WARRINGTON has been placed under even tighter restrictions to curb the spread of coronavirus following an announcement by health secretary Matt Hancock.

The tighter measures will come into force from midnight tomorrow, Friday (ie, the early hours of Saturday).

The move by Government follows the announcement made last week for additional restrictions in the town.

But what are the rules and restrictions now in Warrington?

Different households

The health secretary confirmed the Government will bring in regulations to prevent, in law, social mixing between people in different households in all settings, except outdoor public spaces like parks and outdoor hospitality.

Residents will be restricted from mixing with people outside their household in any indoor setting by law, including restaurants, bars and other indoor venues. The council says people are also advised not to meet people outside their household, or support bubble, in any outdoor setting, including parks, outdoor events or pub gardens.

Support bubbles

There can be no mixing of separate households, in one house or private garden unless you have formed a household support or childcare bubble.

Mixing of separate households in indoor settings is banned unless you have formed a household support or childcare bubble and mixing of separate households outdoors, such as in parks, is also not advised.

Care homes

The health secretary said it is recommended that people should not attend professional or amateur sporting events as spectators in the areas affected – and that they should only visit care homes in exceptional circumstances.

Travel

Public transport should only be used for essential purposes, such as going to work or school.

How long?

Mr Hancock said he wants the rules to stay in place for as ‘short a time as possible’  - which will be dependent on how quickly the town can curb the spread of Covid-19.

Council funding

Mr Hancock confirmed £7 million of funding will be provided to local authorities in the areas affected by the tougher restrictions to support them in their vital work.

Penalty notices

The police will be able to take action against those who break these rules, including asking people to disperse and issuing fixed penalty notices for those who participate in illegal gatherings.

Weddings and civil ceremonies

Only 15 people are allowed to attend weddings, civil ceremonies and receptions.

Face coverings

Face coverings must be worn in hospitality settings when not sat at your table, in shops and in taxis unless you’re exempt on medical grounds.

10pm curfew

As part of measures already announced by the Government, hospitality, leisure and entertainment venues are required to close between 10pm and 5am.

What is a household support bubble?

A household support bubble is where a household with one adult joins with another household on an exclusive basis. Households within a bubble can still visit each other, stay overnight, and visit public places together.

A childcare bubble is where someone in one household can provide informal (i.e. unpaid and unregistered) childcare to a child aged 13 or under in another household. This must occur on an exclusive basis – always the same two households.