The restrictions are expected to come into effect from Wednesday
Pubs, bars, gyms, betting shops, casinos, and adult gaming centres across the Liverpool City Region are expected to close as part of strict Tier 3 coronavirus lockdown restrictions.
These measures, which effect Liverpool, Wirral, Knowsley, Sefton, St Helens and Halton, were confirmed by the region’s leaders in a joint statement this morning.
The statement from the local leaders also revealed that the army is being drafted in and the region is to receive a six-month package of financial government support as part of the Tier 3 restrictions.
Merseyside is among the areas subjected to new Tier 3 restrictions aimed at reducing coronavirus cases and rates. Liverpool and Knowsley continue to be two of the worst affected areas of the country for infections, with case rates in both areas now over 600 per 100,000.
Steve Rotheram, metro mayor of the Liverpool City Region told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme the new restrictions are expected to come in on Wednesday. He said: “What we are trying to do is to see whether we can get support and the support package for the businesses in our city region that will be affected by the Government’s decision.”
The metro mayor added: “We were told we were going into Tier 3, no ifs, no buts. We can either expend energy on that or we can try and get a better deal.
“Some people like to shout at the wind but if they can’t change the direction of the wind it is important to shield people from its effects.”
The measures could last for as long as six months, but with regular reviews that could see changes if things are improving – or if they are getting worse.
Later today, Prime Minister Boris Johnson will announce his three-tier strategy, setting out which other areas in England will be classified as medium, high or very high risk, which will inform the “appropriate interventions” needed in each area.
As pubs across the country could be set to close, the UK hospitality industry plans to take legal action to stop new local lockdown rules that could force pub, clubs and other venues to close. Trade body the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) said there was no evidence that hospitality venues contributed to the spread of Covid-19.