Mayor of Greater Manchester says pubs should close unless track and trace system is improved
Mr. Burnham has said that there is a "growing amount of evidence" that pubs are one of the main culprits for outbreaks, and that bars may need to close in order for schools to reopen safely.
Andy Burnham has warned that pubs could close if the Government does not “fix” the track and trace system by providing financial support to people isolating.
The Mayor of Greater Manchester has expressed concerns over the capability of tracing in the UK, with a BBC report stating that the system has only managed to successfully alert 53 per cent of people who’ve come into contact with coronavirus in the region.
Mr. Burnham has said that there is a “growing amount of evidence” that pubs are one of the main culprits for outbreaks, and that bars may need to close in order for schools to reopen safely.
The Mayor has collaborated with the Government to impose restrictions on the area of Greater Manchester where cases are up – with people currently banned from meeting other households indoors.
Pubs remain open, but residents can only visit these premises with members of their family and/or support bubble.
To “get the system working properly”, the Mayor said the Government must provide financial support to people who are self-isolating.
“So many people are struggling to self-isolate because they just can’t afford it,” he commented, speaking on BBC Breakfast.
“They’re in jobs where they know they won’t be paid if they try and do it.
“It’s a problem with so many people in this country not having access to statutory sick pay, but for those who do have it it’s only £95 a week.”
He continued: “We’re saying to the Government: You’ve got to give all employees in the country the ability to self-isolate on full pay, and it’s only that, in my opinion, that will get this test and trace system working properly.”
As of 10 August, the UK has more than 310,000 confirmed cases of coronavirus, with the seven-day moving average up by almost 100 from the week before.
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Jet2 and Greggs is offering Mancs the chance to win a luxury holiday for the price of a sausage roll
Thomas Melia
Jet2 has teamed up with Greggs to announce a new competition where you can win a holiday for the price of a sausage roll.
If you didn’t know by now, ‘Nothing beats a Jet2 Holiday’, and as the British budget airline launches its latest collaboration where you can win a holiday for the same price as a sausage roll, we’d say that’s pretty accurate.
Fancy laying down in the scorching heat and baking yourself just like a trusty Greggs sausage roll? Well it’s a good thing these two iconic companies have teamed up then, because now you can do just that.
Jet2 and Greggs are giving away a three-night all-inclusive holiday to Marbella for the same price as everyone’s flaky-pastry favourite priced at £1.30.
In a video shared to social media, internet personalities Charley Marlowe and Luke Hamnett announced this brand-new offer in an extremely on-brand way.
The video sees the pair taking on very different roles, quite literally, as Hamnett dresses as a sausage roll while Marlowe tries her hand as a cabin crew member.
This exclusive campaign sees you in with the chance of winning a three-night all-inclusive holiday to the luxury Spanish destination, staying at Iberostar Selection Marbella Coral Beach from 2 October – 5 October 2025.
Jet2 and Greggs is offering a luxury holiday for the price of a sausage roll / Credit: Laura Barry (via Unsplash) | Greggs
On top of this, you’ll also get a handful of Jet2 and Greggs co-branded goodies sent to your door before take-off, and there may even be a present or two in your hotel room as well.
I think it’s safe to say there certainly will be carbs in Marbs.
Police ‘stop and search’ powers authorised following double stabbing in Piccadilly Gardens
Emily Sergeant
Section 60 ‘stop and search’ powers have been introduced in Manchester following a double stabbing in Piccadilly Gardens last night.
Beginning this morning (Thursday 3 July) and set to be in place for 24 hours, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has authorised a section 60 in the city centre, with powers effective on Ring Road between Great Ancoats Street and Trinity Way, and Irwell Street between Trinity Way and New Quay Street.
Police will have the right to stop and search anyone they have suspicions over within the area during the authorised time frame.
The section 60 powers come under the 1994 Criminal Justice and Public Order Act, and after having run for the full 24 hours, is set to expire at 12:53am on Friday 4 July 2025.
The section 60 authority comes after GMP says it received multiple calls of an ‘ongoing disturbance’ where weapons were ‘seen and had potentially been used’ in Piccadilly Gardens, and when officers attended the scene, they found two men – one in his 20s and another in his 30s – both with stab wounds.
#INCIDENT | This morning (Thursday 3 July 2025), we authorised a Section 60 authority in the outlined area of the city centre.
The Section 60 is in place following a double stabbing in Piccadilly Gardens at around 12.50am.
— Manchester City Centre Police (GMP) (@GMPCityCentre) July 3, 2025
Both men remain in hospital at this time – with one receiving ongoing treatment, and the other remaining in critical condition.
No arrests have been made at this stage, and investigations are ongoing.
“The Section 60 authority put in place overnight gives officers additional powers which will be utilised to prevent any further incidents or the carrying of weapons,” commented Chief Inspector Rob MacGregor, from GMP’s City Centre division.
“There will be a significant presence of officers, particularly on foot patrol in the area today.
“If you have any concerns or any information, then please speak to those officers who will reassure and respond to any queries.”
CI MacGregor added that Section 60 powers are ‘crucial’ to preventing potential further offences or instances of violence in the community.
Anyone with information or footage relating to this incident is urged to contact GMP on 101, quoting log 71 of 03/07/2025, or report it via the LiveChat online at www.gmp.police.uk.
Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
The Manc -
10th August 2020 
