UK PM Johnson imposes tighter COVID-19 restrictions on Manchester

Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson looks on during a news conference amidst the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) at Downing Street in London, Britain, October 20, 2020. Leon Neal/Pool via REUTERS

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he would impose tougher lockdown restrictions on the Greater Manchester region in northern England despite failing to reach a deal on funding support with local leaders.

"This evening, informed by the data we have just seen, I can announce that Greater Manchester will move to the Very High alert level," Johnson told a news conference on Tuesday.

He said the new restrictions would come into force early on Friday.

FILE PHOTO: People wear protective masks as they ride on a tram, amid the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in Manchester, Britain October 20, 2020. REUTERS/Phil Noble

(Reporting by Andy Bruce and Andrew MacAskill, writing by William James; editing by Stephen Addison)

Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson speaks during a news conference amidst the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) at Downing Street in London, Britain, October 20, 2020. Leon Neal/Pool via REUTERS