Tighter restrictions have been introduced in Bolton in a bid to stem the spread of coronavirus.
People living in the town will no longer be allowed to mix with anyone outside their household and must only use public transport for 'essential purposes'.
The new measures, which have been announced this evening and come into effect immediately, are aimed at halting the soaring number of new infections in Bolton.
The borough currently has the highest infection rate in the country at 104.3 per 100,000 people.
The largest group affected are those between 18 and 49 years old, who account for more than 90pc of the cases.
Bolton council says it has decided to take action in conjunction with the government and Public Health England.
Leaders hope the measures will prevent a further lockdown in Bolton and bring the borough's infection rate back in line with the rest of the UK.
Residents are being asked to only use public transport for essential purposes, such as travel to education, work, and essential purposes - for example hospital appointments.
The advice to not mix with other households applies to both indoor and outdoor settings.
People in a support bubble will still be allowed to meet.
In a joint statement, the Bolton council's leader, Coun David Greenhalgh, and chief executive, Tony Oakman, said: “It has been a tough period for individuals, families and businesses but we don’t want to throw away all our hard work by allowing the infection rate to rise even higher.
“Now, more than ever, we need everyone in Bolton to play their part.
“Nobody wants these restrictions to remain a moment longer than necessary and we believe these new measures will keep everyone safe and help avoid a full lockdown in Bolton.
“Since the start of this pandemic, the people of Bolton have worked incredibly hard to combat this pandemic.
"Alongside a range of additional measures and interventions across Bolton we are asking everyone, particularly the younger age groups, to continue to follow the guidelines.”
Dr Helen Lowey, Director of Public Health for Bolton Council, said that everyone had a part to play as the borough fights to stop the virus spreading further.
She added: “This is a crucial stage in our response to the coronavirus and what we will do now will significantly impact how quickly we can reduce the rate to as low a level as possible.
“We are carrying out extra testing including giving out home testing kits, and are carrying out extra site visits to support businesses to be Covid secure, and carrying out enforcement where necessary.
“Evidence from Oldham and Blackburn shows stopping households mixing works.
“For this to work, we all need to play our part to protect our vulnerable friends and relatives.
“As well as these additional measures, please remember the importance of washing hands, maintaining distance, wearing a face covering and getting a test if you have symptoms.”
While other parts of Greater Manchester are seeing some restrictions on leisure facilities and indoor performances lifted this week, they will remain closed in Bolton.
The borough - along with Trafford - was due to be released from the Greater Manchester-wide restrictions on Wednesday (September 2).
But following pressure from local leaders about the alarming infection rate, Matt Hancock made a dramatic U-turn and said lockdown measures would remain.
The current infection rate is the highest the borough has seen since the pandemic began.
