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England is expected to split into three different tiers of lockdown next week, with millions facing tougher restrictions as the government tries to control the rise in coronavirus cases and hospital admissions.
Pubs and restaurants, as well as leisure facilities, are expected to be closed in northern parts put on the strictest level, according to two sources who have seen blueprints of the current plans.
Under the proposals, people living at the strictest level, level three, are also expected to be ordered not to have any social contact with anyone outside their home in any setting, according to a person familiar with the blueprints who is crafting the government.
The stricter level will also include a financial compensation package for companies that are forced to go out of business.
Level two will be similar to the blockades already imposed in the Northeast and Merseyside
A second source who has also seen the classification proposals said that the level two restrictions would be the same as those currently in the Northeast Y Merseyside – No domestic mixing in homes or gardens, and no domestic mixing in hospitality environments.
Those at level one will be the lightest level, and the public is expected to follow the rule of six and maintain social distancing.
Whitehall sources noted that nothing has yet been signed. “There is still a lot of work to do,” they told Sky News.
The government had planned to announce the new tiered system today, but decided to delay it until next week and roll it out immediately across England amid growing alarm within the government about the increase. COVID-19 number of cases and increase in hospital admissions.
“The numbers in the north are very alarming,” a Whitehall figure told Sky News.
“The worrying thing is that the spread of the disease in certain parts of the country seems to be reaching the older population a little more,” they added.
Ministers are also concerned about pressure on hospitals as we approach winter.
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It comes amid a growing anger of local political leaders about the lack of consultation between Westminster and city mayors, and discussions about local closures are taking place among officials rather than politicians.
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham says ministers have offered “no discussion” and “no consultation” on new coronavirus Measurements in your area.
Liverpool City Mayor Steve Rotherham described the lack of communication with Westminster as “deeply disappointing”.
Newcastle City Council Leader Nick Forbes added: “We need a dialogue with the government and a stronger sense of partnership, rather than the unannounced diktats announced.”
Health Secretary Matt Hancock briefed public health officials and local resilience teams on the proposals Wednesday afternoon, but political leaders were not included in that call.
“There is no information passing through,” a regional leader told Sky News. “There is politics at stake here.”
