In an address to MPs live in the House of Commons, Mr Johnson has announced a new set of targeted restrictions – which have been the topic of widespread speculation over the past week or so and particularly today – for cities and towns in England in an attempt to control the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19).
Each tier under the newly-announced system has its own set of rules determined by an alert level: ‘medium’ (Tier 1) ‘high’ (Tier 2), or ‘very high’ (Tier 3).
Mr Johnson said that he does not want to go into a second full national lockdown – including closing schools and businesses and telling people to stay at home – as this would not be “the right course”. He did however say that letting the virus “rip” would lead to an “intolerable death toll” and the NHS would be under such a strain that medics wouldn’t be able to devote themselves to treating other ailments.
“We must act to save lives, and the evidence shows in changing our behaviour… our actions are saving lives.” he said.
Speaking to BBC News ahead of the announcement, Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham said officials in the area were “glad that government has listened”.
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“We had no evidence that hospitality was the primary course of spread in our city region,” he said.
“However, it’s important to say that any restrictions will choke off trade to our pubs, restaurants, even our shops. So, any restrictions must come with a full economic support package otherwise we are going to see a risk of redundancies and business failure running up to Christmas.”
He continued by stating that he feels that Tier 2 is “still a major restriction” for Greater Manchester.
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Mr Johnson confirmed that the three tier system and the whole package of measures will also be voted on in parliament before coming into force.
Here’s how each of the three tiers work:
Tier 1
Areas that fall into Tier 1 – which Mr Johnson said “will cover most of the country” – will see residents living in these areas required to adhere to national restrictions.
This includes the “rule of six”, the 10pm curfew, and social distancing measures.
Tier 2
Tier 2 will cover areas where interventions are already in place – including in Greater Manchester – and will see all mixing between different households or support bubbles indoors stopped.
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The “rule of six” will apply outdoors, as well as in private gardens.
It has been confirmed that Nottinghamshire, Cheshire East and West, and High Peak will also move to the high alert level as part of Tier 2.
Tier 3
This is the highest alert level and will apply where transmission is rising rapidly and the NHS could be under “unbearable pressure”.
Tier 3 will see people banned from socialising with other households, both indoors and in private gardens, while bars and pubs will be closed, unless they can operate as restaurants. Residents will also be advised against travelling in and out of these areas, while it will be up local politicians as to whether other leisure venues such as gyms and casinos should also close.
However, non-essential shops, schools and universities will remain open.
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It has been confirmed that the Liverpool City Region is the first to be placed in Tier 3 and this comes after numbers have risen sharply in recent weeks, with Knowsley recording 944 cases per 100,000 people in the two weeks to 4th October (the highest in the country).
The restrictions for the Liverpool City Region will take effect from Wednesday.
Boris Johnson has announced his plan to "simplify and standardise" #COVID19 rules with a new three-tier alert system.
The First Tier will "cover most of the country" and includes most national measures, such as the rule of six and 10pm curfew.
A postcode checker will be launched on the government’s website to advise people what guidance applies to their area, and every local authority will be put in a Tier by the end of Monday.
In his final message to the country, Mr Johnson said: “The weeks and months ahead will continue to be difficult and will test the mettle of this country.”
But he adds: “I have no doubt at all that together we will succeed.”
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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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Transformational plans set to be approved for ‘major’ new Manchester city centre park
Emily Sergeant
‘Transformational’ plans to regenerate an underused Manchester city centre site are set to be approved next week.
Following ‘overwhelming’ public support for proposals set out in a public consultation earlier this year – where more than 90% of respondents supported the key principles – Manchester City Council says its executive is expected approve an ambitious vision for the Water Street neighbourhood at a meeting next week (Weds 8 July).
The Water Street Strategic Regeneration Framework (SRF) is set to create a city centre district developed around a new urban park.
The SRF is described as being a ‘high-level blueprint’ for future investment that will guide development through the planning process.
The plans are comprised of a new landscape-led neighbourhood that combines homes – including 20% of them being ‘affordable’ – improved public spaces, enhanced walking and cycling connections, and ‘significant’ new green infrastructure centred around the River Medlock.
Sustainability was highlighted as an area of importance to local residents in the consultation, and to meet these demands, the plans include increased biodiversity, sustainable drainage features, and a largely car-free neighbourhood to support Manchester’s zero-carbon ambitions, as well as the new urban park being at the heart of it all.
The new neighbourhood will also offer plenty of new jobs, skills, and investment opportunities.
“The wider Water Street area has seen major regeneration in recent years with world-class investment at St John’s and Aviva Studios on its doorstep, alongside impressive residential developments,” explained Cllr Gavin White, who is Manchester City Council’s executive member for housing and regeneration.
“This renewed regeneration framework will help guide investment to bring this area up to the same ambitious level with new housing, including affordable housing to create an inclusive new neighbourhood, complemented by a brand-new city centre urban park.”
Featured Image – Manchester City Council (Supplied)
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Shoppers warned of huge queues as £6.2m P.Louise beauty megastore opens at Trafford Palazzo
Daisy Jackson
The P.Louise City megastore will open its doors in Manchester this weekend, and shoppers are already being warned that it will be BUSY.
The cult beauty brand launches its world-first immersive makeup destination on Sunday 5 July at the Trafford Palazzo.
Founder Paige Williams has set out to create a retail space that mimics the childlike wonder you feel when stepping into a Disney park.
Expect elaborate pink zones like a P.Louise City supermarket, a girly tiled bathroom, a hair salon, a pharmacy, and even a cinema.
Shoppers will be able to visit a petrol station where you can make a beauty driving licence and pose with petrol pumps, a florist where you can design your own scented body mist, and a bank vault with giant golden keys hanging from the ceiling, where top members can unlock exclusive gold Bad Bitch Energy lip kits.
There’s an entire section of the store dedicated to those hit Bad Bitch Energy lip kits, with shelves and shelves of flavours and scents, and the chance to make your own custom lip oil complete with charms.
As you get lost in the huge 19,000 sq ft space, there are cult products to discover in every corner like foaming cleansers, Juicy Drip lip care sets, setting powders and liquid blushes.
The entire P.Louise City shop is decorated with details like flower-filled phone boxes, giant bubbles, heart-shaped traffic lights, mirrored benches, and postboxes, all in dizzying shades of pink and gold.
P.Louise founder Paige Williams in P.Louise CityIt’s a 19,000 sq ft, two-storey megastoreThe P.Louise cinemaPhoto opportunities like a skate rampThe P.Louise florist, where you can customise a body mistInside the ‘pharmacy’The P.Louise petrol stationA bank vault at P.Louise CityTop members can unlock a gold Bad Bitch Energy lip kitThe girls’ bathroom at P.Louise CityThe P.Louise City salonThere’s even a supermarket inside
Going well beyond retail, P.Louise City has bookable VIP party rooms, a cafe serving coffees, ear piercing, and photo opportunities like a skate ramp, as well as a packed programme of events and masterclasses.
Founder Paige said she wanted to create a space so over-the-top, other-worldly and glamorous, it feels like it’s been created by AI.
Signs are now up around the Trafford Centre and Trafford Palazzo ahead of the P.Louise launch predicting large queues, with extra crowd management measures in place.
The first 250 customers through the door who spend £20 or more will receive an exclusive gift box, and queues will open from 6am.
If you’re planning to brave the crowds, you can see all the launch day info you need HERE.
The Manc -
12th October 2020 
