LEIGH MP James Grundy says he is "relieved" that the area was placed under Tier Two of coronavirus restrictions by the government on Monday.

All of Greater Manchester was placed into the 'high' alert level second tier of restrictions. There had been fears that the area was set to be placed in the 'very high alert' level of Tier Three but only the neighbouring Merseyside region has been put into this category.

According to the government website, measures for Tier Two include:

  • you must not socialise with anybody outside of your household or support bubble in any indoor setting, whether at home or in a public place
  • you must not socialise in a group of more than 6 outside, including in a garden or other spaces like beaches or parks (other than where specific exemptions apply in law)
  • businesses and venues can continue to operate, in a COVID-secure manner, other than those that remain closed in law
  • certain businesses are required to ensure customers only consume food and drink while seated, and must close between 10pm and 5am
  • businesses and venues selling food for consumption off the premises can continue to do so after 10pm as long as this is through delivery service, click-and-collect or drive-through
  • schools, universities and places of worship remain open
  • weddings and funerals can go ahead with restrictions on the number of attendees
  • exercise classes and organised sport can continue to take place outdoors. These will only be permitted indoors if it is possible for people to avoid mixing with people they do not live with or share a support bubble with, or for youth or disability sport
  • you can continue to travel to venues or amenities that are open, for work or to access education, but should look to reduce the number of journeys you make where possible

Mr Grundy said to the Journal: "I am relieved that Wigan Borough, which includes my constituency of Leigh, has only been placed into the new 'Tier Two' category of COVID restrictions, which actually means a slight loosening of restrictions for our area.

"The only change for my constituents is that households will now be able to mix outdoors again in areas such as parks and private gardens, so long as social distancing rules and the rule of six are adhered to. Household mixing in private homes and hospitality venues is still banned however, unless you are part of the same social 'bubble'.

"It is now incumbent on all of us to do our bit to ensure we avoid going into 'Tier Three' restrictions, which would have much tougher consequences, including the closure of pubs that only sell alcohol, and the reintroduction of a ban on outdoor household mixing.

"I would ask that anyone that would like any further information please contact my office on james.grundy.mp@parliament.uk."