Warrington will face the toughest level of coronavirus restrictions from tomorrow, the government has said.
The area is going into Tier 3 from 12:01am, meaning residents are banned from socialising with anybody they do not live with indoors, in a private garden or at most outdoor hospitality venues.
The only exception is for those with a support bubble, and people can still meet up in groups six outdoors in places including parks or the countryside.
All pubs and bars will also be forced to close – unless they are serving substantial meals – and travel out of the areas is discouraged apart from for work, education or caring responsibilities.
Also betting shops, adult gaming centres, casinos and soft play centres must shut.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said infection rates are rising in Warrington so “it’s time to take action”.
He thanked residents for their “sacrifices” and added: “I want to extend my thanks to each and every one of them for recognising the severity of the situation and sticking to the rules.”
Matt Hancock said infection rates in the area are rising
The measures will be reviewed in 28 days, Local Government Secretary Robert Jenrick added.
Local leaders told Sky News last week a deal had been agreed which meant leisure centres, gyms, fitness centres, beauty parlours, hairdressers and trampoline centres could stay open.
The changes follow the council receiving a £5.9m support package as part of the move into Tier 3, with £4.2m used to support jobs and businesses.
Warrington Council leader Russ Bowden said coronavirus case numbers in the town remained “stubbornly high” while the number of hospital admissions is “concerning”.
“The upsetting and grim reality is that there are more people in hospital, more people in intensive care beds and more people being taken by the virus, and we need to do all we can to try to bring this under control,” he said.