Tier restrictions could be in place in Greater Manchester for 'months' until a vaccine is rolled out, leader warns

direct to your inboxPeople in Hyde will be first in line to receive the Covid-19 jab as Tameside’s inaugural vaccination hub opens as a drive-through this week.The borough’s clinical commissioning group (CCG) has worked with GPs and Tameside council to establish the first primary care network vaccine hub, with four more to come in the following weeks.The first batch of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine arrives in the borough on Tuesday, with vaccinations starting at Hyde Leisure Centre on Wednesday,

direct to your inbox The latest coronavirus infection rates for every local authority in England have been released.

direct to your inboxThe coronavirus infection rate for Greater Manchester has fallen again, raising hopes the region could be lifted out of Tier 3 restrictions.The latest figures show there were 153.4 positive tests in Greater Manchester for the week ending December 9 for every 100,000 people in the local population, down 7.7 per cent compared to the week before.It puts our region significantly lower than the infection rate for England, which has risen by 15 per cent to 172.8 over the same

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 inboxAndy Burnham criticised the Government again tonight after it emerged that their scientific advisers urged more support for local lockdown areas like Greater Manchester four months ago.He lashed out after documents released today (Friday) revealed that SAGE (Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies) told the government on July 30 more help was 'probably' required particularly in areas of deprivation to help people abide by the tougher restrictions being imposed.The first

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.

“The COVID-19 vaccination programme is the single biggest immunisation programme in the history of the NHS and we are absolutely privileged and excited that our Salford Royal site and group is one of the first in the country to receive the vaccine and be at the forefront of its delivery in Greater Manchester.

Sign up to the MySalford newsletter and don't miss a thing happening in and around the cityPictures show the first patient in Greater Manchester receiving the Covid-19 vaccine - a watershed moment in the fight against coronavirus. Ted, aged 86, received the jab at Salford Royal Hospital, one of 50 hospital hubs in the UK to administer the jabs on Tuesday.The landmark moment was captured on camera as the inoculation programme began.Salford Royal and Stepping Hill in Stockport are two of the 50

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 inboxIt's the moment that has been long anticipated in the UK's fight against coronavirus.The very first doses of the Covid-19 vaccine have now finally arrived in English hospitals and are set to be rolled out in the next 48 hours.Hundreds of thousands of doses of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine arrived in the country on Friday on refrigerated trucks from Belgiam.They were transported to specialist refrigerated storage facilities before being shipped to 50 hospitals taking part in the

direct to your inboxA yellow weather warning has been issued for Greater Manchester.Snow and sleet has already arrived in some parts of the region and is forecast to continue falling into Friday evening.The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for snow, sleet and rain from now until 9pm .Motorists are warned of tricky driving conditions with an increased risk of collisions.Forecasters say the rain will turn to wintry showers this evening and continue overnight, falling heaviest over

Lightopia is preparing to welcome visitors later this week, filling Heaton Park with colourful lanterns and light installations.The festival, which has delayed its opening due to the national lockdown, will officially kick off on Thursday December 3.Many people who held tickets for earlier dates have had their bookings pushed into the new year, with the festival running through now until January 10.It's one of the few festive events that will be able to go ahead, thanks to being outdoors.But the

The Environment Secretary has defended the Government’s decision to place Manchester in Tier 3 of the new coronavirus restrictions.The region will be placed in the highest tier when the national lockdown comes to an end in England later this week.Many have criticised the decision as several boroughs in London - going into Tier 2 this week - have higher infection rates than Trafford and Stockport.But Environment Secretary George Eustice has explained that there are several reasons for placing the

Greater Manchester will have to follow the toughest set of coronavirus restrictions in England once the national lockdown ends on December 2.The region has been placed in Tier 3, which means household mixing is banned, apart from in public outdoor areas such as parks and beaches.For any gatherings that do take place outdoors, the rule of six will be in force, which means you could get fined if you're in a group of seven or more.However, there are some legal exemptions to the rules around

Greater Manchester’s plans to bring the local bus network into public ownership have been approved for a further public consultation considering the effects of Covid-19.But questions have been asked around the timing and financial implications for both residents and councils given the ongoing financial impact of the pandemic.The combined authority wants a London-style franchising system costing £134.5m which would give them control over fares, timetables and routes - instead of private bus

From December 2 more than 20 million people face tougher tiered restrictions.When the national lockdown ends next Wednesday, England will revert back to the tiered system first introduced in October.However, it has been "strengthened" and Boris Johnson described it as "tougher" as the UK still battles the coronavirus pandemic.Health secretary Matt Hancock announced on Thursday (November 26) which areas would be placed in which tier.Greater Manchester will be placed in Tier 3, the 'Very High

hereForecasters are also predicting a cold week ahead, with foggy, frosty mornings. Their advice includes:Today:A dry day. Some overnight fog may linger for a time, persisting through the day in a few areas, and feeling chilly where it does.

revised tier system was outlined by Mr Johnson on Monday, and will come into force when the national lockdown ends on Wednesday, December 2.

Andy Burnham says it is ‘more likely than not’ that Greater Manchester will be put into the highest tier of coronavirus restrictions despite falling infection rates.The mayor is expecting that the new measures, due to be shared with leaders tomorrow, will be applied consistently across the city-region.But the government has been urged to look at Greater Manchester’s position in two weeks when the first review of the revised arrangements takes place.There are widely-held expectations that almost