Everything you need to know about Manchester's 'very high' covid alert
Boris Johnson has announced Manchester will be put into tier three from Friday
Last updated 20th Oct 2020
Manchester will be put into the highest covid alert level, despite the government not reaching agreement with local Mayors and councils.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced that from Friday Manchester will move into the 'very high' alert level, otherwise known as tier three.
An argument has been continuing all week about this, with Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham arguing that the government are not giving out enough money to support areas with the strictest restrictions.
What did Boris Johnson say about Manchester?
The Prime Minister told a Downing Street news conference: “As we act, I don’t want anybody to think that your actions, our actions, are in vain.
“This evening… I can announce that Greater Manchester will move to the very high alert level.
“That means that pubs and bars must close, unless they are serving substantial meals, households can’t mix in doors, or in most outdoor settings.
“In some public outdoor spaces groups must be limited to the rule of six.
“And, we strongly advise against travel into and out of the area.”
Manchester faces tougher restrictions
Boris Johnson confirmed Greater Manchester would move to the “very high” alert level.
Pubs and bars will be closed, unless they are serving substantial meals, for a 28-day period, along with betting shops, casinos, bingo halls, adult gaming centres and soft play areas.
The Prime Minister said regulations will be laid in Parliament on Thursday and come into force just after midnight.
“I know that these restrictions are tough, both on businesses and individuals – believe me, no-one wants to be putting these things into effect,” he said.
The new measures could lead to the closure of more than 1,800 pubs and 140 wine bars, as well as 277 betting shops and 12 casinos, according to the real estate adviser Altus Group.
The new rules
So from Friday, you won't be able to mix households indoors and you can't meet in groups than more than six people outside.
Weddings will only be allowed to have groups of 15, 30 people can group together for a funeral.
Pubs and bars will be closed unless they are serving 'substantial meals'.
If you want to know more click here are for all the tier three rules.
What's the argument about?
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham said talks collapsed after the Government refused to meet his demand for £65 million to support the livelihoods of people in the region as they face the closure of pubs, bars, bookmakers and other premises.
But Whitehall insiders accused the Labour mayor of “intransigence” and claimed his “pride” had scuppered a deal.
Mr Burnham said leaders of the authorities in Greater Manchester had originally wanted £90 million – £15 million a month until the end of the financial year – to protect incomes for people forced out of work.
They reduced that sum eventually to £65 million, but ministers would only offer £60 million.
The Prime Minister only confirmed a £22 million sum as he announced the new restrictions at a Downing Street press conference.
Mr Burnham said £65 million was the “bare minimum to prevent a winter of real hardship” over a “punishing” winter.