Could South Yorkshire be next in line for the toughest Tier Three restrictions?
People in South Yorkshire are waiting to see if the county is moved up to the toughest level of coronavirus restrictions this week.
Last updated 20th Oct 2020
South Yorkshire could be one of the next parts of the country to face the top level of coronavirus restrictions.
Currently, the county is under Tier Two of the lockdown system for England, or the "high" alert level.
There are reports moving into Tier Three could happen this week. Currently, Lancashire and the Liverpool City Region are the only two areas of England currently under those restrictions, affecting 3.1 million people.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock told the House of Commons yesterday:
"Following the successful introduction of measures in Liverpool and Lancashire, talks are continuing with Greater Manchester, and this week further discussions are planned with South Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire, the North East and Teesside.''
The latest stats show Sheffield has seen a fall in the rate of coronavirus cases - but they are still rising in Barnsley, Rotherham and Doncaster.
There were talks between the Sheffield City Region Mayor and Downing Street yesterday and they will continue today.
Dan Jarvis says he is still waiting for ministers to promise enough support to protect lives and livelihoods.
It's as Doncaster's Mayor's said it's a matter of "when not if" the town gets put under tier three rules.
Sheffield Heeley's MP, Louise Haigh, agrees: "We all have huge concerns about the number of cases rising in Sheffield and across South Yorkshire - and, in particular, the fact that increasing numbers of over 60s are now contracting the virus. "It is really important we get back on top of the virus. Given that the government haven't got in place the test, track and trace system that is needed, the only way to do it is to reduce social contact."
What would Tier Three restrictions mean for South Yorkshire?
*Socialising with anyone outside your household in any indoor and many outdoor settings would be banned
*Pubs and bars would be forced to close unless they can operate as a restaurant.
Greater Manchester also faces tougher rules. The Government has given local leaders until midday on Tuesday to agree new coronavirus controls.
Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick said the deteriorating public health situation in the region meant action to curb the spread of the disease was needed.
Mayor Andy Burnham has said that they still want an agreement on a financial support package before agreeing to go into the highest, Tier 3 restrictions.
But in a statement, Mr Jenrick said:
"There are now more Covid-19 patients in Greater Manchester hospitals than in the whole of the South West and South East combined.
"But, unfortunately, despite recognising the gravity of the situation, local leaders have been so far unwilling to take the action that is required to get this situation under control.
"I have written to local leaders this evening to make clear that if we cannot reach agreement by midday tomorrow then I must advise the Prime Minister that despite our best endeavours we've been unable to reach agreement.''