Major incident declared in Greater Manchester following rise in coronavirus cases
A rise in cases has led to an announcement confirming a major incident in the area - but the Greater Manchester Combined Authority has emphasised that "the guidelines announced by Government on Thursday remain unchanged."
Manchester City Council has encouraged residents “not to be alarmed” as a major incident is declared in Greater Manchester in the wake of recent coronavirus case spikes.
The Government imposed new restrictions on the region – and other parts of the north – last week, preventing members of separate households from meeting indoors as COVID-19 infections crept up across boroughs.
Outbreaks have led to the proclamation of a ‘major incident’ – but the Greater Manchester Combined Authority has emphasised that “the guidelines announced by Government on Thursday remain unchanged.”
“This move was simply to enable public agencies to access any additional resources they need as quickly and efficiently as possible,” a GMCA spokesperson added.
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Manchester City Council Leader, Sir Richard Leese, called the declaration “standard practice.”
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“Although the Council and partner organisations have been working closely to tackle the impacts of the pandemic since early this year, declaring a major incident means we can ramp this up further,” he added.
“It allows the establishment of a central command structure to oversee the response and enables agencies involved to draw on extra resources.”
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According to the BBC, seven Greater Manchester boroughs are included among the ‘top 20’ worst-affected areas in England – with Oldham second on the list.
The GMCA stated: “The more we stick to the new guidelines and drive the R rate down, the quicker they will be removed.
“Please do not visit someone else’s home or garden unless you have formed a support bubble. Do not meet outdoors in groups of more than six.
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“Please wash your hands thoroughly and as often as possible. Let’s not act selfishly and instead keep the health of our loved ones and neighbours in mind at all times.”
Recent spikes has also seen a pause in the easing of lockdown measures in England, with the grand reopening of casinos, bowling alleys and ice rinks all delayed for at least an extra fortnight.
Local Mayor Andy Burnham has worked alongside the Government to implement restrictions in Greater Manchester, but has since expressed his frustration at their decision to stop shielding from 1 August – calling it “wrong and inhumane.”
I listened to the Government when they came to me late on Thursday & asked for our support for new restrictions.
I am now asking them to listen to us: please reinstate the shielding policy in Greater Manchester from first thing tomorrow.
“The shielding policy should have been extended in the areas subject to the new restrictions,” wrote Burnham on Twitter.
“To end it the day after the changes has left many confused and fearful.”
News
Sir David Jason set for TV return in Only Fools and Horses documentary Christmas special
Danny Jones
In a surprise bit of festive news, the only and only Sir David Jason is returning for an Only Fools and Horses Christmas special this December. Lovely jubbly!
The best-loved and most-watched British comedy of all time will be back on our screens in documentary form this festive season, with Del Boy himself David Jason revisiting the iconic comedy character after 20 years he last played him on screen.
While the legendary sitcom was broadcast on BBC back in the day, the highly-anticipated Only Fools doc will be airing on Channel 5 right before Christmas as a special one-off programme.
Looking back on the show’s incredible run on UK screens over seven series and the several ‘Christmas Cracker’ specials, specifically, the latest Only Fools and Horses documentary will see Jason and a number of other guests appearing to chat about the legendary show.
The release date of the Only Fools special Christmas documentary is yet to be announced.
While it’s still unclear how many of the original cast will be appearing, Jason’s on-screen wife Tessa Peake-Jones (Raquel) is confirmed to be appearing along with other special guests including newscaster Krishnan Guru-Murthy and Bendiorm‘s Sherrie Hewson.
Sadly, a full theatrical reunion just isn’t on the cards following the deaths of Roger Lloyd Pack (Trigger), Kenneth MacDonald (Mike the Landlord) and Buster Merryfield (Uncle Albert) in the 30 years since the show ended its run.
Only Fools writer John Sullivan also sadly passed away aged 64 in 2011 and fellow co-star Nicholas Lyndhurst, a.k.a. Rodney Trotter, told Metro: “We can’t. John is no longer with us. John was the driving force of the show and we have also lost quite a few cast members now.
“I don’t think I could do it without them and I certainly couldn’t do it without John. At the risk of depressing everyone, I think the last two times I’ve seen David has been at funerals.”
Simply entitled, ‘The Story Of Only Fools And Horses At Christmas’, the 90-minute special is yet to have its broadcast date fully confirmed but you best keep your eyes peeled on the TV guide — we’ll let you know as soon we do.
Jason, 81, has only just recovered from hip surgery earlier this year, so it’ll be nice to see his familiar grin back on our screens.
Right, we’re off to binge a whole series on UK Gold.
Habas restaurant in Manchester announces shock closure – with huge closing-down discount
Daisy Jackson
Habas, the Middle Eastern restaurant launched by the team behind El Gato Negro, has announced its shock closure.
The subterranean restaurant will be going out with a bang though, promising one last knees-up with a big discount.
Habas will be doing 25% off its entire food and drink menu this New Year’s Eve so that fans of the eatery can raise a glass to the Manchester restaurant.
They’re also hoping that Mancs will raise a glass to new beginnings, teasing a brand new concept.
Habas is located at Brown Street in Manchester city centre and has been serving up its Middle Eastern menu since 2021.
It comes from Mills Hill Developments Limited, the company also responsible for El Gato Negro and Canto, fronted by celebrated chef Simon Shaw.
Habas has stressed that its closure ‘is not forever’ as it announces details of its New Year’s Eve closing down party.
You can ring in the new year with a selection of mezze dishes, sharing platters and small plates, feasting on chicken tagine and traditional tzatziki, all 25% off on Sunday 31 December.
Food at Habas in ManchesterInside Habas, ManchesterFood at Habas in Manchester
Drinks, too, like the cranberry elderflower martini, blackberry ginger smash and clementine daquiri will be with 25% off.
Simon Shaw, Chef Parton at Mills Hill Developments Limited, said: “As of January 2024, we have made the decision to close the doors of Habas Bar & Restaurant, however we are thrilled to announce that our Brown Street venue has an exciting new concept on the way.
“Throughout December, Habas, will continue serving up the city’s best middle-eastern cuisine, so make sure you pop in and see us. AND on New Year’s Eve, Habas, will be hosting an unforgettable celebration with 25% off food and drinks. We want to rejoice with all of our customers, with one final hurrah!
“We would like to thank all of our guests and reassure Habas fans that this is not the end of Habas Bar & Restaurant forever, simply a farewell from Brown Street for now.
“We look forward to welcoming you to our new exciting concept in Q1 of 2024.”
The Manc -
3rd August 2020 
