From today, Bolton has been placed in the Tier 3, or ‘Very High’, level of coronavirus restrictions.
The new system replaces the national lockdown regulations that were brought in on November 5.
Under Tier 3, residents should not meet indoors with anyone they do not live with or meet more than six people in parks or similar outdoor areas.
Pubs and restaurants will still be restricted to takeaway only and other venues, such as indoor play areas and bowling alleys, must also stay closed.
A list of FAQs about the new restrictions is available on the council website.
Restrictions will be reviewed regularly, taking into account the local infection rate and the pressure on NHS services.
Bolton Council’s Director of Public Health, Dr Helen Lowey said:
“Over the recent week we have seen encouraging changes in the infection rate in Bolton as the impact of the previous Tier measures and the national restrictions start to take effect.
“We can see that the efforts of people in Bolton are beginning to pay off. Whilst infection rates are now starting to come down, we are still seeing numbers of cases at levels that will see some people experiencing serious disease and needing hospital treatment.
“We must keep up the good work to continue to bring the infection rate down and, going forward, to keep it down.
“So it is important that we all continue to minimise the number of people we see, keep 2m apart, regularly wash or sanitise hands.”