Coronavirus news: Manchester Tier 3 talks end without deal, as Wales imposes ‘firebreak’ restrictions

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Significant numbers from the coronavirus lockdown

The government moved closer to imposing Tier 3 coronavirus restrictions on Greater Manchester after the latest round of talks collapsed without a deal.

Local leaders, including mayor Andy Burnham, had initially expressed hope an agreement could be reached on extra funding for the region on Monday, only for ministers to reject the proposals.

And on Monday night communities secretary Robert Jenrick issued a letter setting a deadline of 12pm on Tuesday to settle the dispute.

The government also held talks with several other regions in northern England, including the North East and South Yorkshire, over a move into Tier 3.

Meanwhile Wales announced a two-week “firebreak” lockdown will be imposed from 6pm on Friday to prevent the NHS from being overwhelmed.

First Minister Mark Drakeford said the “sharp and deep” new restrictions would last for 17 days and would require everyone  except key workers to stay at home.

Ireland also confirmed it would begin a second national lockdown from midnight on Wednesday. The Level 5 restrictions will see schools stay open but non-essential businesses close. People will be told to stay at home for six weeks unless taking exercise within a 5km radius.

Irish premier Micheal Martin said the measures were necessary to curb the rise in cases and hospital admissions, adding: "As Taoiseach I am asking everyone again to take this threat seriously."

Key Points

• New national lockdown in Ireland
• Government sets deadline for Manchester to agree to Tier 3
• Government still failing ethnic minorities most affected by Covid
• UK Covid situation remains ‘perilous’, says Hancock
• Wales imposes new ‘fire-break’ restrictions for 17 days
• Intensive care beds could run out ‘very soon’ across north west
• Coronavirus cases hits 40m worldwide

[19 October 2020 23:16 · Peter Stubley]

How  cruises will change after coronavirus

The multibillion pound cruise industry, which normally carries 30million people a year on the world’s oceans and rivers, has been becalmed by the coronavirus pandemic.

More than 300 ships have been docked, or kept floating aimlessly at sea after ports were shut, countries locked down and international travel frozen.

[19 October 2020 23:32 · Peter Stubley]

‘We will comply’ if government imposes Tier 3, says Manchester council leader

The leader of Manchester City Council, Sir Richard Leese, said he hoped there was still time to reach an agreement, but acknowledged that they would have to comply if the Government acted unilaterally.

"I am hoping that tomorrow (Tuesday) morning we will be able to sit down again with ministers and come to an agreement which will serve the best interests of the people of Manchester," he told BBC2's Newsnight.

"Clearly if Government imposes Tier 3 - and I hope that won't happen - we will clearly need to comply with that."

[19 October 2020 23:49 · Peter Stubley]

Greater Manchester offered £22m in extra funding

Robert Jenrick’s letter to Greater Manchester leaders suggests the region will get £22m in extra funding for going into Tier 3 restrictions.

[20 October 2020 00:02 · Peter Stubley]

That’s it for our live coronavirus coverage today. Thanks for reading.