Pubs, bars, gyms, betting shops, casinos and adult gaming centres are expected to close in Liverpool as part of Tier 3 coronavirus lockdown restrictions.
The closures are expected to take place from Wednesday and could last up to six months. It is understood that restaurants, schools and universities will remain open.
The measures in Liverpool could stretch to other areas and Boris Johnson will be chairing a top level COBRA meeting today to 'determine the final interventions', according to Sky News. The Prime Minister is then expected to make an announcement in Parliament later on today.
In a joint statement, the region's leaders confirmed the government's requirements. Liverpool City Region's Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram, as well as the city's elected Mayor Joe Anderson, Cllr Rob Polhill, Cllr Graham Morgan, Cllr Ian Maher, Cllr David Baines and Cllr Janette Williamson also said that they have been working 'to negotiate a package of support from the government'.
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They said: "Together we agree and share the grave concerns with regard to the increasing pressure on our hospitals and remain absolutely committed to working with the Government to drive down the spread of the Coronavirus and the number of Covid-19 cases.
"We have made it clear that while our priority is the health and wellbeing of our residents, the wellbeing of our economy is also a top priority.
"We made it clear we do not feel that the Furlough scheme announced recently is adequate and that businesses in the Region especially those in the hospitality sector and those serving it will be damaged and many will suffer long term damage or close for good."
The statement continues: "The government has decided that the following further measures and closures will apply to the Liverpool City Region. Pubs and bars; Betting Shops, Casinos and Adult Gaming Centres and Gyms will close.
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"These measures they feel will help stop the spread of Covid-19, reduce the levels of infection and relieve pressure on our Hospitals and NHS.
"We also welcome the opportunity to engage logistics and capacity support from the Armed Forces, working alongside our own Local Authority staff and Public Health officials.
"These measures will be supported by a specific package of financial support for our City Region to cover a six-month period and not dependent upon the Tier position of our City Region."
Restrictions are expected to be reviewed on a monthly basis, with the statement adding: "We must be clear that we have not yet reached an agreement on the wider economic support package that will be required as we go into Tier 3 restrictions but we have agreed to remain in meaningful dialogue with government to establish a wider, appropriate and mutually agreeable financial support package to mitigate the impact of new Tier 3 restrictions.
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"If pubs, bars and other hospitality and leisure businesses are forced to close, there must be appropriate support for them and their staff."
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