Downing Street issues warning as three-tier coronavirus restrictions expected to hit the north

Downing Street has warned that England is at a ‘critical juncture’ in the fight against coronavirus as Boris Johnson prepares to announce new restrictions today.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Pubs, gyms and casinos look set to be forced to close and all but essential travel to and from coronavirus hotspots banned under new measures aimed at limiting the spread of the coronavirus.

The Prime Minister is due to spell out his three-tier strategy for containing the virus today, with areas in England labelled as medium, high or very high risk, which will inform the ‘appropriate interventions’ needed in each area.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson is set to host another coronavirus press conference todayPrime Minister Boris Johnson is set to host another coronavirus press conference today
Prime Minister Boris Johnson is set to host another coronavirus press conference today
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Under the furlough scheme introduced when the country went into a full lockdown in March, the government paid 80 per cent of workers’ wages until August.

A separate Job Support Scheme, which launches on November 1 and lasts for six months, will involve the Government paying two thirds of salaries – up to a maximum of £2,100 a month – if employers are legally required to close their premises because of new restrictions.

Night-time economy adviser for Greater Manchester, Sacha Lord, has started legal proceedings to challenge the Government’s impending lockdown of hospitality and entertainment venues.

He said leaders had not seen ‘any tangible scientific evidence to merit a full closure’.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The Prime Minister will chair an emergency committee meeting today ‘to determine the final interventions’ which he will then announce to Parliament.

MPs will be asked to debate and vote on the measures later this week.

The Prime Minister will hold a press conference in Downing Street with Chancellor Rishi Sunak and chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty later today.

A Downing Street spokesperson said: “Our primary focus has always been to protect lives and livelihoods while controlling the spread of the virus and these measures will help achieve that aim.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“We must do everything we can to protect the NHS and make sure it can continue to deliver the essential services that so many people rely on.

“This is a critical juncture and it is absolutely vital that everyone follows the clear guidance we have set out to help contain the virus.”

Thank you to all who support local journalism with a digital or print subscription to The Star. The events of 2020 mean trusted, local journalism is more reliant than ever on your support. We couldn't do it without you. Subscribe here www.thestar.co.uk/subscriptions so we can keep campaigning on your behalf. Stay safe.

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.