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Pubs, bars, gyms, gambling shops, casinos and adult gaming centers in Liverpool, Wirral, Knowsley, Sefton, St Helens and Halton will be closed as part of strict Level 3 coronavirus lockdown restrictions, leaders of the region in a joint statement this morning. .
The statement from the Liverpool city region leaders also reveals that the Army is being recruited and that the region will receive a six-month package of financial support from the government as part of the Level 3 restrictions that Boris Johnson will announce later. Monday in the middle of the spiral. coronavirus cases.
The statement signed by Steve Rotheram, Metropolitan Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, Liverpool Mayor Joe Anderson and leaders of local authorities in Halton, Knowsley, SeftonSt Helens and Wirral and released early Monday confirms: “The government has decided that the following measures and closures will apply to the Liverpool city region.
“Pubs and bars; gambling shops, casinos, adult gaming centers and gyms will close.”
He adds: “They believe that these measures will help stop the spread of Covid 19, reduce infection levels and ease pressure on our hospitals and the NHS.”
The statement reveals that leaders remain unhappy with the government’s license replacement scheme and the offer of financial support to protect jobs and businesses affected by the closures, but leaders “acknowledge the government’s offer on new local arrangements and financial support for the application and for testing, tracking and Isolate. “
Specifically:
• “An enforcement package, with laws, not just guidance and advice, and funds and resources to enforce restrictions when necessary.”
• “An effective local track, trace and isolation package with funding to back it up, cooperation on data, local control, and the necessary guaranteed supplies and resources.”
The statement adds: ““ We also appreciate the opportunity to engage the Armed Forces capacity and logistical support, working alongside our own Local Authority staff and Public Health officials.
“These measures will be supported by a specific package of financial support for our City Region to cover a period of six months and not depend on the Level position of our City Region.”
The statement begins with: “In response to the high and growing Covid-19 cases in the City Region, we have been working collectively throughout the weekend to negotiate a Government support package in the best interest of the people. Liverpool City Region.
“After further talks with the Government today, we write to expose the current position between the Government and the LCR.
“Together we agree and share the serious concerns regarding the increasing pressure on our hospitals and we remain absolutely committed to working with the Government to reduce the spread of the coronavirus and the number of Covid-19 cases.
“We have made it clear that while our priority is the health and well-being of our residents, the well-being of our economy is also a top priority.
“We make it clear that we do not believe that the recently announced vacation leave plan is adequate and that companies in the Region, especially those in the hotel sector and those that serve it, will be damaged and many will suffer long-term damage or close permanently. “. it was very, very clear that they would not change or improve the scheme.
“We are also challenging the Government on other issues, such as Track & Trace, compliance and funding for the City and Local Authorities to address the funding crisis and manage our budgets this year and next.”
And emphasizing that negotiations are ongoing, the statement adds: “However, we must be clear that we have not yet reached an agreement on the broader economic support package that will be required as we enter Level 3 restrictions, But we have agreed to maintain a dialogue with the government to establish a more comprehensive, appropriate and mutually agreed financial support package to mitigate the impact of the new Level 3 restrictions.
“If pubs, bars and other hospitality and entertainment businesses are forced to close, there must be adequate support for them and their staff.
“We are also in dialogue with the sector, to understand the impact of the Foreign Minister’s statement on Friday on the best way to use our emergency fund, announced last week.
“Any package must acknowledge the additional pressure on businesses and their employees in Level 3 areas and we seek recognition of that from the Government as we seek to work with them to develop an acceptable solution to these challenges and provide support to local businesses. .
“Our Local Authorities cannot continue to exist up to date and currently cannot plan for the medium or long term. A clearer funding agreement must be struck that allows us to move forward with the plan, continue to provide essential public services, avoid large-scale layoffs for key Local Authority workers, and confidently set a budget for next year.
“Therefore, we seek assurances from the Treasury that, upon reaching that national position, no local authority placed in Tier 3 measures will be placed in a position where it cannot balance its budget this year or cannot establish a legal budget. next year . In this regard, we have agreed that a new discussion will be held with the Treasury on this matter. “
Leaders of the region also say: ““ We also require a clear definition of the Level 3 Exit Strategy.
“We remain committed to dialogue with the Government to achieve a mutually agreed solution.
“At this point, we would also like to thank our officers, who have been working closely with us over the weekend, for their continued support.”
The statement ends with the names of Steve Rotheram, Metropolitan Mayor of the Liverpool City Region; Joe Anderson OBE, Mayor of Liverpool; Cllr Rob Polhill, Halton Council Leader; Cllr Graham Morgan, Knowsley Council Leader; Cllr Ian Maher, Sefton Council Leader, Cllr David Baines, St Helens Council Leader; and Cllr Janette Williamson, leader of the Wirral Council.
The move comes after the prime minister held a conference call with cabinet colleagues on Sunday to discuss the situation.
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Downing Street said the government is working with local leaders to determine the areas that will be covered by the very high alert level and the necessary measures in those places.
Johnson will chair today a high-level COBR committee meeting on the issue “to determine final interventions” which he will then announce to Parliament.
Johnson is expected to divide different parts of England into local Covid alert areas as medium, high or very high.
The classification of zones will determine what type of “appropriate interventions” will be carried out in them to combat the coronavirus outbreak.
MPs will be asked to debate and vote on the measures later this week.
The prime minister will also hold a press conference in Downing Street with Chancellor Rishi Sunak and medical director Professor Chris Whitty on Monday.
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