After days of long and drawn-out discussions, it has been announced that Greater Manchester has been ‘forced’ into Tier 3.
On 12 October, the government revealed the details of a new approach to local lockdowns – a three-tiered system of coronavirus restrictions.
Although initially avoiding the strictest measures, it has been announced that Greater Manchester will be placed into Tier 3 from midnight on Thursday 22 October.
In a public briefing at 5pm on 20 October, Boris Johnson reiterated that he wanted to avoid a national lockdown if at all possible but that the time had come to enforce the toughest measures in Greater Manchester.
Today’s announcement follows days of discussions between the government and local leaders.
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham and council leaders had opposed the move to Tier 3 due to what they described as a lack of scientific evidence and insufficient financial support for businesses and self employed people.
Local leaders were given a deadline of midday on Tuesday 20 October to accept an offer provided by the government but an agreement was not reached.
Burnham said in a press conference today that at no point were they offered a sufficient package to warrant an agreement to the new restrictions.
He said: “How can we carry the public through this pandemic if we are forcing them to lose their income, their place of work without supporting them through that?”
“… We need to carry [the public] with us, not crush their spirit.”
Boris Johnson admitted that he knew these restrictions were tough but that ‘generous and extensive offer’ which was proportionate to what had been offered to Merseyside and Lancashire.
The offer on the table for consideration at midday was for £60 million but the amount announced at the briefing today was just £22 million.
What does ‘Tier 3’ mean?
The three-tier system divides England into Tier 1 (medium risk), Tier 2 (high risk) and Tier 3 (very high risk).
From 00:01 on Friday 23 October, Greater Manchester will join Merseyside and Lancashire in being placed under Tier 3 restrictions.
This means that pubs and bars in Greater Manchester will now have to close for at least 28 days, unless they serve a substantial meal.
Restaurants can stay open but existing restrictions will remain in place including table service, track and trace check ins and the controversial 10pm curfew.
Households are banned from mixing indoors and in ‘most outdoor settings’.
Alongside pubs and bars, casinos, bingo halls, betting shops and soft play areas will also have to close.
People are also now strongly advised from travelling in to or out of Greater Manchester.
The prime minister said in his statement that they would continue to work with local leaders in the different boroughs of Greater Manchester.
Retail businesses, as well as schools and universities remain unaffected for all tiers under the current system.
The new measures outlined today will come into force from 00:01 on Friday 23 October.
