Rise in Delta variant cases leads to Manchester travel restriction

Step taken to protect public health in Scotland.

A rise in the prevalence of Delta variant cases has led to travel restrictions being placed on Manchester and Salford.

The new rules on travel between Scotland and the neighbouring north west cities comes into effect on Monday.

It is part of wider measures put in place to prevent variants of concern being brought into Scotland from areas with high cases of COVID-19 Delta variant.

Transport Secretary Michael Matheson said:

“Nobody wants travel restrictions in place for any longer than is absolutely necessary.

“Placing restrictions on travel between Scotland and Manchester and Salford has only been taken after extremely careful consideration and analysis of data to help prevent the spread of variants of concern.”

Background

The changes are set out in the Health Protection (Coronavirus) (Restrictions and Requirements) (Local Levels) (Scotland) Regulations 2020.

Restrictions have been maintained on Blackburn, Darwen and Bolton. Restrictions that were in place on Bedford and the Republic of Ireland have been removed.

The Manchester /Salford restrictions cover the city council areas for both cities and come into effect at midnight Sunday – effective 21 June.

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