Boris Johnson set out on Monday a three-tier system of local lockdown measures in England, including a ban on households mixing indoors in some areas, designed to curb the spread of coronavirus. Businesses in areas which are placed under “very high” alert levels will have access to a cash grant during the shutdown. Mr Johnson told MPs: “Local authorities in the Liverpool city region will move into the very high alert level from Wednesday.
“In Merseyside, gyms and leisure centres, betting shops, adult gaming centres and casinos will also close.”
He added: “The very high alert level will apply where transmission rates are rising most rapidly and where the NHS could soon be under unbearable pressure without further restrictions.
“In these areas, the government will set a baseline prohibiting social mixing indoors and in private gardens and closing pubs and bars.
“We want to create the maximum possible local consensus behind this more severe local action.
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“In each area we will work with local government leaders on the additional measures which should be taken. This could lead to further restrictions on the hospitality, leisure and entertainment sectors.”
The Prime Minister said around £1 billion of “new financial support” will be provided to local authorities in England, adding in the Commons: “For very high areas, we will give further financial support for local test and trace and local enforcement – and assistance from the armed forces, not for enforcement but rather to support local services if desired in the local area.”
He said agreement has been reached with leaders in Merseyside, explaining it will be in the “very high alert” level from Wednesday – with gyms, leisure centres, betting shops, adult gaming centres and casinos also closing.
Mr Johnson said: “Engagement with other leaders in the North West, the North East and Yorkshire and Humber is continuing.
Mr Johnson encouraged local authorities to enter the highest Tier 3 restrictions “where necessary” in order to control the spread of Covid-19.
Conservative former health secretary Jeremy Hunt told the Commons: “We all want to avoid a second national lockdown, which would be devastating for jobs.
“Does (Mr Johnson) agree that the evidence from China, Korea and Italy is that the best way to avoid this is earlier decisive, localised interventions however difficult, however unpalatable and today’s difficult decision is not therefore about a trade-off between jobs and health, but ultimately the best way to secure both?”
The Prime Minister said Mr Hunt is “absolutely right”, adding: “I know local leaders across the country will listen to him and I hope they will accept our offer and go into Tier 3 where necessary.”
