Ministers mulling whether to roll out Tier 4 restrictions to other parts of England from Boxing Day
Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government Robert Jenrick said that ministers were debating whether tiers were 'sufficient robust'
Ministers will discuss the prospect of moving more areas of England into Tier 4 restrictions later today, Robert Jenrick has revealed.
The Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government spoke to BBC Breakfast on Wednesday morning, explaining that the government’s committee would meet to determine whether the current system was doing enough to combat the spread of COVID-19.
“[We’re] going to review this and make a judgment,” said Jenrick.
“We don’t have an immediate plan to take action, but the number of cases is rising and the variant is spreading to other parts of the country.
“We will see whether it’s necessary to do more and see if the tier system is sufficiently robust for the new circumstances.”
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Jenrick clarified there was currently “absolutely no plan” to change restrictions before Christmas.
However, some reports have suggested that Tier 4 measures could come into effect in other parts of England as soon as Boxing Day.
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BBC
Cases have spiked in the south over the past few weeks – with scientists believing that a new, more transmissible coronavirus variant (first spotted in Kent) may be the cause.
Greater London and large sections of the south east are already in Tier 4 measures (which essentially amount to a lockdown) due to climbing case numbers. But many more regions may join them in a matter of days.
Night Time Economy Adviser for Greater Manchester Sacha Lord has already urged the government to provide a warning so that local economies can prepare.
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Lord stated: “It’s being widely reported that more areas, including some Tier 2 areas, could go into Tier 4 soon.
“If this is the case, I urge the Government to give people and businesses notice, so that hospitality in those areas can act accordingly with bookings, staff and stock.”
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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 -
23rd December 2020 
