New Covid 3 tier system comes into effect from today

The new 3 tier system announced by the Government on Monday comes into effect today across England.

Areas without additional restrictions have been designated Tier 1 – areas of medium risk where the rule of 6 applies and pubs, bars and restaurants must close by 10pm. Tier 2 – designated High Risk where additional restrictions ban people from mixing indoors with anyone from outside their own household or support bubble and imposed on most areas of the North of England and some parts of the Midlands and Tier 3 – areas of Very High Risk, from today is only applicable to the Liverpool region. This includes the closure of all pubs and bars; restaurants serving significant meals may remain open.

However, Government, regional leaders and Health officials are due to meet later today to discuss the possibility of Greater Manchester, Lancashire and some other areas joining the top tier 3 level.  

Commenting on the news that Greater Manchester was designated to be in Tier 2 of the government’s new Covid alert system, Chris Fletcher, Director of Policy and Communications at Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, said:

“The news that Greater Manchester will be in Tier 2 will come as some relief especially for those businesses that have spent most of the last week trying to operate under the threat of another enforced closure. However questions still persist around the continued lack of an adequate financial support package for those who cannot operate normally and of course for any business that may be affected should the present status be amended and GM ends up in Tier 3. 

“The virus must be stopped and it’s crucial that full attention is given to the worrying numbers that show the North West is the epicentre of the latest outbreak. However stopping the virus cannot come at any price and ongoing damage being done to the economy and community cannot be sustained. The lack of contact with local leaders by Whitehall is simply staggering at a time when it is absolutely needed most. We may have dodged a bullet for now but unless we bring the virus under control the very real danger is that we end up in Tier 3 later. Without adequate support, funding, transparent planning and upfront, adequately timed communications by government this would be a disaster for the local economy.”