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Coronavirus: New restrictions for England likely on Monday Coronavirus: New restrictions for England likely on Monday
(32 minutes later)
The government is likely to tighten coronavirus restrictions for parts of England on Monday - including the possibility of closing pubs and restaurants, the BBC understands.The government is likely to tighten coronavirus restrictions for parts of England on Monday - including the possibility of closing pubs and restaurants, the BBC understands.
The changes could see three tiers introduced for local lockdowns - as reported by the BBC last week.The changes could see three tiers introduced for local lockdowns - as reported by the BBC last week.
But ministers are now discussing how severe the top tier should be.But ministers are now discussing how severe the top tier should be.
It comes as new rules were announced for central Scotland, which will see pubs and restaurants close in the area.It comes as new rules were announced for central Scotland, which will see pubs and restaurants close in the area.
Meanwhile, the number of UK cases rose by 14,162 on Wednesday, with a further 70 deaths announced.Meanwhile, the number of UK cases rose by 14,162 on Wednesday, with a further 70 deaths announced.
No final decision has been made on the extent of the potential closures in England or the time period.No final decision has been made on the extent of the potential closures in England or the time period.
However, there are already tighter restrictions in place in parts of the north east and north west of England, Birmingham and Leicester. There are already tighter restrictions in place in parts of the north-east and north-west of England, Birmingham and Leicester, where the rate of infections has been rising.
The Treasury is looking at providing financial support to the hospitality industry in the worst hit areas.The Treasury is looking at providing financial support to the hospitality industry in the worst hit areas.
BBC political editor Laura Kuenssberg says this support could also be distributed across the country if there were widespread closures.BBC political editor Laura Kuenssberg says this support could also be distributed across the country if there were widespread closures.
It's a complicated equation. The Department of Health is worried about the spread of the disease, as well as other patients losing out on other treatments because of the focus on Covid.It's a complicated equation. The Department of Health is worried about the spread of the disease, as well as other patients losing out on other treatments because of the focus on Covid.
No 11 is fearful about the impact on the economy, which has already had a profound shock.No 11 is fearful about the impact on the economy, which has already had a profound shock.
And it's No 10's job to worry about all of it, then reach a conclusion.And it's No 10's job to worry about all of it, then reach a conclusion.
But Boris Johnson also knows that his own MPs and the opposition parties are more and more sceptical as each day passes about what the government proposes.But Boris Johnson also knows that his own MPs and the opposition parties are more and more sceptical as each day passes about what the government proposes.
It's clear that shutting pubs and restaurants is a possibility - the "circuit breaker" that we have talked about on here lots of times.It's clear that shutting pubs and restaurants is a possibility - the "circuit breaker" that we have talked about on here lots of times.
But there are many questions still to be settled.But there are many questions still to be settled.
Read more from Laura here.Read more from Laura here.
The changes would come as areas across the country are seeing their level of positive Covid cases rise.The changes would come as areas across the country are seeing their level of positive Covid cases rise.
A spike in Nottingham saw it become the area with the fourth-highest infection rate in England, with 496.8 per 100,000 of population.A spike in Nottingham saw it become the area with the fourth-highest infection rate in England, with 496.8 per 100,000 of population.
Local authorities across the county of Nottinghamshire have asked residents to avoid mixing with other households, but official restrictions have yet to be put in place.Local authorities across the county of Nottinghamshire have asked residents to avoid mixing with other households, but official restrictions have yet to be put in place.
In Scotland, licensed premises across the central belt, including Glasgow and Edinburgh, will have to close from Friday evening until 25 October.In Scotland, licensed premises across the central belt, including Glasgow and Edinburgh, will have to close from Friday evening until 25 October.
Pubs and restaurants will be able to open in other parts of Scotland - but can only serve alcohol outdoors.Pubs and restaurants will be able to open in other parts of Scotland - but can only serve alcohol outdoors.
Earlier, Boris Johnson and Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer clashed over the effectiveness and fairness Covid restrictions at Prime Minister's Questions.Earlier, Boris Johnson and Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer clashed over the effectiveness and fairness Covid restrictions at Prime Minister's Questions.
Sir Keir accused the PM of incompetence, saying: "The prime minister really needs to understand that local communities are angry and frustrated,"Sir Keir accused the PM of incompetence, saying: "The prime minister really needs to understand that local communities are angry and frustrated,"
But the PM accused Labour of changing its stance, saying: "What kind of signal does this send to the people of the country about the robustness of the Labour Party and their willingness to enforce the restrictions?"But the PM accused Labour of changing its stance, saying: "What kind of signal does this send to the people of the country about the robustness of the Labour Party and their willingness to enforce the restrictions?"
Three tiersThree tiers
The government confirmed last month it was looking at introducing a new three-tier system for local lockdowns, as a way of simplifying the rules.The government confirmed last month it was looking at introducing a new three-tier system for local lockdowns, as a way of simplifying the rules.
However, the BBC learned last week that the plan had got the final sign-off by government officials and politicians and was set to be rolled out in mid-October.However, the BBC learned last week that the plan had got the final sign-off by government officials and politicians and was set to be rolled out in mid-October.
The memo seen by the BBC shows plans for additional money for local authorities placed into tiers two or three.The memo seen by the BBC shows plans for additional money for local authorities placed into tiers two or three.
Local authorities would get £1 per head of population if placed into tier two and £2 per head for tier three.Local authorities would get £1 per head of population if placed into tier two and £2 per head for tier three.
Millions of people across the UK are already affected by extra local restrictions.Millions of people across the UK are already affected by extra local restrictions.
In several parts of north-east England, it is illegal to mix with another household in any indoor setting. People are also advised against all but essential travel.In several parts of north-east England, it is illegal to mix with another household in any indoor setting. People are also advised against all but essential travel.
In some areas in Wales, nobody is able to enter or leave without a "reasonable excuse".In some areas in Wales, nobody is able to enter or leave without a "reasonable excuse".
In other developments:In other developments: