Coronavirus news: Pubs and gyms set to close as Johnson prepares to announce new local lockdown measures amid growing northern revolt

Follow the latest updates from the pandemic

Robert Jenrick: 'We can't do everything, we're in deep recession'

Boris Johnson is set to announce the closure of pubs and gyms when he unveils a new three-tier system for local coronavirus restrictions in England on Monday.

The new system, which has sparked anger from leaders and councils in the north of England, is also expected to lead to millions being banned from mixing indoors and outdoors.

However it remains unclear which parts of England will be placed under the most severe restrictions. Liverpool City Region confirmed that the government had decided on the closures of pubs, gyms, betting shops and casinos in the area but called for more funding to support those affected.

Robert Jenrick, the housing secretary, had earlier rejected calls for more financial support for areas hit by local restrictions, arguing that "the national debt is rising" and the government "can't do everything" to protect all jobs.

Key Points

• PM prepares to annouce new lockdown restrictions on Monday
• Pubs could be shut for four weeks in worst-affected areas
• Liverpool confirms government has decided on closures
• Total UK coronavirus cases pass 600,000
• Government rules out extra support for workers in lockdown areas
• Millions could be banned from mixing under new coronavirus rules
• UK is at ‘tipping point’ with coronavirus, top scientist warns
• Hancock denies flouting 10pm drinking curfew in Commons ban

[11 October 2020 23:22 · Peter Stubley]

Covid rates ‘higher in areas with more students’

This analysis of government data suggests that the return of students to university is driving the rise in coronavirus case rates.

It attempts to show that neighbourhoods with a large student population (more than 25 per cent of total) have much higher case rates than neighbourhoods with lower student populations.

[11 October 2020 23:44 · Peter Stubley]

Pubs, bars, betting shops, gyms and casinos to close in Liverpool

Pubs, betting shops, casinos and gyms are to close in the Liverpool City Region, according to a joint statement from local leaders.

The City Mayor Joe Anderson, Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram and the six local councils said that the government had decided to impose the measures to “help stop the spread of Covid 19, reduce the levels of infection and relieve pressure on our Hospitals and NHS.”

However they said they were still discussing extra funding to cope with strained local authority budgets, enforcement of restrictions and Track and Trace efforts.

“If pubs, bars and other hospitality and leisure businesses are forced to close, there must be appropriate support for them and their staff,” they add.

The mayors and council leaders also called on the government to set out the “exit strategy from the restrictions.

The full statement can be found here.

[12 October 2020 00:08 · Peter Stubley]

That’s it for our live coverage for tonight. Thanks for reading.