People across Greater Manchester have been left angry and confused this morning as the government continue to decide whether the region should be moved into a 'tier three' lockdown.
Meetings between Downing Street and Greater Manchester's leaders were held earlier today amid mounting expectation the region would be moved to the 'very high' alert level.
But MPs have branded them an 'utter waste of time' as no decision was made.
This is despite national journalists tweeting that tier three restrictions had been agreed after reportedly being briefed by the government.
The Manchester Evening News understands that further discussions will take place later today and no agreement has yet been reached.
This morning's chaos has left residents across the region feeling confused and angry, particularly those who own businesses that will be affected by a move to 'tier three'.
Here is what our readers have been saying about the situation on social media this morning...
On Twitter, Clare Braithwaite said it was 'appalling' that people in Greater Manchester were finding out important news after it had been 'leaked' from the government to national newspapers.
"You can't make up the lack of respect here", she added.
What do you think of what has happened? Have your say in our comments below
Karen tweeted: "The dithering causes so much unnecessary stress and worry".
Kardo Mohammad commented on Facebook: "It’s confusing, and hard to understand what’s going on with Manchester...".
Theresa Sackfield said: "I'm confused. Are we or aren't we in tier three?".
Dennis added on Twitter: "As much as I support Burnham for keeping the pubs open as I work in hospitality and acknowledge how relentless he’s been, I wish the time would come now where Greater Manchester would finally know where 'we as a city stood' with Downing Street.
"Too busy arguing with one another."
Laura Taylor said she believes a 'circuit-breaker' lockdown needs to happen, instead of using the tiered system.
"We need to lock down again if only for a short while and believe I don't look forward to it all but it needs to happen", she said.
But Deborah Haslam said: "We need to go back to normal, the longer we keep closing down and opening back up is just prolonging the whole situation and isn’t resolving the virus it’s just creating more unemployment.
"The situation we now find ourselves in with the virus was always inevitable.
"We need to carry on living our lives, in a safe as possible manner."
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