Boris Johnson confirms Merseyside will see  pubs and bars, betting shops, casinos and gyms close from Wednesday

New measures have been set out by Prime Minister Boris Johnson today as different parts of the country will be split into medium, high and very high local coronavirus alert areas.

The north is expected to be plunged into the highest level, facing the toughest measures and sparking outrage from local leaders who are demanding more help as businesses will once again be forced to close. 

Merseyside is confirmed as the first area to be placed under the 'very high' tier restrictions. Liverpool and Knowsley continue to be two of the worst affected areas of the country for infections, with case rates in both areas now over 600 per 100,000.

Pubs and bars, betting shops, casinos, and gyms would close under the third "very high" tier-three restrictions. Non-essential travel and travellling between areas looks likely to be advised against. Restaurants look will remain open which will come as a relief to at least one area of the hospitality industry. 

Manchester faces similar restrictions to Liverpool, but was resisting on Sunday night as council leaders threatened legal action unless the Government increased its financial aid. Liverpool council chiefs were also demanding more money.

The North East and Yorkshire and Humber are yet to reach an agreement on restrictions. 

Keir Starmer commented that the stakes were high and questioned whether the retrictions 'could bring the country back from the brink, control the virus and provide the support and confidence that local communties and businesses need'. 

What time will Boris Johnson make his statement? 

The Prime Minister held a telephone conference with Cabinet colleagues on Sunday to discuss the situation and negotiations are ongoing with

Local leaders in the north of England discussed the situation yesterday as they held negotiations with the prime Minister, this morning a Cobra meeting was convened.

At 11am there will be a public data briefing with the deputy chief medical officer, Jonathan Van Tam, and representatives from the NHS.

The Prime Minister made his statement to the Commons at 3.30pm.

His press conference will be broadcast at 6pm.

What is the new three-tier system?

The new three-tier system that will see different parts of the country placed in different categories dependent on rates of infection, with areas in the highest level facing the toughest measures.

Tier one: Across England, including a 10pm hospitality curfew and a ban on most gatherings of more than six people.

Tier two: Restrictions could be similar to rules currently in place in Middlesbrough and parts of the North East. Indoor mixing of households would not be allowed, two households may be allowed to meet in a private garden, as long as the rule of six and social distancing are followed.

Tier three: Pubs and restaurants may be closed for all business except takeaways. That will be a legally enforceable rule. Local people will be asked to only make essential journeys within a Tier Three area. People living within a Tier Three area will be urged not to leave the area, unless it is absolutely necessary. And people living outside a Tier Three area will be asked not to travel to a Tier Three area unless essential, and they will be urged not to stay overnight.