet or host people you do not live with in private homes or gardens unless they are in your support bubble (some exemptions apply such as childcare bubbles for under 14s or care for a vulnerable person)
• Support groups must be limited to a maximum of 15 people
• The rule of six now applies to indoor sport for over 18s
• Weddings and civil partnership ceremonies and receptions will be restricted to a maximum of 15 people
• The Government is supporting these new restrictions with an increased police presence

You are also advised not to socialise with people you do not live with (unless they’re in your support bubble) in any public venue such as parks, restaurants or pubs or to visit friends or family in care homes, other than in exceptional circumstances.

Face coverings

• Customers in private hire vehicles and taxis must now wear face coverings
• Customers in hospitality venues must wear face coverings, except when seated at a table to eat or drink. Staff in hospitality and retail will now also be required to wear face coverings
• The penalty for failing to wear a mask or breaking the rule of six will double to £200 for a first offence

Working from home

• Residents who can effectively work from home should do so
• Public sector employees working in essential services, including education, should continue to go into work where necessary

Businesses

• Businesses selling food or drink must close between 10pm and 5am. This will include takeaways, but delivery services can continue after 10pm
• In licensed premises, food and drink must be ordered from, and served at, a table
• Businesses must display the official NHS QR code posters so that customers can ‘check-in’ and provide contact details
• From 28 September a wider range of leisure and entertainment venues will be subject to the COVID-19 Secure requirements and will face fines of up to £10,000 for repeated breaches

What to do if you think you have coronavirus

It is vitally important that if you have any symptoms of coronavirus, you self-isolate immediately and arrange to get tested, even if you feel well. Self-isolating when you have symptoms, or are a close contact of someone who has, is one of the most effective ways of stopping the spread the virus.

The most common symptoms, although you may not have all three, are:

• High temperature
• New, continuous cough
• Loss of change of taste or smell, no matter how mild

It can be difficult to get a test immediately at the moment, but though frustrating, Stockport Council are asking residents to please keep trying until you do. Your household members will also need to self-isolate if you have symptoms and you will need to keep yourself and your family at home whilst awaiting your test result. The only reason you should leave your home is to get tested.

Testing sites are available in Stockport locations, as well at the airport and the Etihad stadium. You can also book a home test if you do not have access to a car. Tests can be booked through the government testing website or by ringing 119.

Stockport Council has put together a list of frequently asked questions and this may be helpful if you are unsure of anything Covid related.