Liverpool city region will see its pubs, bars, gyms, leisure centres, betting shops, adult gaming centres and casinos close on Wednesday as restrictions ramp up to tackle the rise in Covid-19 cases.
Prime minister Boris Johnson revealed today a three-tiered traffic light system will be used to dictate Covid restrictions in local areas, as localised rules have become “complex to understand and enforce”.
A medium level (tier one) covers most of England, and encompasses current rules, such as a 10pm curfew for pubs and the rule of six.
Nottinghamshire, and east and west Cheshire, have moved into the high level (tier two), which means people cannot mix with other households indoors.
A very high alert (tier three), means household mixing is banned, and pubs and bars will close. Merseyside is the only region to enter into this category, and additional restrictions have included the closure of fitness centres, betting shops, adult gaming centres and casinos.
Although other areas across the North of England have seen Covid-19 cases rise, they were not ranked alongside Merseyside as very high risk, although Johnson said engagement with leaders in the North East and North West about the rise in cases are continuing.
Local authorities will also be granted £1bn of financial assistance from government, and for areas on very high alert, further financial support will be given.
The armed forces will be drawn in around local areas if needed.
Johnson said that not to act now “would be unforgiveable”, and tighter restrictions is “the narrow path we have to tred”.
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