Greater Manchester declares major incident over rising ‘virus’ rates from tests not testing for the ‘virus’ – how long are you going to take it people?

A major incident has been declared in Greater Manchester over rising Covid-19 infections just as the Chancellor’s meal-deal scheme – aimed at encouraging Brits to go out more – gets under way.

Sir Richard Leese, Leader of Manchester City Council, urged residents to stay calm after public service leaders decided to increase their readiness as they grapple with the escalating coronavirus transmission rates in the region.

“People should not be alarmed that a major incident has been declared,” Sir Richard said. The Labour politician called the move “standard practice for complex situations” and said it would allow a “central command structure” to be created to enable agencies to “draw on extra resources”.

The decision to declare a major incident was taken by the Strategic Coordination Group on the weekend after they met to discuss the increased lockdown restrictions announced last week across parts of the North West.

Read More: Greater Manchester declares major incident over rising Covid-19 rates