Greater Manchester lockdown rules change again tonight

Pubs and bars which do not operate as a restaurant must close as well as further restrictions on household mixing.

After several days of back and forth negotiations Greater Manchester has now been put into Tier 3 of the governments lockdown system meaning stricter rules will be put in place from Friday 0:01.

Andy Burnham has described the Tier 3 proposals ‘fundamentally flawed’ as he tried to push for a fairer financial support package for affected workers.

It’s been a confusing couple of weeks for the people of Greater Manchester so here’s everything you need to know about the new rules…

Pubs & Restaurants
The main change from Friday will be pubs and bars which do not serve food will close. Places can only stay open if the operate as if they were a restaurant, which means serving ‘substantial meals’ such as a main lunchtime or evening meal.

Businesses which are allowed to stay open will have to abide by the national 10pm curfew. People in Greater Manchester must not meet socially with friends and family indoors in ANY setting.

Leisure and close contact services
Leisure centres and gyms are currently allowed to remain open. Hairdressers are also allowed to continue trading. Libraries and community centres can also remain open.

Along with tourist attractions and performing arts venues. Both essential and non-essential retail, as well as places of worship can continue to stay open, following further Tier 3 restrictions on social contact.

Casinos, bingo halls, betting shops, adult gaming centres and soft play areas must also close in Greater Manchester, as Boris Johnson announced on Tuesday afternoon.

Meeting friends and Family
There will also be a ban on meeting people outside your household or support bubble in a private garden and in most outdoor public spaces.

The places which people can meet up outside in groups of no more than 6 are as follows; parks, beaches, public gardens, allotments, outdoor sports facilities and playgrounds.

The following can provide childcare support in private homes and gardens; registered childcare providers including nannies, people in a support bubble and people in a childcare bubble.

Unfortunately you can no longer visit a care home unless due to exceptional circumstances.

Work & School
Education remains open. Officer workers who can effectively work from home should continue to do so. Those working in essential services, including education settings, should continue to go to work where necessary. 

Weddings & funerals
It’s ok to meet for funerals, up to a maximum of 30 people but you mustn’t mingle whilst there. Wakes and other commemorative events are permitted with up to 15 people present.

Weddings and cicvil partnership ceremonies can take place with up to  15 people in Covid secure venues. Wedding receptions must not take place.

Moving House
You can still move house in a very high alert level area. Estate agents and removal firms can continue to operate and viewings can continue to take place.

Travel 
The government has advised that people do not travel to and from Greater Manchester.

Additional guidance has been given to students who ‘must not move back and forward between their permanent home and student home during term time – subject to limited exemptions set out in law.’

People can continue to travel into or out of these areas if it’s for work or education, to access youth services or because of caring responsibilities.

Residents in Tier 3 should avoid staying overnight in another part of the UK and others should avoid staying overnight in the area.

All restrictions in Greater Manchester will be reviewed by at least November 11th 2020. The current rules are ‘basement measures’ and the government can seek to agree additional measures. 

Visit the government website for more information.