A new tiered lockdown system is set to be announced today.
Manchester has successfully dodged a ‘Tier 3’ lockdown, it has officially been confirmed – with residents of Greater Manchester set to be placed on Tier 2 later tonight following the Prime Minister’s TV address at 6pm. The news comes following a call with Health Secretary Matt Hancock earlier today, in which it was explained where Manchester currently stood in the impending tiering system.
Call with the Secretary of State confirms GM will be placed in Tier 2 with household restrictions on meeting indoors in any setting, but not outdoors
Pubs serving food remain open
Oldham will be removed from its enhanced lockdown measures and brought into line with GM *at last* https://t.co/IW6zwoXIQP pic.twitter.com/xcHRcmjxbx
— Jim McMahon MP (@JimfromOldham) October 12, 2020
Announcing via Twitter this afternoon, Oldham MP Jim McMahon said: “Call with the Secretary of State confirms GM will be placed in Tier 2 with household restrictions on meeting indoors in any setting, but not outdoors.
“Pubs serving food remain open.
“Oldham will be removed from its enhanced lockdown measures and brought into line with GM *at last*”
After increasing resistance from both Mayor Andy Burnham and the hospitality industry, the region has avoided being subject to the government’s toughest restrictions – with reports that Liverpool will be one of few cities placed on Tier 3.
Breaking: Greater Manchester stays in Tier 2. Big result. Our pubs/bars will stay open. This could change though, so we will continue to keep our legal challenge ready, in the event that it does. We will not support any closure without scientific evidence.
— Sacha Lord (@Sacha_Lord) October 12, 2020
Nighttime Economy Advisor Sacha Lord shared his relief just moments after the news broke, saying of the Manchester Council leaders who fought all weekend to keep hospitality businesses open “We all owe you a pint. Is it too early for the pub yet?”.
Here’s what the new tier means for Greater Manchester residents:
- Mixing with other households indoors is now banned
- Gatherings of six are permitted outdoors only
- Pubs serving food and restaurants can remain open under the 10pm curfew
Tier 1 allows for a little more leeway, with only the rule of six applying both indoors and outdoors, and the 10pm curfew remaining in place for hospitality businesses. Tier 3, the toughest tier, will see the closure of pubs, restaurants and gyms, with non-essential travel banned, overnight stays banned in lockdown areas, and complete bans on social contact with other households.