Andy Burnham has said the government’s Christmas COVID rules are “allowing too much”
Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham has said the rules give people too much freedom - suggesting regions could spend January in Tier 3 as a result.
Andy Burnham has criticised the COVID Christmas rules published this week – claiming that the government is “allowing too much”.
Leaders of the four UK nations have agreed on a set of guidelines for gathering over the festive holidays – with travel allowed between tiers and borders from 23-27 December.
People are permitted to form ‘Christmas bubbles‘ of up to three households during this period.
However, Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham has said the rules give too much freedom – suggesting that large portions of the country could end up spending January in Tier 3 as a result.
''What's the price that people might have to pay?"@AndyBurnhamGM says the Government's plans to relax Covid-19 restrictions over Christmas is ''allowing too much.'' pic.twitter.com/pBtRujxjrm
“It’s a green light… and what’s the price people may have to pay? A December in a pretty miserable Tier 3 for many people… and then possibly a January in Tier 3.
“It’s too much, I don’t think the government has got the balance right here.”
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Burnham suggested that allowing two households to mix “for a couple of days or just on Christmas Day” would have been suffice – with concerns that five days of freedom could result in much tighter restrictions for a longer period after the holidays.
“I would take a much more balanced approach to this,” he added.
“Honestly, I do think this is too much.”
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Burnham spent several weeks at loggerheads with the government over local restrictions back in October – with the Mayor accusing Westminster of treating Greater Manchester like the “sacrificial lamb” by asking them to accept Tier 3 rulings.
Greater Manchester was eventually pushed into Tier 3 by force, with the whole country entering a lockdown a matter of days later.
England is set to return to its tiered system once the current set of restrictions end on December 2.
Each region will be assigned a tier on Thursday (November 26) – and the government has warned there will be “no negotiation.”
Some rules will tighten up – with hospitality set to be closed down completely in Tier 3 areas.
The full guidance for gathering over Christmas can be found online on the government website.
News
Arrest made after 14-year-old boy found in critical condition on Market Street
Daisy Jackson
An arrest has been made after a teenage boy was found unresponsive on Market Street in Manchester city centre.
Detectives believe that the boy, 14, was approached by seven males who stole a designer jacket from him.
Following the altercation, he went into cardiac arrest and was rushed to hospital in a critical condition.
Thankfully, the teenager is continuing to recover well.
Detectives from Manchester City Centre Criminal Investigation Department confirmed that an 18-year-old male was arrested yesterday, Thursday 20 February.
He has been arrested on suspicion of robbery and remains in police custody.
Detective Inspector Mark Astbury of GMP’s City Centre Criminal Investigation Department, said: “We hope the victim can continue his recovery following what must have been a terrifying ordeal for him.
“Officers are fully investigating all aspects of this shocking incident that has left a man with serious injuries in hospital.
“Our work doesn’t stop here, we are continuing to investigate this incident and information from the public plays an incredibly important role in our investigations and I ask that the community keep talking to us and keep sharing their concerns with us so our teams can act.”
If you have any information, contact GMP 101 or 0161 856 4305 quoting log 2854 of 16/2/25.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials
Emily Sergeant
Trials are currently underway to see if comedy could be an alternative to antidepressants as a way to reduce NHS costs.
UK tech company Craic Health has secured important funding for its ‘comedy on prescription’ project that’s aimed at helping the Government work with the comedy industry, communities, and organisations on comedy-based social prescriptions in the hope that they can solve financial struggles within the NHS.
The groundbreaking scheme uses stand-up shows and workshops to help people who are isolated, lonely, and vulnerable.
Craic believes comedy is an ‘untapped opportunity’ to improve health and wellbeing, and has a goal to make comedy easier to access, so that it can help communities experience its mental health and social benefits.
To achieve this, the company has started trialling Comedy-on-Prescription experiences in the UK – starting in London, with the potential for expansion – which includes things like curated comedy panel game show events and workshops, and general stand-up comedy shows at some of the capital’s world-famous venues.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials / Credit: Wikimedia Commons
“Mental health issues like loneliness, isolation, and stress are more common than ever,” the company explains.
“So much so that it’s projected that by 2030, mental health problems, particularly depression, will be the leading cause of mortality and morbidity globally, [but] in this challenging world, comedy stands out as a universal language that breaks barriers.
“Research shows that comedy and laughter have powerful effects – they bring people together, create positive connections, and make life more enjoyable.”
Craic Health says that social prescribing, of which Comedy-on-Prescription is a part of, is all about inclusivity, which makes it making it suitable for people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.
Its focus is on personalised support, tailored to individual needs and preferences.
The Manc -
25th November 2020 
