Coronavirus travel restrictions between Scotland and Manchester, Salford and Bolton to be lifted

The Scottish Government has announced that temporary coronavirus travel restrictions between Scotland and Manchester, Salford and Bolton will be lifted.

The restrictions will ease from midnight tonight.

But travel restrictions on Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council will remain in place amid Covid-19 case rates of the Delta variant, although this arrangement will be reviewed next week.

Relevant local authorities have been made aware of the changes, according to the government.

Scottish Health Secretary Humza Yousaf MSP says the changes have come after a careful review of data.

He 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."