WARRINGTON Borough Council has urged all residents to comply with new coronavirus measures.

Additional restrictions were placed on Warrington and Merseyside this morning, Thursday, following a statement in the House of Commons by health secretary Matt Hancock.

The new measures, which are in addition to existing measures, restrict residents from mixing with people outside their household in any indoor setting by law, including restaurants, bars and other indoor venues

People are also advised not to meet others outside their household or support bubble in any outdoor setting, including parks, outdoor events or pub gardens.

These restrictions will come into force as of midnight tomorrow, Friday.

And Council leader Russ Bowden has urged residents to abide with the measures in order to drive down cases in the town.

He said: “These restrictions are disappointing for our town, but are again a necessary response in helping us to drive down the number of case of coronavirus in Warrington.

Warrington Guardian:

Cllr Russ Bowden

“Now more than ever, we need to do all we can to stop the spread of the virus.

“Getting the basics right – maintaining excellent hand hygiene, keeping your distance, and wearing a cloth face covering where necessary – has never been so important.

“We genuinely all have a part to play to stop coronavirus from spreading, particularly to our elderly or vulnerable loved ones.”

Cllr Bowden also said that the council will be doing all it can to support businesses in the town during this difficult period.

“I am aware the Government has announced a support package for affected councils as part of the announcement of these new restrictions,” he added.

“I await the detail on what this funding could mean, but it is clear that as part of these strict new measures, we need to do all we can to support affected businesses – not least our hospitality industry, which will again be seriously impacted by these new restrictions.

“We will therefore continue to work closely with government and press them for the support our hospitality sector and businesses need during this increasingly difficult period.”