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 20:29 · Peter Stubley]

Belgium delays curfew to appease dog owners

Belgium’s government, struggling to contain what has been described as “close to a tsunami” of new coronavirus cases, has decided to push back curfew by an hour so that people can walk their dogs.  

It just took one member of a government coronavirus committee to point out that dogs need time for their late-night toilet routines. “You have to think about people walking their dogs after 11pm, you have to give them a little time,” he said. 

[19 October 2020 20:41 · Peter Stubley]

Here are the latest figures for the number of Covid patients on ventilators in different regions of England, as of today, taken from the government’s Covid dashboard.

East of England - 21 on ventilators, (up from 16 a week ago)

London - 88 (65)

Midlands - 105 (89)

North East & Yorkshire - 110 (104)

North West - 167 (132)

South East - 18 (10)

South West -19 (10)

[19 October 2020 21:01 · Peter Stubley]

Feature: London’s pubs face a struggle to survive under Tier 2

Three days into the new regime and the Maple Tree, an independent pub in Penge, south London, is much quieter than normal, writes Ben Chapman.

“We’ve noticed a massive difference already,” says bar manager Samuel Guirard. “We’re just getting by at the moment but with new restrictions I think we’re going to struggle.  

“I honestly don’t know which pubs round here will still be around this time next year. A lot are going to have to close, definitely.”

[19 October 2020 21:20 · Peter Stubley]

‘Stop the attacks and agree a deal’, says Nandy

Wigan’s Labour MP Lisa Nandy has called on the government to agree a deal after receiving a briefing on the health situation in the region.

Barnsley MP Dan Jarvis is also calling for more government support if tougher restrictions are imposed in South Yorkshire.

[19 October 2020 21:24 · Peter Stubley]

Amid mounting speculation that the government is preparing to impose Tier 3 restrictions on Greater Manchester, the Cabinet Office has published a new call for questions from the public for the next coronavirus broadcast. You can enter your own question for consideration here.

ITV’s Robert Peston believes this heralds a public briefing  to announce the decision.

[19 October 2020 21:45 · Peter Stubley]

Government still failing to reduce Covid impact on ethnic minorities

Ministers have failed to bring in measures to reduce the disproportionate impact of coronavirus on ethnic minorities, despite warnings months ago that action was needed.

Following high death rates among minorities in the first peak of coronavirus – with official statistics showing that black people were 1.9 times more likely to die of Covid-19 than white people, and British Indians around 1.5 times more likely – the government commissioned Public Health England (PHE) to carry out a review into the issue.

[19 October 2020 22:03 · Peter Stubley]

‘The toughest of times’: New lockdown for Ireland

Irish premier Micheal Martin has confirmed the country is to move to the highest level of the state's coronavirus restrictions for six weeks.

The Taoiseach said the Government was introducing Level 5 restrictions for the entire country because "the evidence of a potentially grave situation arising in the weeks ahead was now too strong".

Micheal Martin said schools and creches would remain open because "we cannot and will not allow our children and young people's futures to be another victim of this disease". He added: "They need their education."

Under the restrictions, no social or family gatherings are allowed in homes or gardens, but visits on compassionate grounds and for caring purposes can continue. Attendance at weddings will be maintained at 25 guests.

Restaurants, cafes and bars will be permitted to provide takeaway services only. Only essential retail may remain open.

People are being asked to stay at home, with exercise permitted within a 5km radius of their home.

Only essential workers whose physical presence is required in the workplace are permitted to travel to work. Those who can work from home must do so.

Construction work has been deemed "essential" and will continue during this phase. Most manufacturing will also remain open.

The new measures will come into effect at midnight on Wednesday will remain in place until December 1.

[19 October 2020 22:16 · Peter Stubley]

PM sets noon deadline for Greater Manchester

The government has given Greater Manchester a deadline of noon on Tuesday to reach agreement on tighter coronavirus restrictions for the city.

[19 October 2020 22:26 · Peter Stubley]

Oldham MP Jim McMahon isn’t impressed by Robert Jenrick’s statement setting a deadline for 12pm tomorrow.

Mr Jenrick said: “I have written to local leaders this evening to make clear that if we cannot reach agreement by midday tomorrow then I must advise the PM that despite our best endeavours we’ve been unable to reach agreement."

“Best endeavours being what exactly?”, asks the Labour shadow transport secretary.

[19 October 2020 22:55 · Peter Stubley]

Care home inspectors denied weekly testing

Ministers have denied care home inspectors access to weekly testing for coronavirus - despite fears they could contribute to the spread of Covid-19 as cases rise across the country, The Independent can reveal.

The Care Quality Commission was told by the Department of Health and Social Care last month it could not have access to regular testing for inspection teams as the watchdog prepares for 500 inspections of care homes during the next six weeks.