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Tighter closures are coming for millions of people across England, as Matt Hancock was set to announce new restrictions for parts of the North West and London.
The Health Secretary will give a statement in the Commons later where coronavirus alert levels are expected to increase for Greater Manchester, parts of Lancashire and London.
Local leaders in Greater Manchester are fiercely resisting attempts to shift the area to the highest level, ‘Level 3’, where pubs and bars must close and households are prohibited from mixing indoors.
Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, threatened to take legal action against the Government if the region went from Level 2 to Level 3 without a bailout.
In London, the alert level will be raised from Level 1, the lowest blocking level, to Level 2, which means a ban on indoor gatherings with people outside their home.
(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Health Minister Helen Whately told local MPs that the changes would take effect at 01:01 on Saturday.
Crucial talks took place on Thursday morning, with local MPs in London, Lancashire and Greater Manchester summoned for telephone briefings with ministers.
Business Minister Nadhim Zahawi suggested that Manchester and parts of Lancashire would enter the highest level of lockdown.
Pressed on the fly on Sky News, he said, “Well, like I say, I’m not going to speculate.
“Matt Hancock is going to make a statement to parliament on where we are, but you can see the numbers clearly.”
He said ministers were also speaking with London Mayor Sadiq Khan, who has been calling for a stricter lockdown in the capital.
(Image: Daily Mirror / Ian Vogler)
Khan told London’s health chiefs on Wednesday that a change in restrictions was looming, as he expected the coronavirus rate in the capital to imminently reach an average of 100 cases per 100,000 people.
Here’s what the changes mean to you.
What are the rules for Level 3?
Social contact: You cannot meet anyone outside your home or support the bubble on the inside. The strict rules also prohibit gatherings in private gardens, beer gardens, hospitality or ticketed venues. You will only be able to see people who are not at home or the bubble is in an open public space, such as a park, forest, beach, and in groups of no more than six.
Pubs and restaurants: All bars must close unless they serve food. You can only buy alcohol if you are also consuming a “substantial meal”, not a bar snack.
Schools, universities and childcare: These remain open in all circumstances, but universities can do more learning online.
Travel and transportation: You should limit travel outside of your local area, except for work and school trips. This is a guide, rather than the law. People are discouraged from spending the night outside the area or visitors staying from other locations.
Job: The advice is to work from home if you can.
Weddings and funerals: 15 guests can attend wedding ceremonies, but receptions are prohibited. Funerals can have up to 30 mourners, with only 15 people allowed at the wake.
Stores: All retail stores, including non-essential stores, can remain open.
Gyms, hairdressers, public facilities: Local areas can negotiate if they close facilities, including casinos and gyms, like the ones they have in the Liverpool city region.
Sports: Organized indoor sport and exercise classes may continue to be taught as long as the rule of six is observed
Time frame: The regulations will be reviewed every 28 days and will expire after 6 months.
What are the rules for Level 2?
Social contact: You cannot meet anyone outside your home or support the bubble on the inside. This applies at home or in a public place. The six-limit rule applies outdoors.
Pubs and restaurants: Hospitality venues have a 10pm curfew and table service only.
Schools, universities and childcare: Stay open in all circumstances, but colleges can do more learning online.
Travel and transportation: There are no travel restrictions, but it is recommended to minimize the number of trips you take.
Job: The advice is to work from home if you can.
Weddings and funerals: 15 guests can attend wedding ceremonies and receptions. Funerals can have up to 30 mourners, with only 15 people allowed at the wake.
Stores: All retail stores, including non-essential stores, can remain open.
Gyms, hairdressers, public facilities: These can remain open.
Sports: Organized indoor sport and exercise classes may continue to be taught as long as the rule of six is observed
Time frame: Areas will be reviewed every 14 days, regulations will be reviewed every 28 days and will expire after 6 months.
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