Prime Minister Boris Johnson has officially announced a second national lockdown for England as the UK passes one million Covid-19 cases.
Non-essential shops and hospitality will close, but unlike the first national lockdown, schools and colleges will stay open.
This will last for one month and will come into effect just after midnight on Thursday.
These are the measures to be announced by the PM at 5, as I understand it. They will last 2 December. And they are, In effect, a new “Tier 4” that will be imposed for a month initially to the whole of England. 1) All pubs and restaurants to close, though takeaways…
and deliveries will be permitted. 2) All non-essential retail to close, though supermarkets won't have to follow the Welsh example of fencing off non-essential goods. 3) There will be no mixing of people inside homes, except for childcare and other forms of support…
The news comes following reports that the coronavirus death toll in the UK is on course for being “much higher” than during the first wave.
Restrictions on travel have also been confirmed and will last until December 2.
ADVERTISEMENT
The Prime Minister was joined by England’s chief medical officer Chris Whitty and the government’s chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance at tonight’s press briefing, which ran extremely late.
This followed long weekend cabinet talks.
ADVERTISEMENT
Boris Johnsoon
So what are the new lockdown rules?
There will be no mixing of households anywhere in the country, except for in cases where childcare and other forms of support are necessary.
Schools and colleges will remain open as normal.
Pubs, bars and restaurants will be forced to close for the duration of the lockdown.
Non-essential shops will also close.
Supermarkets will remain open with strict COVID-secure regulations.
All outbound international travel is banned, except for work.
Gyms will close, but outdoor exercise will be allowed and “encouraged”.
Travel bans will be in place for non-essential journeys.
However those who cannot work from home will be allowed to travel to their place of work.
More than a million people have tested positive for the coronavirus in the UK since the outbreak began, according to government data.
Another 21,915 confirmed coronavirus cases on Saturday, bringing the exact total since the pandemic began to 1,011,660 – and 326 people were reported to have died within 28 days of a positive test.
This is a breaking news story. More to follow.
News
Police appeal as woman left in ‘critical condition’ after falling off bridge into River Irwell
Emily Sergeant
A police appeal for information has been issued after a woman has been left in a critical condition after falling off a bridge.
The incident took place at Burrs Country Park in Bury.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) explained that, at around 6:30am yesterday morning (3 December), officers were called to a concern for welfare where a woman was reported on the wrong side of the bridge at the Country Park.
The woman, who has not been named, subsequently fell into the River Irwell and is now in a critical condition.
She was been taken to hospital, where she is currently being treated for her injuries, and at this time, police say there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding the incident.
#APPEAL | Officers are appealing for information after a woman has fell into the River Irwell at Burrs Country Park, #Bury at around 6:30am this morning.
There are no suspicious circumstances.
Any info? Call us on 101 quoting log 522 of 03/12/25.
With an investigation currently ongoing and proceeding at pace, GMP are now appealing to the public for help.
If you’re not familiar with Burrs Country Park, it’s located just one mile north west of Bury town centre and lies on the River Irwell, covering an area of 36 hectares of scenic countryside – with wide variety of different wildlife habitats and spots for outdoor activities.
Police are appealing for anyone with any information to come forward, and this includes any witnesses, or anyone who may have CCTV or dashcam footage.
Can you help? You can contact GMP on 101, quoting log 522 of 03/12/2025, or the LiveChat function online at www.gmp.police.uk.
Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Featured Image – Wikimedia Commons
News
Manchester Christmas Parade 2025 – all you need to know-ho-ho
Danny Jones
Now we’re into December, the Manchester Christmas Markets have returned both to the city and even to Albert Square for 2025, not to mention it’s bloody COLD, we think it’s fair to say the holiday season is well and truly underway – plus, the annual parade is now just around the corner.
Time to wrap up warm, pick your perfect spot, grab a hot drink and watch as a train of coloured ribbons and giant puppets flood the streets.
Yes, that’s right: not only can Mancs enjoy the return of the festive firework display this winter, but this year’s Christmas parade is taking place this weekend, and the fun-for-all-ages event is promising to be as magical as ever.
Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the 2025 edition.
We managed to catch it right at the start last year. (Credit: The Manc)
MCR Christmas Parade 2025 – all the important info
When is the Manchester Xmas Parade this year?
For starters, if you’re wondering what time the Manchester Christmas Parade starts this weekend, the fun will be kicking off from 1pm on Sunday, 7 December and will last around an hour from start to finish.
MCR Xmas Parade route
As for where it will be heading and when, the procession will follow a circular route that starts and ends back at Manchester Cathedral, before heading through the city centre, running along some major roads and passing notable landmarks.
It is as follows: Manchester Cathedral – Victoria Street – Deansgate – John Dalton Street – Cross Street – Market Street – St Mary’s Gate – Deansgate – Victoria Street – Manchester Cathedral.
There will be two accessible viewing areas available on a first-come basis – one on Cross St (outside Boots) and one on Deansgate (outside House of Fraser).
You can see a full map of the Manchester Christmas Parade route for 2025 down below.
Credit: Manchester City Council (supplied)
People coming into the city centre for the parade should note that the busiest sections of the parade route are likely to be previously mentioned Cross St and St Mary’s Gate.
Manchester city centre road closures for Sunday (7 Dec)
8am-5pm
Victoria Street (Deansgate to Cathedral Approach)
Cateaton Street (Deansgate to Exchange Square)
11am-3pm
Victoria Bridge Street (Chapel St to Deansgate)
Deansgate (Victoria St to John Dalton St)
John Dalton Street (Southgate to Clarence St)
Cross Street (John Dalton St to Corporation St)
Market Street (Cross St to Exchange St)
St Mary’s Gate (Exchange St to Deansgate)
11am-6pm
St Ann’s Street (Deansgate to Cross St)
As well as the city now having entered what is expected to be one of its busiest periods, it’s also worth reminding that the Metrolink tram service is scheduled for more strikes this weekend, so plan accordingly when heading into town.
It’s also worth noting that these closures will obviously affect parking and bus lanes, as well as some trams and taxi ranks.
There are, of course, always new additions each year, and there’s more never-before-seen content coming for 2025, too.
With even more community groups now taking part than ever, the completely free, family-friendly parade will not only be led by the usual ‘Reindeer Ensemble’ – a talented troupe of eight synchronised dancing reindeer – but a new fantastic ‘Festive Fantasy Candyland Castle’.
Think Christmas meets Willy Wonka, meets Sugar Rush from Wreck-It Ralph and more.
Standing more than four metres tall and surrounded by a giant cavalcade of stilt walkers and dancers, the spectacularly decorated castle slowly rotates as it glides along and is sure to be a particularly must-see moment for the youngsters this year.
ADVERTISEMENT
Credit: Supplied)
We’re not going to spoil too much else for you this year, as we always find it’s more fun to be surprised by what we see whilst stopping roadside.
Let’s just say there’ll be plenty more Christmassy characters and fantastical festivities in store.
Local councillor Pat Karney, Christmas spokesperson for MCC, said of the 2025 parade: “Manchester is one hundred per cent the best city in the world when it comes to celebrating the festive season.
“There is nowhere that does Christmas quite like we do, and our iconic Christmas Parade has been a big part of our celebrations over the last three years, helping make magical memories for thousands upon thousands of Mancunians.
“It’s the heartwarming event of the season and our special Christmas gift to the city. Grab your Santa hat and some tinsel, and come down and join us. Don’t miss it!” There’s plenty more on this week, too…
The Manc -
31st October 2020 
