Boris Johnson prepared to replace the “rule of six” with tougher restrictions on daily life as he warned that Britain was in the grip of the second wave of coronavirus. The Prime Minister said he may have to “intensify” measures that could act as a temporary “circuit breaker” to stem a resurgence of the virus and prevent Britain being forced into a second lockdown.
Johnson later called on the nation to “summon the discipline and the resolve” to get through the “unquestionably difficult” winter together as he told the public to expect six more months of Covid restrictions. In his televised address to the country, The Prime Minister said the UK is better prepared to deal with the second wave of coronavirus, but still called on Britons to “summon the discipline, and the resolve, and the spirit of togetherness that will carry us through” the second spike.
The Health Secretary Matt Hancock said it would take a ‘matter of weeks’ to fix the widespread problems with the coronavirus testing system after health leaders warned the shortages were preventing NHS staff from going to work. In Bolton which had the highest rate of infection in the country, The Royal Hospital tweeted that: “A&E is currently very busy, managing a high volume of patients who have arrived requesting a Covid Test”.
Greater Manchester’s Mayor believed that the national lockdown was lifted too early in the North West and that is part of the reason why infection rates were rising. Andy Burnham, addressing his weekly GM Covid Conference said that he believed there was a high level of underlying virus in the region and the national lockdown was lifted too early based on the virus’ rates falling in London.
The third report from the country’s largest study on coronavirus rates of infection was published showing that cases are increasing steadily across the country. The study examined levels of infection in the general population in England. The findings for the period between 22nd August and 7th September – testing more than 150,000 volunteers – indicated cases were doubling every 7 to 8 days. It was estimated 13 people per 10,000 were infected in England, compared with 4 people per 10,000 between 24th July and 11th August 2020.
The Government launched a new KickStart scheme which saw them pay the wages of newly hired under-25s for six months. Chancellor Rishi Sunak said: “This isn’t just about kickstarting our country’s economy – it is an opportunity to kickstart the careers of thousands of young people who could otherwise be left behind as a result of the pandemic.”
Restrictions on Casinos, skating rinks, bowling alleys & indoor play areas were removed across most of Greater Manchester with venues able to welcome customers back The exception was to be in Bolton which is at the time was recording the highest amount of cases in the country.
There was a sharp rise in the number of Covid cases across the country. Across Greater Manchester, five areas were considered to be on red alert with cases over 50 per 100,000 being reported in Manchester, Salford, Oldham, Tameside and Bolton, the latter recorded 115 cases per 100,000 by far the highest in England at the time.
An innovative programme designed to help newly unemployed people in Greater Manchester find work received a £13m funding boost from the Department for Work and Pensions.
A 23-year-old man from Bolton was fined £1,000 after failing to respond to self-isolation requirements when he returned from a holiday in Ibiza.
The iconic Pringles can was set for a major eco makeover as the company announced the trial of a new tube made of recycled paper which is widely recyclable. If successful, the company planned to distribute the new look packaging across Europe. The new paper Pringles tube test in the UK followed a similar trial of a recyclable steel can in Italy at the end of last year.
The public inquiry into the Manchester Arena bombing started after being delayed due to the trial of the bombers brother. Chaired by Sir John Saunders was held at Manchester Magistrates Court, Covid restrictions meant that physical presence at the hearings was restricted.
Greater Manchester Police enforced stop and search powers in Cheetham Hill and Higher Broughton after an increase in crime believe to be a dispute between two local crime groups.
Plans for a new concert Arena next to Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium were recommended for approval by Manchester Council planners.
Bolton-based online electricals retailer AO announced it was the new headline sponsor of Manchester’s iconic Arena as operators ASM Global submitted a planning application for phase one of its ambitious redevelopment.
Around twenty-five Climate Change protesters, linked to Extinction Rebellion, blocked roads around St Peters Square in Manchester to draw attention to the environmental crisis and to call on MPs to back the Climate Emergency Bill in Parliament.
Manchester United and England striker Marcus Rashford announced that he was to form a Child Food Poverty Task Force with supermarkets and food brands.
England manager Gareth Southgate confirmed that Man City’s Phil Foden and Man United’s Mason Greenwood broke quarantine rules in Iceland. The pair travelled separately back from Nations League duty. The two youngsters both apologised after.
Evuna turned the Eat Out to Help Out offer on its head by offering diners at each of its restaurants up to 50% of all of its hand-selected, quality wines.
Greggs’ famous bakes, baguettes and sweet treats could now be delivered directly to homes and offices across Manchester, exclusively with Just Eat.
Leonardo Royal Hotels revealed when The Midland Hotel in Manchester will be unveiled, following an extensive refurbishment project. Due for completion at the end of September, the £14m refurbishment featured a stunning transformation of all bedrooms and public areas.
Manchester City released a documentary that shines the spotlight on the career of one of its most decorated players. Made in Belgium chronicled last seasons PFA Player of the Year Kevin De Bruyne’s remarkable career in a new CityTV production and is available to watch on City’s content platform, CITY+.
