The new measures imposed on Greater Manchester residents last week have raised a lot of questions.
An increasing rate of local COVID-19 cases has seen restrictions introduced across the 10 boroughs of Greater Manchester – with a ban placed indoor visits and meeting others outside of your household.
Congregating with other people from one other house is permitted only in parks, in groups of up to six.
The Government confirmed that people are still be able to go to work as normal, whilst visits to pubs, restaurants and cafes are also allowed – but only with members of your own household/bubble.
Increasing numbers of residents have now been querying whether travelling outside of the area is permitted – be it for a holiday or moving home.
Yes – Manchester residents are allowed to go on holiday as planned; provided they do so with members of their own household only.
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There is no limit on how far you travel.
The official advice from the Government is: “You can still go on holiday, but you should only do this with people you live with (or have formed a support bubble with).”
You cannot leave the region to meet people in private gardens or pubs.
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People from outside of Greater Manchester are still allowed to enter the area, too – provided they ‘avoid socialising with others’.
I’m supposed to be moving house. Can I still do so?
There is currently no ban on moving home in England.
If you are in the process of moving from one property to another, you can still continue to do so.
Estate and lettings agents have new procedures in place to support people who are changing properties – including the addition of video viewings.
You should not visit any property where current tenants are self-isolating, nor should anyone visit your home if you or another member of your household is experiencing symptoms.
The Government have issued further guidance about moving home during coronavirus online.
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Young people urged to book ‘lifesaving’ meningitis jabs this summer before heading to university
Emily Sergeant
The NHS is urging young people who are heading to university or residential colleges this September to book their ‘lifesaving’ meningitis jabs.
Following the meningococcal B disease (MenB) outbreak in Kent earlier this year – which was the fastest growing and largest ever seen in the UK – the Government announced last month that hundreds of thousands of young people across England will get protection against MenB through a one-off vaccination programme.
Meningococcal disease is life-threatening and can result in life-changing disabilities such as amputations, hearing loss, and brain damage, and in around 10% of cases, it is fatal.
The viruses and bacteria that cause meningitis can be spread through close contact with a person who has them – for example through kissing, or sharing drinks or vapes, or having close contact with the person for long periods of time.
Appointments to get the jab can now be booked at high street pharmacies across England – with the first time slots available from next Monday (20 July).
We're launching a one-off MenB vaccination programme ahead of the next academic year to protect young people from a life-threatening disease.
This will help reduce the risk of serious illness and larger outbreaks. Two doses are needed for full protection.
— Department of Health and Social Care (@DHSCgovuk) June 12, 2026
In total, the NHS predicts that around a million young people are eligible for the vaccine, and those who are eligible are:
People born between 1 September 2007 and 31 August 2008
People born on or after 21 July 2001 and starting university for the first time this autumn
People born on or after 21 July 2001 who are starting in some residential further education colleges for the first time this autumn.
17 and 18-year-olds can already book via the NHS National Booking Service for appointments at community pharmacies, while other eligible people need to contact a participating pharmacy to book an appointment.
Two doses of the vaccine are needed for protection at least 28 days apart, so booking now gives eligible young people enough time to have both doses before they pack their bags for university or college, and before meningitis cases typically begin to rise in the autumn.
“The risk of MenB rises sharply for young people starting university, where mixing closely with so many new people increases exposure to the bacteria,” explained Dr Shamez Ladhani, who is a Consultant Epidemiologist at UKHSA.
“Getting both doses of the vaccine over the summer will provide robust protection against most Meningococcal strains, offering vital peace of mind for students and families as they take this next big step.
Featured Image – NappyStudio (via Unsplash)
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Seven Manchester green spaces have been named some of the best in the UK
Emily Sergeant
A handful of green spaces in Manchester have once again been handed coveted awards and named among the best in the UK.
It may be on your radar that for several years running now, parks and cemeteries in Greater Manchester have deservingly been recipients of the prestigious Green Flag Award – which is an internationally-recognised honour given annually to the parks and cemeteries that have ‘attained a high standard of green space’.
And 2026 seems to be absolutely no different, with the region coming out on top once again.
Green Flag Awards are granted by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy each year to recognise accessible green spaces that set ‘an international benchmark for management’.
Seven Manchester green spaces have been named some of the best in the UK / Credit: Donald Judge (via Flickr) | Wikimedia Commons
Every site recognised through the scheme is assessed by experienced judges who judge the parks using eight criteria.
The criteria includes environmental management, biodiversity, landscape and heritage, community involvement, marketing and communication, and management to make sure it’s a safe and secure place for visitors of all ages.
2026 has been one of Manchester’s most successful years, as Manchester City Council has revealed this week that Blackley, Gorton, Philips Park, Manchester General, and the Southern cemeteries have all been given the Green Flag Award, as well as both Alexandra Park and Heaton Park retaining the important title too.
The awards shed light on the range of groups, volunteers, and staff who devote themselves year-round to the maintenance and upkeep of these areas.
“Come rain or shine our colleagues are out in our parks and cemeteries every day of the year, putting their time and effort into making them the internationally recognised locations they are,” commented Councillor Basat Sheikh, who is the Executive Member for Neighbourhoods at Manchester City Council.
“I’m deeply proud of their efforts and I want to dedicate the seven Green Flags we have been awarded to them.
The Manc -
3rd August 2020 
