Coronavirus lockdown restrictions have been tightened in Greater Manchester, parts of east Lancashire and parts of west Yorkshire as cases continue to surge in the region.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock announced that separate households in several areas will be banned from meeting each other indoors as part of “immediate action” to keep people safe.
He tweeted a list late on Thursday night of where the new restrictions will apply, which include Blackburn with Darwen, Burnley, Hyndburn, Pendle, Rossendale and Bradford.
Labour leader Keir Starmer said announcing the lockdown measures late at night on Twitter was a “new low” for the government's communication. He said there was now a need for “urgent clarity” on the move.
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