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Matt Hancock explains that new rules are ‘crystal clear’, despite much public confusion
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Matt Hancock has described the new rules, announced late last night, as ‘crystal clear’ speaking this morning.
The government have faced backlash this morning over the way they announced new localised restrictions in the North of England last night.
People in Greater Manchester, parts of East Lancashire and West Yorkshire were told they could no longer meet anybody from another household indoors.
The ban was announced at 9pm last night, coming into effect at 12pm.
Many people were confused as to what the new rules meant for them and expressed concerns regarding the announcement taking place via Matt Hancock’s Twitter account.
A short video clip was released shortly after 9pm last night, however, some local public health directors did now know about the new announcement.
The government published its Q&A on the changes at 22 minutes past midnight. They also explained that people can face £100 fines for breaking the rules, despite explaining that the law does not yet exist.
Matt Hancock told Sky News today that the measures are ‘crystal clear’, adding a press conference will be held later today ‘at which more details will be put out and more of the questions will be answered.’
He said: “It’s absolutely crystal clear what the measure is. Which is that you shouldn’t socialise with people in other households except in public outdoor places – so not in your own home or your garden.
“You can go to the pub, but with members of your own household.”
Andy Burnham has also expressed concerns regarding the announcement. He told Sky News that ‘last night a lot of people I think felt very uncertain about what exactly was being announced.’
Adding: “So what I would say to them (ministers) is I understand the need to make announcements, I understand the need for decisive action.
“But when ministers go in front of the cameras, make sure you’ve got the detail ready to go exactly at the same time.”
Manchester Central MP and shadow business minister Lucy Powell said: “The way they’ve been announced has frankly been a bit of a disaster.
“Announcing them two hours before they come into effect is a bit of a bolt out of the blue with no-one around able to answer some of the basic questions, I really is not the way to build confidence and to take people with you and to maximise compliance with these steps.
“We really do need some real answers to basic questions this morning so that people can understand what they need to do.”
Tory MP for Hazel Grove William Wragg said: “‘Greater Manchester’ is not one homogeneous area.
“We must always err on the side of caution with COVID, but to treat all 10 boroughs the same is not the right approach.”
The new rules came into effect from Midnight last night and mean you can no longer meet with people outside of your household indoors.
Mr Hancock said: “The biggest risk in terms of the spread if this virus across this area is household transmission when people are going to see each other in each other’s homes when they’re not in a household together. And also visiting friends and relatives.
“Actually we’re not seeing as much transmission in terms of people in their place of work, going to retail or other areas.”
Matt Hancock has also denied that the action taken was being aimed at curtailing Eid celebrations.
Asked on BBC’s Today programme whether the measures were to stop Eid celebrations Hancock said: “No, my heart goes out to the Muslim communities in these areas because I know how important the Eid celebrations are.
“I’m very grateful to the local Muslim leaders, the imams in fact, across the country who’ve been working so hard to find a way to have COVID-secure celebrations.
“For instance celebrating Eid in parks where there’s more space available and of course outdoors is safer than indoors.”