Parts of northern England saw the reintroduction of some lockdown restrictions on Friday (31 July) after the number of infections rose sharply in recent days.
The Scottish government said the increase in Covid-19 cases in northern England means travel “should be avoided” between Scotland and Greater Manchester, East Lancashire and parts of West Yorkshire unless “absolutely essential”.
“Anyone currently in the affected areas does not need to return to Scotland early but should be extra vigilant in monitoring for symptoms,” added the Scottish government.
Scotland’s first minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “We have always been clear that localised flare ups are likely as we continue to suppress 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.”
The travel advisory from the Scottish government applies to the following areas of northern England:
- Greater Manchester: City of Manchester, Trafford, Stockport, Oldham, Bury, Wigan, Bolton, Tameside, Rochdale, Salford
- Lancashire, Blackburn with Darwen, Burnley, Hyndburn, Pendle, Rossendale
- West Yorkshire: Bradford, Calderdale, Kirklees
