The new local lockdown restrictions are set to be announced today, here’s everything that is expected to be said…
Boris Johnson is expected to sign off an agreement that is set to simplify the restrictions, in a new three tier system that will put areas into ‘medium’, ‘high’ and ‘very high’ risk.
Manchester is expected to be placed in the highest category along with Liverpool and Newcastle.
The Sunday Times has reported that residents in the third tier, like Manchester, will be told to avoid all essential travel and not to travel between zones.
Additionally, bars, restaurants, cafés and club are set to close, but other shops and services such as hairdressers and schools will stay open.
However, there have been some reports that restaurants in tier 3 areas will be allowed to stay open until the 10pm curfew.
It is not clear yet how long the restrictions will last, but the Guardian reports it could last several months with regular reviews.
In the ‘very high risk’ tier Downing Street is reportedly set to request the closure of specific hospitality and leisure venues such as beauty salons and sports centres.
Banning travelling outside of the region is being considered by the government, including a ban on overnight stays.
Sir Richard Leese, leader of Manchester City Council, told Times Radio there is a ‘large gulf’ between the city and Government in the discussions about further restrictions.
He said: “We seem to have an almost impossible task of penetrating the Westminster bubble.” He added that the council’s data shows ‘no evidence closing pubs works’.
Greater Manchester’s night-time economy adviser, Sacha Lord, is hoping to overturn the new restrictions amid claims it is counterproductive and further damaging the economy.
The plans are being finalised with a debate on Tuesday, and could be implemented as soon as Wednesday according to reports.
However, Mayor of Liverpool Steve Rotheram has cleared up that things are not yet finalised, tweeting: “Contrary to some reports circulating tonight, no agreement has yet been reached with Government and negotiations are ongoing. We have been clear that new restrictions must come with the financial support to protect jobs and businesses.
“A deal isn’t a deal until it is agreed.”
