Today is the first day to which the new three tier restrictions system comes into effect, but change could be on the horizon once again for Greater Manchester.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson unveiled the government’s newest tiered strategy – which is aimed at curbing the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) – in a direct address to MPs in the House of Commons on Monday afternoon, and then again in a subsequent press conference televised to the nation later that evening.
It was during this announcement that the region of Greater Manchester, along with other widespread areas of the North West including parts of Lancashire and Cheshire, was placed into Tier 2.
Under Tier 2 restrictions – which is also known as the ‘high’ alert level pertaining to the number of cases in the region – residents living in Greater Manchester must adhere to the rules of Tier 1 (‘Rule of Six’, 10pm curfew and necessary social distancing), and should also consider the following guidance:
People must not meet with anybody outside their household or support bubble in any indoor setting, whether at home or in a public place.
People can meet in groups of up to six outside – including private gardens.
People should aim to reduce the number of journeys they make where possible and avoid peak times and public transport.
Unlike those areas placed under Tier 3 restrictions, businesses, pubs, bars, restaurants and cafes are permitted to remain open.
ADVERTISEMENT
The categorisation of Greater Manchester into Tier 2 followed consultation with the Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham, who said that officials in the area were “glad that government has listened” to their standpoint, and also comes after Sacha Lord – Night Time Economy Adviser for Greater Manchester – announced that he would be taking legal action against the government to contest any new measures that prevent hospitality from trading.
It’s believed that these aforementioned conversations did significantly contribute to Greater Manchester avoiding the harshest tier of restrictions at the time.
During this meeting, the prospect of whether Greater Manchester and Lancashire need to be reclassified into Tier 3 measures is to be discussed, and this potential reclassification would thus place large parts of the North West into the ‘very high’ alert level.
ADVERTISEMENT
It would mean that Greater Manchester could join the Liverpool City Region – which is at present the only area in England to be under Tier 3 – with the government stating that the situation is being kept under constant review, including a four-week “sunset clause”.
Areas under Tier 3 restrictions must:
Close pubs and bars – although restaurants may remain open.
Ban wedding receptions.
Avoid mixing with anybody outside a household or support bubble in any indoor or outdoor setting.
Avoid travelling outside the area except for work, education and youth services.
Overnight stays in this area are also banned, and residents of Tier 3 locations should also avoid staying overnight in other parts of the UK.
According to the government, “consultation with local authorities will determine additional measures”, which means local leaders will need to decide if further restrictions will be necessary, in the event that “baseline” measures prove ineffective, which is a prospect that Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty did indicate during Monday evening’s press conference.
This meeting is due to take place today, but it does leave one question – what is a ‘gold command meeting’?
ADVERTISEMENT
Mark Waugh
A ‘gold command meeting’ forms part of what is known as the ‘gold-silver-bronze command structure/hierarchy’ in the UK, which is used by the emergency services and the government, and was designed for responding to sudden major incidents and for organising planned operations, it has also been used for planned operations.
A ‘gold command meeting’ is defined as a meeting where a ‘gold commander’ is in “overall control of their organisation’s resources at the incident”.
This person will not be on site, but at a distant control room – gold command – where he or she will formulate the strategy for dealing with the incident, and if the gold commanders for various organisations at an incident are not co-located, they will be in constant touch with each other by videoconference or telephone.
The Civil Contingencies Act 2004 requires police to host and chair the multi-agency gold command, and this responsibility will usually fall to the local chief constable, or their nominated deputy.
It has not yet been confirmed as to when the meeting will actually take place today, nor who will be present to discuss matters, and when it is that we are likely to hear of any updates and outcomes from it, but due to the fast-paced nature of these matters unfolding, it is likely to be soon.
ADVERTISEMENT
More information will be provided in due course.
___
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.
#HandsFaceSpace
News
Spectacular New Year’s Eve fireworks display confirmed for Manchester
Daisy Jackson
Manchester will celebrate New Year’s Eve with a spectacular FREE fireworks display, the council has confirmed.
This year, the dazzling display to ring in the new year will be set off from the roof of the city’s landmark Central Library building.
Mancs will be able to gather in St Peter’s Square as the city waves goodbye to 2024 and welcomes a new year.
The family-friendly New Year’s Eve celebration has never taken place at St Peter’s Square before, nor has the iconic Manchester Central library hosted any sort of fireworks display.
The fireworks spectacular and New Year countdown will take place on Tuesday 31 December between 10pm and 12.30am, hosted by local radio presenter and DJ Joe McGrath.
