COVID-19 Update: Things You Can and Cannot Do On Weekends in Greater Manchester

As we get closer to holiday seasons, new rules have come into effect in Greater Manchester at the beginning of August. The changes in rules are in response to the continuous upsurge of coronavirus cases in many affected areas in the UK including the city. In his interview at Manchester Evening News, Mayor Andy Burnham has revealed the number of infection rates that led the local authorities to act together in preventing the spread of the virus. 

If you are living, working or travelling in Greater Manchester areas, it is important to know the rules you must live by in order to keep you safe from the numbers of cases that creep us up and the sanctions to which you could be fined. 

So, which rules have changed? At the outset, Greater Manchester is not in lockdown. However, residents are strictly not allowed to meet other households inside homes, gardens and other indoor venues inside or outside the locale. 

Read on to identify the activities that are allowed and which are not.

Going to Work

While many companies are allowing their workers to continue working from home, others are free to consider returning to office work as long as health protocols are met in the workplace. So, yes, you can go to work even on weekends unless you cannot be able to work from home effectively. 

Attending Wedding Receptions

Sad news for those who have plans on attending a friend’s wedding reception this weekend, wedding ceremonies can only hold a maximum of 30 guests. Unless you are included in either principal or secondary sponsors, you will not be able to go ahead. 

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has recently announced that the lifting of rules on wedding receptions is delayed for at least another half month. Those who have wedding plans can always visit the local authority’s website and social media pages to verify announcements regarding the lifting of rules within the respective areas of their chosen wedding venues.    

Travelling

Weekends definitely call for trips, but Oldham authorities encourage their people to only use public transportations for essential purposes. If you are taking a trip with coach hire Manchester, you should at least comply with all the relevant transport guidelines including:

• wearing of face masks and other essential protective gears

• avoiding large groups of people

• opening windows for better ventilation

• facing away from other passengers

• following sitting arrangements

You are free to travel outside your area, but you cannot meet people who are neither a household member nor part of your support bubble. If you are planning to book a holiday family trip out of town, make sure to review local restrictions in advance.    

Going to Theatres

No, you cannot go to theatres or music venues at least in the next fortnight. The head of the Society of London Theatre and UK Theatre has revealed that several shows might close and not reopen for good because of coronavirus restrictions in the country. Another sad news for live music fans who have been vigorously expecting the sound of live concerts again. 

Visiting Beauty Clinics

And another no. On one hand, any services that involve touching of the face are still restricted from today. On the other hand, the restrictions on manicure and pedicure services have been lifted since last month as long as the facility is well-sanitised and equipped with protective gears.   

Shielding

The rules on wearing face covers have been lifted since July. While some people are no longer required to wear face masks due to age, health and disability reasons, it is still essential for others to continue taking health and safety precautions.