The Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham hit back at claims made by the Transport Secretary Grant Shapps that he was to blame for the rise in Greater Manchester Covid infections. Burnham also criticised the Government’s plans for Christmas asking what the price is that people will have to pay.
Burnham revealed that he believed it was ‘more likely than not’ the city region will be in Tier 3 when the national lockdown ended. He pointed out that there was a falling trend of infection and he hoped that the region will be heading into Tier 2 at the first opportunity for a review which will was scheduled in a couple of weeks.
After the announcement was made Sir Richard Leese, Leader of Manchester City Council said, “It is deeply disappointing that we have been placed in Tier Three when we have seen a very significant reduction in infection levels, bringing Manchester close to the national average, and we have been making an evidence-based case to government that we should be moved into Tier Two”.
Towns and city centres in Tier 3 areas will be severely damaged by the loss of Christmas trade and the Government’s failure to provide a fair financial support package, the Mayor of Greater Manchester warned in hope of gaining more financial support.
Boris Johnson announced a month-long lockdown for England. Under the new measures, people would be told to stay at home and only leave for ‘specific reasons’ such as buying essential items, going to school or exercise.
The Chancellor has announced that the furlough scheme will be continued until the end of March 2021. Rishi Sunak told the House of Commons that the change of direction was due to changes in the Public Health situation.
The Government announced plans for the mass movement of University Students home for Christmas in the week following the end of the national lockdown.
Pfizer and BioNTech released results that show that their coronavirus vaccine is 95 per cent effective and said that they would submit their Covid-19 vaccine for US and EU emergency approval “within days”.
The UK launched a COVID-19 mass testing pilot scheme in Liverpool, offering everyone in the city tests whether or not they had symptoms, in an attempt to find a better way to use testing to limit the spread of the coronavirus. The Governemt asked regulators to asses the vaccine.
It was announced that Ramadan Abedi, father of Salman and Hashem Abedi, was wanted for questioning after his fingerprints were found inside a car used by the brothers to store explosives and bomb-making material. Five other people were also wanted for questioning in relation to the Arena attack.
Sir Bobby Charlton, Manchester United legend and England World Cup winner was diagnosed with dementia.
A 75-year-old nursing superstar was shortlisted for a crop of national awards. South Africa-born Gladys Nkhola, who works at independent dementia hospital Monet Lodge in Withington, was recognised for her contribution during the pandemic and for the last 40 years.
The Fashion retailer Burberry has announced a partnership with England and Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford to launch a new charitable initiative to support youth organisations in Manchester, London and New York. A new mural of Manchester United and England striker Marcus Rashford appeared in Manchester.
Rashford also launched a book club so that all children can experience the escapism of reading. The footballer teamed up with Macmillan Children’s Books to promote reading and literacy among children from all socio-economic backgrounds.
An Ex-Scout Leader from Audenshaw was jailed for over five years for child sexual offences which took place over 25 years ago.
size?, sportswear giants Nike and We Love MCR Charity collaborated to launch an exclusive new rendition of the classic Air Force 1 to celebrate and support the City of Manchester.
Coronation Street unveiled their official 60th anniversary cast photograph to celebrate the programme reaching this broadcasting milestone.
The Spirit of Manchester Distillery, home to Manchester Gin, released its first limited edition festive-inspired tipple, Winter Spiced Gin. The gin is a unique full-strength spirit, at 40% ABV, and the first of Manchester Gin’s award-winning range to have both a hot and cold serve recommendation.
Victoria Baths launched and online shop which captured the very essence of Manchester’s water palace and was full of gift ideas for the festive season.