With a rough capacity of 20,000 people, there’ll be a festive atmosphere in the city centre – but Manchester City Council has stressed that alcohol is not permitted at the New Year’s Eve fireworks event.
Councillor Pat Karney, Christmas and New Year spokesperson for Manchester City Council, said: “If there’s something we do well in Manchester, it’s getting together for a big celebration – and there’s no better time for a big do than New Year’s Eve.
“This is the time to remember the year we’ve just had and to look ahead to the new one and all it may bring, surrounded by the people we love.
“Mancunians of all ages love a party, and this New Year’s Eve is going to be fantastic – a chance to dance the night away, with one of the biggest fireworks displays in the region for everyone to enjoy.
“All you need is your dancing shoes, party spirit and your nearest and dearest. Grab hold of those and we can’t wait to see you in St Peter’s Square for the last party of 2024.”
Spectacular New Year’s Eve firework display confirmed for Manchester. Credit: Unsplash, designecologist
There are a few things you need to know ahead of the event – attendees are asked to limit bag sizes to no larger than A4 in size, with bag searches in operation at the entrances.
It will be a standing room only event though there’ll be a managed designated accessible viewing area located on the Metrolink tram platform closest to Central Library, available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Portaloos, public toilets until 1am, and hot drinks and food will all be available on site.
Event staff will make sure St Peter’s Square is cleared promptly after the event and once the fireworks are over to minimise disruption to local residents.
Councillor Pat Karney added: “We want everyone to be able to enjoy New Year’s Eve, including the growing number of local residents who live in town.
“I will therefore be working closely with local councillors and others to ensure that we minimise any nuisance for city centre residents.”
Important road closures and event information for the New Year’s Eve fireworks in Manchester
A number of temporary but necessary traffic management measures will be put in place in the run-up to and on the day itself so the event can go ahead.
Road closures – 31 December 2024
7.30pm–2am
Peter Street westbound (Mount Street to Lower Mosley Street)
Peter Street eastbound (Deansgate to Lower Mosley Street)
Oxford Street (Peter Street to Portland Street)
George Street (Oxford Street to Dickinson Street)
St James Street (Oxford Street to Dickinson Street)
Bale Street (Lower Mosley Street to Hall Street)
Hall Street (Bale Street to Oxford Street)
9pm–2am
Lower Mosley Street (Windmill Street to St Peter’s Square)
Princess Street (Cooper Street to George Street)
Back George Street (Princess Street to Dickenson Street)
Parking suspensions from 8am on 29 December until 6am on 2 January
Peter Street (Mount Street to Lower Mosley Street)
Parking suspensions from 6pm on 30 December until 6am on 1 January
Oxford Street (Lower Mosley Street to Portland Street)
Lower Mosley Street (Windmill Street to St Peter’s Square)
Princess Street (Cooper Street to George Street)
George Street (Oxford Street to Princess Street)
Back George Street (Princess Street to Dickenson Street)
Museum Street (Windmill Street to Peter Street)
Southmill (Windmill Street to Bootle Street)
Accessible parking
Unreserved accessible event parking is available on Mount Street.
Man charged after stealing Christmas dinner ingredients in burglary spree
Daisy Jackson
A man has been charged for a series of burglaries in Wigan – one of which saw him nick the ingredients for a Christmas dinner.
Gary Marsh of Heath Street in Golborne had reportedly taken a number of festive food items from a freezer at an address.
In the burglary on 7 December, the 38-year-old took items including a frozen turkey, two packs of pigs in blankets and a handful of Christmas appetisers.
Mr Walsh also made off with a pack of prawns, spring rolls and chicken satay skewers.
Police have said he has been charged for stealing ‘a Christmas dinner worth of goods’.
He’s been charged with six counts of burglary and one vehicle interference and will appear at Manchester Magistrates Court today.
Man charged after stealing Christmas dinner ingredients in burglary spree. Credit: Wikimedia Commons
GMP said in a statement today: “One frozen turkey, two packs of pigs in blankets and a handful of Christmas appetisers.
“Gary Marsh 16/05/1986 of Heath Street, Golborne, in Wigan, was charged on Wednesday 18 December with six counts of burglary and one vehicle interference.
“On 7 December 2024, the following items were reportedly taken from the freezer in the basement of an address: a frozen turkey, two packs of pigs in blankets, a pack of prawns, spring rolls and chicken satay skewers.”
The Manc -
14th October 2020 
