People living in Scotland are being advised to avoid travel to areas in northern England facing new lockdown restrictions after a spike in coronavirus (COVID-19) cases.

Travel between Scotland and Greater Manchester, East Lancashire and parts of West Yorkshire should only be undertaken if absolutely essential.

Anyone currently in the affected areas does not need to return to Scotland early but should be extra vigilant in monitoring for symptoms and following the FACTS guidance both during their stay and when they return home.

The areas of northern England you should avoid include:
Greater Manchester
City of Manchester, Trafford, Stockport, Oldham, Bury, Wigan, Bolton, Tameside, Rochdale, Salford

East Lancashire
Blackburn with Darwen, Burnley, Hyndburn, Pendle, Rossendale

Parts of West Yorkshire
Bradford, Calderdale, Kirklees

Source: Scottish Government