Scottish Government advises against travel to some areas of northern England
31 July 2020, 14:06
The Scottish Government is advising against all but essential travel to Greater Manchester, East Lancashire and parts of West Yorkshire for people in Scotland.
People living in Scotland are being advised to avoid travel to areas in northern England facing new lockdown restrictions after a spike in coronavirus (COVID-19) cases.
The Scottish Government said travel between Scotland and Greater Manchester, East Lancashire and parts of West Yorkshire should only be undertaken if absolutely essential.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “I’m grateful to the Prime Minister for the update on the recent developments in the North West of England and all four nations agreed on the importance of sharing localised information as we work together to continue to supress the virus.
“We have always been clear that localised flare ups are likely as we continue to supress the virus but by responding quickly and appropriately we can limit the effect these have on wider transmission.
“I strongly advise anyone planning to travel to areas affected in the north of England, or anyone planning to travel to Scotland from those same areas, to cancel their plans.
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Urging Scots not to travel to affected areas, she tweeted: "To ensure we don't add to their challenge and also minimise risks of onward transmission here, @scotgov is STRONGLY advising against non-essential travel between Scotland and these parts of the north of England.
"If you are from Scotland and already visiting one of these areas, you don't have to cut short your visit - but please abide by the rules while there and be extra vigilant when you come home, especially for symptoms.
"We are surrounded by warnings right now that Covid hasn't gone away and may indeed be on the rise again. We ignore these warnings at our peril."
