Manchester, Salford and Bolton travel restrictions lifted

A temporary travel restriction between Scotland and parts of north west England is to be lifted.

Current rules on travel between Scotland and Manchester and Salford – which came into effect on 21 June – will be eased at midnight tonight. A travel restriction on Bolton – in place since 24 May - is also easing.

However, restrictions will remain in place in relation to travel between Scotland and the area of Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, which continues to experience concerning case rates of the more transmissible COVID-19 Delta variant. The arrangements affecting that area will be reviewed next week.

As with all measures, relevant local authorities have been made aware of the changes.

Health Secretary Humza Yousaf said:

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

“Placing restrictions on travel between Scotland and parts of north west England was only taken after extremely careful consideration and analysis of data to help prevent the spread of variants of concern.

“Following a careful review of the data we have decided to ease travel arrangements between Scotland and Manchester, Salford and Bolton. However the situation regarding Blackburn and Darwen will need to be closely monitored and will be reviewed again in a week’s time.”

Background

Blackburn and Darwen continue to experience significantly higher Delta variant rates than anywhere in the UK – more than 200 points higher than in Dundee at 19 June, and around three and a half times higher than the average for Scotland.

The easing of restrictions on Manchester, Salford and Bolton comes into effect on 30 June.