There has been confusion, upset and anger today (Friday) as people across Greater Manchester come to terms with the raft of new local lockdown measures.
The government announced late last night new rules applying to residents in all ten boroughs of Greater Manchester, which prohibit people from meeting other households in private homes or gardens as well as hospitality venues.
The news was announced in a series of tweets by the Health Secretary Matt Hancock just before 9.30pm.
He said it was targeted action in response to an increase in cases in the region which he said was 'largely due to households meeting and not abiding to social distancing'.
There has been an outpouring of emotion as people face up to the reality of the news.
Mancunian comedian Jason Manford said on Twitter: "Kids stayed over at my parents last night. Went to bed okay, woke up breaking the law!"
People's plans went up in the smoke- and there was frustration at some of the seeming contradictions within the guidance.
Dan O'Donoghue said: "After a long drive from London to Manchester to see the in-laws, currently trying to work out whether we have to sleep in the car — this comms operation is literally sketched out in crayon."
Shell, also on Twitter said: "It’s absolutely ridiculous isn’t it? And at least give us a little bit of notice when we’ve all made plans.
"Boris Johnson this has to be some kind of joke imposing laws on the same day and not giving people chance to at least make other arrangements."
Ann Norris said on the Manchester Evening News Facebook page: "Doesn’t seem fair that we can go to pubs restaurants and shop amongst people we have never met but cannot see our loved ones who we know have followed all the previous rules."
Jo Rowbotham said: "So I can go to Alton Towers with thousands of random people, but not have my brother round for a piece of our should have been our wedding day cake tomorrow?
"No wonder people are ignoring lockdown, it's madness."
Alex Aspin said: "It’s very clear where you can and can’t go. If you need your cash card you can most certainly go, if you don’t need your cash card don’t you even think about it."
