These changes will take effect at 0.01am on Thursday 31st December.
Announcing the new classifications, Mr Hancock said: “Unfortunately, this new variant is now spreading across most of England and cases are doubling fast [and] it is therefore necessary to apply Tier 4 measures to a wider area, including the remaining parts of the South East, as well as large parts of the Midlands, the North West, the North East and the South West.”
Lancashire, Cheshire, Warrington, Blackpool and Blackburn with Darwen will also move from Tier 3 restrictions into Tier 4.
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Liverpool City Region will move from Tier 2 restrictions into Tier 3, while Cumbria will from Tier 2 into Tier 4.
BREAKING: Health Secretary Matt Hancock says that three quarters of the population of England are now going to be in Tier 4 due to the spread of the second COVID variant.
The government decides which tier applies in each area based on a range of indicators, including:
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Analysis of cases across all age groups
Analysis of cases in the over 60s
The rate by which cases are rising or falling
The percentage of those tested in local populations with COVID-19
Pressures on the NHS
The new restrictions will see Greater Manchester residents told to “stay at home”, but what exactly does tier 4 mean for the region?
What are we permitted to and not permitted to do when restrictions take effect from tomorrow?
Tier 4
People must not leave their home or garden unless they have a ‘reasonable excuse’, including where reasonably necessary for work, education, exercise or open air recreation, and essential activities such as medical appointments and to buy food.
People must not meet socially indoors, in a private garden or most outdoor public venues with anybody they do not live with or have a support bubble with.
Everyone who can work from home should do so.
People can see only one other person that they do not live with (or do not have a support bubble with) in certain public outdoor places – such as parks, public gardens, or outdoor sports facilities.
Weddings and funerals can go ahead with restrictions on the number of attendees – six people can attend wedding ceremonies, wedding receptions are not allowed, 30 people can attend funeral ceremonies, and six people can attend linked commemorative events.
Accommodation such as hotels, B&Bs, campsites, holiday lets and guest houses must close, other than where very limited exceptions apply.
Hospitality settings, such as bars (including shisha bars), pubs, cafes, restaurants, and social clubs must close except for takeaway, delivery, drive-through and click and collect services. Takeaway must cease between 11pm and 5am, but delivery, drive-through and click-and-collect may continue during this period. This includes restaurants and bars within hotels or members’ clubs.
Indoor entertainment venues, such as casinos, bowling alleys, and bingo halls must close, and cinemas, theatres, and concert venues must also close.
Certain outdoor venues, such as botanical gardens, heritage sites, and zoos and other animal attractions may stay open, although indoor elements at these attractions must also close.
All indoor leisure and sports facilities must close, except where a legal exemption exists, such as for the training of elite sportspersons.
The changes will move an additional 20 million people into Tier 4, meaning a total of 44 million people (78% of England’s population) will be in the toughest tier.
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You can find more information regarding Tier 4 restrictions here.
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For the latest information, guidance and support during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in the UK, please do refer to official sources at gov.uk/coronavirus.
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News
Police arrest another man in connection with Manchester synagogue terror attack last year
Emily Sergeant
Another man has been arrested this week in connection with the attack on a synagogue in Manchester last year.
In case you need a reminder, the shocking knife and car attack took place on 2 October 2025 on Yom Kippur – the holiest day in the Jewish calendar – at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue, and during the incident, two men sadly lost their lives during the attack – Adrian Daulby, 53, who was shot dead by Greater Manchester Police (GMP) while trying to stop the attacker from entering the synagogue, and Melvin Cravitz, 66, a worshipper who also helped stop the attacker.
The attacker was named as 35-year-old Jihad al Shamie – a 35-year-old British citizen of Syrian descent who lived in Prestwich – who at the time was on bail for an alleged rape, before being shot dead by police.
Yesterday evening (Tuesday 26 May 2026), officers from Counter Terrorism Policing North West, alongside GMP, executed a warrant at an address on St James’ Road in Higher Broughton.
A 49-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of failing to disclose information regarding terrorist activity, contrary to S38B of the Terrorism Act 2000, and he has been taken into custody for questioning.
Another man has been arrested in connection to the Manchester synagogue terror attack / Credit: Google Maps | GMP
This brings the total number of people arrested in connection with the incident to eight.
That number includes a 30-year-old man arrested on suspicion of failing to disclose information regarding terrorist activity, contrary to S38B of the Terrorism Act 2000, who still remains under investigation, and a man who has since been charged with terrorism offences that are not directly linked to the attack.
“We remain unwavering in our commitment to establishing the full picture behind the attack and getting answers for those affected, including the local community,” commented Assistant Chief Constable Rob Potts, who holds operational responsibility for Counter Terrorism Policing North West.
“We are prepared to take swift, firm action where we suspect criminal offences may have occurred.
“Our investigation is continuing, and I would once again urge anybody who may have information that could assist us to please contact police.”
Featured Image – GMP
News
Met Office dishes on how long heatwave’ll last as yesterday was hottest May day on record
Emily Sergeant
The Met Office has given us an idea of how long this current heatwave may last.
It comes after a new UK temperature record was broken yesterday, as it reached 34.8°C at the weather station in Kew Gardens – with the figure being both the highest daily maximum temperature recorded in meteorological spring (March, April, and May), as well as the highest temperature in May all together.
The previous record of 32.8°C was reached in 1922 and 1944.
If confirmed and validated, and May sees a new official daily temperature record, it would mean that more than half of the monthly record highs – seven out of 12 – have been set since 2003.
Today has been the hottest day in May on record with Kew Gardens provisionally reaching 34.8°C – exceeding the previous highest May temperature in the UK by a full 2 degrees Celsius🌡️
This heat would be exceptional in the UK even in mid summer, let alone in May📈 pic.twitter.com/d8boJYgaXJ
But what exactly is considered to be a heatwave? Well, heatwave conditions in the UK are met when a location records a period of at least three consecutive days with temperature values meeting or exceeding the heatwave temperature threshold for that location.
Looking ahead to the rest of the week, and providing the public with an indication of how long these temperatures could last, Met Office weather forecasters say the start of the week will see the heatwave continue for much of England and Wales with temperatures ‘well above average’, and today (Tuesday 26) expected to be another ‘very hot day’ with a rapid rise in temperatures through the morning.
The heat will then continue through the week, with highs of 31°C forecast for Wednesday, 30°C on Thursday, 27°C on Friday, and 28°C on Saturday.
“We’ve now provisionally broken the spring and May temperature record,” commented Met Office Chief Operational Meteorologist, Dan Suri.
“Meteorologically, what we’ve seen is the influence of warmth building under an area of high pressure near the UK allowing exceptional heat to build allowing maximum and minimum temperatures to reach levels not previously reported at this time of year.
“Further heat is in the forecast for much of England and Wales, with similar temperatures forecast for Tuesday.
“High pressure is forecast to gradually lose its influence later in the week, though maximum temperatures will still remain high and in the low 30°Cs for some mid-week and high 20°Cs late this week.”
The Manc -
30th December 2020 
