A full lockdown in Oldham would have had a "huge impact" on the local economy and financial packages must now be introduced to help business through potential future measures, it's been claimed.
The Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce said it was "pleased" Oldham had avoided a full lockdown, despite the area seeing more stringent social distancing measures imposed on Friday.
The borough had been teetering on the brink of full Leicester-style lockdown due to high coronavirus infection rates, but targeted testing and other measures have brought numbers down significantly over the last week. That meant Health Secretary Matt Hancock agreed .
That means pubs and restaurants can remain open.
Chris Fletcher, policy and campaigns director at the chamber of commerce, said: “We are pleased to hear that Oldham has avoided a full local lockdown as it would have had a huge impact on the local economy.
“However, there is still the risk that local lockdowns could be used in the future.
"If local lockdowns are to be used there has to be total clarity and accountability in how this is communicated from the first message through to the last.
"The recent introduction of Greater Manchester-wide measures was poorly communicated, with very little notice from national government, and at a time when people needed clear instructions and guidance the manner it was announced created more questions than answers."
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Mr Fletcher also called for the introduction of financial support packages for businesses and employees affected "in any way" by potential future lockdowns.
He said: "It isn’t enough to just look at businesses based in lockdown areas.
"If employees are prevented from travelling to jobs in areas outside of lockdown then this will have a significant impact too and should be taken into account.
“The economy right across Greater Manchester has been hit hard already and it is beyond doubt that if there are local lockdowns in the future they will have an even greater impact.
“The health of a community is paramount and we understand the role of more localised lockdowns in combatting Covid-19, but there has to be recognition by government and action taken in the setting up of localised financial targeted packages that will be needed to support jobs and business in those areas affected.”
A spokesman for the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) said leaders' "main objective" this week was to avoid a local lockdown.
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He added: "Our second objective was to ensure areas with consistently low infection rates were taken out of the restrictions so the decision on Wigan’s restrictions being lifted is a welcome one.
"We have all been concerned about the situation in Oldham and this is why we have sought to work in partnership both with the local council and the government to agree the most suitable and effective measures, as set out by Oldham Council.
"Increased measures to restrict the mixing of households are a much more sensible approach than local lockdown.
"We are pleased that the Health Secretary has listened to what leaders said in their letter to him yesterday.”
Debbie Abrahams, MP for Oldham East and Saddleworth, reacted to the news of new measures for Oldham, describing it as 'good news for residents and our local businesses.'
She said: Well done to everyone for all their hard work in getting the message out about the need for us all to stay vigilant. There’s no doubt it has paid off.
We must now all continue to play our part in saving us from any future threat of a full lockdown which would be disastrous for the local economy."