More of northern England put into highest COVID-19 lockdown tier

An information on COVID-19 sign is seen during stricter restrictions due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak in Sheffield, Britain October 21, 2020. REUTERS/Lee Smith

South Yorkshire in northern England will move into the very high lockdown tier on Saturday to tackle rising levels of COVID-19 infections, the mayor of the Sheffield City Region Dan Jarvis said on Wednesday.

The area has agreed a funding package worth 41 million pounds ($53.5 million) to support businesses that will have to close and for additional public health measures.

Regions in the north of England have been most severely affected by the second wave of COVID-19.

Women wearing protective masks walk along the Bramall Lane Stadium, during stricter restrictions due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, in Sheffield, Britain October 21, 2020. REUTERS/Lee Smith

South Yorkshire will join Liverpool and Lancashire in the highest tier. Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Tuesday he would impose the same measures in Manchester after failing to agree a support package with local leaders.

(Reporting by Sarah Young and Paul Sandle; editing by Guy Faulconbridge)

A man wearing a protective mask walks on the street during stricter restrictions due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak in Sheffield, Britain October 21, 2020. REUTERS/Lee Smith

A man walks past a poster amid the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in Manchester, Britain October 21, 2020. REUTERS/Phil Noble

A covid warning sign stands in the vicinity of the Royal Liver building, as the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continues, in Liverpool, Britain October 15, 2020. REUTERS/Phil Noble