New COVID-19 restrictions affecting Wigan & Leigh
Due to new restrictions from the government affecting Greater Manchester, the COVID-19 guidelines in Wigan & Leigh have now changed.
Although Wigan Borough’s new infection and death rates are low in comparison to some neighbouring areas, it's important that we follow the new guidance to ensure we can protect ourselves and others.
The government will pass new laws to enforce the changes to meeting people in private homes and gardens. The police will be able to take action against those that break these rules, including asking people to disperse and issuing fixed penalty notices (starting at £100 – halving to £50 if paid in the first 14 days – and doubling for subsequent offences).
If you pay your Council Tax to Wigan Council, you are included in the following measures:
- You cannot socialise with another household in your home or garden (support bubbles are exempt)
- Try not to share a vehicle with those outside of your household.
- You can only go to other indoor public venues, such as pubs, restaurants, cafes, shops, places of worship, community centres, leisure and entertainment venues, or visitor attractions with members of your own household or support bubble
- Up to two households (or six people from a number of households) may meet outdoors, excluding gardens
- You cannot visit friends or family in care homes, other than in exceptional circumstances
Your household – as defined in law – is only the people you live with. If you have formed a support bubble (which must include a single adult household i.e. people who live alone or single parents with dependent children aged under 18) these can be treated as if they’re members of your household.
It will be illegal for people who do not live together to meet in a private home or garden, except for limited exceptions to be set out in law. You should not host or visit people you do not live with, unless they’re in your support bubble. If you live in the affected areas, you should not visit someone’s home or garden regardless of whether this is in or outside of the restricted area.
If you have any more questions or need more information, please visit the gov.uk website: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/north-west-of-england-local-restrictions-what-you-can-and-cannot-do
