Salford has 37 new confirmed cases of coronavirus, bringing the cumulative total to 2,041, up from the previous day's 2,004.
Elsewhere in Greater Manchester, cases in Manchester rose to 4,726 (up from 4,687), followed by Oldham with 3,105 (up from 3,088), Bolton 2,841 (up from 2,794), Wigan 2,442 (up from 2,430), Rochdale 2,429 (up from 2,418), Stockport 2,082 (up from 2,066), Tameside 2,126 (up from 2,106), Trafford 1,790 (up from 1,782), and Bury 1,728 (up from 1,712).
There has been one new sad virus-related death reported at Salford Royal Hospital.
Meanwhile, yesterday, Prime Minister Boris Johnson set out new Government policy in relation to COVID-19 with his 'rule of six' and promises of simpler testing and higher capacity being piloted in Salford, that "would allow people to lead more normal lives, without the need for social distancing..."
What he called the "moonshot" would mean "Theatres and sports venues could test all audience members on the day and let in those with a negative result, all those who are not infectious. Workplaces could be opened up to all those who test negative that morning and allow them to behave in a way that was normal before COVID. Those isolating because they are a contact, or quarantining after travelling abroad, could after a period be tested and released.
"Now that is an ambitious agenda, but we are going to pilot this approach in Salford from next month, with audiences in indoor and outdoor venues. And then we hope to go nationwide" he added "There are a number of challenges. We need the technology to work. We need to source the necessary materials to manufacture so many tests. We need to put in place an efficient distribution network. And we need to work through the numerous logistical challenges.
"And as I say, we are not there yet, and I should repeat that, as we manage this period of high demand, it is especially important that if individuals don't have symptoms, and have not been specifically advised to take a test, they should not be coming forward for a test - because they could be taking a test away from someone who really needs it" he explained "Our plan – this moonshot that I am describing – will require a giant, collaborative effort from government, business, public health professionals, scientists, logistics experts and many, many more. Work is underway – and we will get on at pace until we get there, round the clock.
"We are hopeful this approach will be widespread by the spring and, if everything comes together, it may be possible even for challenging sectors like theatres to have life much closer to normal before Christmas" he concluded.*
Johnson also laid out his new 'rule of six'..."You must not meet socially in groups of more than 6 – and if you do, you will be breaking the law. This will apply in any setting, indoors or outdoors, at home or in the pub.
"The ban will be set out in law and it will be enforced by the police – anyone breaking the rules risks being dispersed, fined and possibly arrested" he explained "This single measure replaces both the existing ban on gatherings of more than 30 and the current guidance on allowing 2 households to meet indoors. Now you only need to remember the rule of 6.
"There will be some limited exemptions. For example, if a single household or support bubble is larger than 6, they can still gather" he added "COVID secure venues like places of worship, gyms, restaurants and hospitality venues can still hold more than 6 people in total. Within those venues however, there must not be individual groups larger than 6, and groups must not mix socially or form larger groups. Education and work settings are unaffected, COVID Secure weddings and funerals can go ahead, up to a limit of 30 people, and organised sport will still be able to proceed."
The Prime Minister also laid out new regulations in effect from next Monday...
"Premises and venues where people meet socially will be legally required to request the contact details of a member of every party, record and retain these details for 21 days, and provide them to NHS Test & Trace without delay when required.
"We will support local authorities to make further and faster use of their powers to close venues that are breaking the rules and pose a risk to public health.
"Fines will be levied against hospitality venues that fail to ensure their premises remain COVID Secure.
"We will boost the enforcement capacity of local authorities by introducing COVID Secure Marshalls to help ensure social distancing in town and city centres, and by setting up a register of Environmental Health Officers that local authorities can draw upon for support.
"We will simplify the Passenger Locator Form needed for travelling to the UK, and take measures to ensure these are completed and checked before departure.
"Border Force will step up enforcement efforts at the border to ensure arrivals are complying with the quarantine rules.
"We will also restrict the opening hours of premises, initially in some local areas."
Yesterday, Greater Manchester Mayor, Andy Burnham, also called for local control of the Test, Trace and Isolate System, as virus hospital admission are rising, adding; "We don't believe restrictions and lockdowns are going to get us through this..."
For a full report on Burnham's press conference see previous Salford Star article – click here
* For more details on the £500million testing trial beginning in Salford see previous Salford Star articles - click here and click here
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