Greater Manchester schools forced to U-turn on plan to close early for Christmas

direct to your inboxCoronavirus has brought heartache to thousands of families across Greater Manchester.More than 3,800 people have died in our region's hospitals alone. And tragically, this number is continuing to rise.Behind the Covid-19 death statistics that we publish each day are human beings who all had stories to tell.

direct to your inboxTwenty-six more people have died from coronavirus in Greater Manchester's hospitals.The region's hospital death toll has risen to 3,900, the latest NHS figures show.Nine more Covid-related deaths were recorded by Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust in its 24 hour data.The trust runs the Manchester Royal Infirmary (MRI), Wythenshawe Hospital, the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital and Saint Mary's hospital.Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust confirmed five new deaths.

direct to your inboxGreater Manchester leaders have confirmed that the latest version of the regional spatial framework is dead after Stockport rejected the long-delayed plans.The remaining nine boroughs will now pursue a new masterplan to try and salvage their vision for providing jobs and housing across the city-region by 2037.Several councils postponed votes on the GMSF after Stockport initially deferred their decision before opposition groups rose up to vote against it on December

direct to your inboxChristmas 2020 is already shaping up to be a very different festive season.With much of the country still under severe restrictions after the lifting of lockdown last week, many traditions have had to be put on hold this year.But one thing we know won't change is the selfless work of the region's many Christmas heroes.Every year, the M.E.N celebrates the people who are working on the frontline during the festive period - and this year, that's never felt more important.

direct to your inboxEighteen more people have died from coronavirus in Greater Manchester's hospitals.The region's hospital death toll has now risen to 3,787, the latest NHS figures show.Thirteen new deaths were recorded at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, the organisation in charge of the Manchester Royal Infirmary, Wythenshawe Hospital, Saint Mary's and the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital.Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust confirmed four new deaths.

direct to your inboxGreater Manchester is now back in Tier 3 under coronavirus controls set out by the government.The region was previously in the toughest tier when the new three-tier system was introduced before the national lockdown was imposed.However this time around, the restrictions in Tier 3 - 'Very High alert' - have been 'strengthened'.Hospitality businesses have been ordered to remain closed, while people can only meet others not in their household in outdoor public spaces - similarly

strictest Tier 3 measures when England leaves the current national coronavirus lockdown on December 2. And with the Christmas period fast approaching, the question of whether people will be able to spend time with loved ones in other parts of the country has been raised.

"According to these latest rules we can muscle in alongside the Christmas shoppers in all non-essential shops, go for a workout in the gym, get our hair done, and even go to a massage parlour - but we're not allowed to walk around our local art gallery, visit a museum, or sit in a socially distanced seat inside a Covid-secure cultural venue and enjoy a performance. "Our cultural venues here in Manchester are on their knees.

heading for tier 3 restrictions when lockdown ends next week, pupils are continuing to be sent home from primaries and secondaries across the region. We reported at the weekend how many feel schools are 'descending into chaos' and concerns are growing over Year 11s being expected to sit exams next year despite missing out on large chunks of classroom learning time.

government announcing this morning that Manchester will be placed in Tier 3 when national lockdown ends on December 2, the mayor says the 'halfway house approach' taken to lockdown is partly to blame.Reacting to the news that the region now faces the toughest measures for at least another fortnight, he told the Manchester Evening News: "It was a personal view and maybe not everybody's view, but I think schools should have been included in the national circuit break, because actually it would

Manchester Evening News has seen an early internal planning document circulated within Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust.

Black Friday deals.But we’re asking you to put your money where it matters this year and pledge to spend some of your Christmas shopping cash with local traders too.We understand many people will still be choosing to stay at home and shop online even after lockdown lifts.So that’s why we’ve teamed up with our sister site InYourArea and ReachPLC titles to create a search tool where you can find local shops offering delivery and click-and-collect services on your doorstep.All you have to do is

revised tier system, which will come into force on December 2 when the national lockdown ends, government ministers will impose the top level of restrictions on the highest risk areas.Previously, ministers had entered into discussions with local leaders over the what measures would be needed and how they would be funded.In Greater Manchester, mayor Andy Burnham led several days of intense talks as he tried to negotiate a more substantial financial package than the one the government had

schools in Greater Manchester 'descending into chaos', bubbles of schoolchildren are continuing to be sent home from primaries and secondaries across the region. Staff shortages are having a huge impact - with teachers either being confirmed with the virus themselves, identified as a close contact, or having to stay home because their own children are isolating from schools.

a similar move by Focus Trust, which runs seven primaries in Greater Manchester, Stockport council has given permission for schools to close two days earlier than planned.

the north is being forgotten because schools in the south aren't being affected by the virus in the same way.

The schools closing a week early include:Focus Trust’s chief executive Helen Rowland said: “We recognise the short notice may be an issue for some families but we hope that by taking the proactive and practical approach of extending the break, we can ensure that no one is forced to self-isolate over the holiday because of someone they have come into contact with at school.“The time will be made up later in the school year when it is safe and practical to do so and families will be informed of

impact closures are having on pupils in the north, bubbles of schoolchildren are continuing to be sent home from primaries and secondaries across the region.

warning parents to expect 'major disruption' in the weeks ahead, bubbles of pupils are continuing to be sent home to isolate on a daily basis. Today's confirmed cases include the closure of one primary school to all year groups.

coronavirus patients have died in the second wave of the pandemic in Greater Manchester, the MEN can reveal.