The Government made a statement regarding the new ‘three tier system’, introduced to simplify rules around lockdowns. These measures, the Prime Minister told the commons, are necessary to both reduce transmission and sustain the economy.

The three levels are as follows:

‘Medium Level’ – The current universal rule of 6 and closure of hospitality at 10pm
‘High Level’ – ban on all household interaction in indoor settings, but groups of six may meet in outdoor settings including gardens

‘Very High Level’ – full ban on household mixing in all settings and closure of bars and restaurants. Other closures at this level will be agreed on a regional basis with local leaders.

This third tier will apply to areas where transmission is happening the most rapidly and NHS is under threat of coming under strain and inability to cope.

The Liverpool City Region will be placed under tier three from Wednesday. It has also been agreed that gyms, leisure centres and betting shops will be closed as part of the new measures. Non-essential shops and all salons will remain open.

Pubs will be able to remain open if they are able to operate as a restaurant and provide the sale of alcohol with main meals, with full table service.

Formed in 2009, the Liverpool City Region, includes several local boroughs, including Sefton of which Southport is part.

Increased lockdown in the region comes following extensive discussions with LCR Metro Mayor, Steve Rotheram and other leaders from each Local Authority.

A review of these measures will take place every four weeks, and the Prime Minister assured businesses in his address tonight, that they are by no means indefinite.

Up to £1 billion is also being made available for local authorities to deliver local level track and trace and to provide measures for enforcing the new restrictions. The Chancellor also announced last week and extension to the Job Support Scheme, which launches on the 1st of November. This package will support businesses forced to close in law by paying two thirds of employees wages and providing cash grants up to £3,000 a month for other business costs.

Measures will be debated tomorrow in Parliament and enforced from Wednesday.