Greater Manchester to stay in tightest Covid restrictions for Christmas
The government announced only 'minor' changes to the tier system in their review.
Last updated 17th Dec 2020
Despite hopes for hospitality venues to open their doors before Christmas, Greater Manchester is to stay in tier 3.
The Health Secretary Matt Hancock made the announcement in the House of Commons today.
He said cases are rising across the globe and that "no-one wants tougher restrictions for longer than is necessary".
Bristol and North Somerset are the only places in tier 3 that will be brought into tier 2.
It means pubs, restaurants and cafes in Greater Manchester are unable to open, gym classes can't go ahead and people are unable to mix with people from other households in most public settings.
This is despite the government sticking to plans to allow 3 households to mix for 5 days over Christmas.
It's led to backlash from leaders in Manchester, with Councillor Pat Karney tweeting: "it's devastating for Manchester's Hospitality Industry. Makes no sense that I can be in the Arndale but can't go in a cafe opposite. These inconsistent regulations have lost a lot of the trust of the public."
The tier system is reviewed every fortnight and will be looked at again on 30th December.
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