More northern areas could move to the highest level of lockdown restrictions as negotiations with local leaders continue, Downing Street has said.
Boris Johnson told his Cabinet that negotiations with northern leaders are continuing to move their areas into Tier 3 of the new coronavirus measures.
No 10 has warned regional leaders who are resisting entering the highest level of Mr Johnson’s restrictions that the government has the power to “impose” the measures.
The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said: “The PM said the government continues to work with local leaders in the North to agree additional interventions in Level 3 areas, in order to drive down transmission of the virus.
“The PM said that for the Liverpool City Region we’ve successfully agreed a package of measures and support including the closure of gyms and fitness studios, casinos, adult gaming centres and betting shops.
"This is as well as closing pubs and bars, meaning the package of measures goes beyond the baseline for Level 3.
“The PM said these are difficult steps – but we have to protect the NHS and save lives.”
So far, only the Liverpool City Region has agreed to sign up to Tier 3 restrictions, banning household mixing indoors and closing pubs unless they can operate as restaurants.
The Prime Minister’s spokesman declined to say which areas in the north and Yorkshire and Humber the Government wants to accept the severest restrictions.
But he added: “The Government does have the ability to impose measures if it’s considered that’s what’s needed to reduce transmission, to safeguard the NHS and to save lives.”
Mr Johnson on Monday set out the new system in England which will see areas put into different categories labelled as medium, high or very high risk.
The medium level maintains current national restrictions, high-risk areas will see households banned from mixing indoors, and the third tier will see harsher restrictions including the closure of pubs – unless they can operate as a restaurant.
