LEIGH is set to be put under tier 3 restrictions when the national lockdown ends on December 2.

Greater Manchester's boroughs will be placed in tier 3 for very high alert.

A statement on the government website set out why Greater Manchester was placed under tier 3 restrictions.

It said: "While there has been continued improvement in Greater Manchester, weekly case rates remain very high, especially amongst those aged over 60, at around 260 per 100,000 people.

“The pressure on the local NHS is decreasing in some areas but remains a concern; Manchester University hospital and Pennine Acute Trust remain under significant pressure.”

Matt Hancock said that the measures are necessary given the “scale of the threat” faced by the UK.

He told the Commons: “The majority of England will be in Tier 2, but in a significant number of areas I’m afraid (they) need to be in Tier 3 to bring case rates down.

“Now, I know how tough this is, both for areas that have been in restrictions for a long time like Leicester and Greater Manchester, and also for areas where cases have risen sharply like Bristol, the West Midlands and Kent.

“The full allocations have been published this morning and laid as a written ministerial statement just before this statement began.”

He added: “I understand the impact that these measures will have, but they are necessary given the scale of the threat that we face.”

Matt Hancock also added that these tiers will be reviewed in two weeks. 

He said: “The majority of England will be in Tier 2 but a significant number of areas, I’m afraid, need to be in Tier 3 to bring case rates done.

“Now I know how tough this is both for areas that have been in restrictions for a long time like Leicester and Greater Manchester and also for areas where cases have risen sharply recently like Bristol, the West Midlands and Kent.

“The full allocations have been published this morning and laid as a written ministerial statement just before this statement began. I understand the impact that these measures will have but they are necessary given the scale of the threat that we face.

 “We’ll review the measures in a fortnight and keep them regularly under review after that.”

What tier 3 restrictions mean:

- Non-essential retail stores are allowed to open.

- Groups of six will only be able to meet in outdoor public spaces, such as parks and sports courts – but not in private gardens.

- Hospitality will be closed except for takeaway.

- Indoor entertainment venues – such as cinemas, theatres, bowling alleys and casinos – will remain closed.

- People will be told to avoid travelling out of the area other than where necessary and to reduce the number of journeys.

- No overnight stays will be permitted outside the local area, except for work or education, with accommodation to stay closed.

- Weddings and civil partnerships can resume but with only 15 guests, increasing to 30 for funerals. Wedding receptions are banned in Tier 3.

- Places of worship can reopen, but people must not interact with anyone outside their household or support bubble.

- Classes and organised adult sport can take place outdoors, but people are advised to avoid higher-risk contact activity.

- Elite and live sport will still be banned but drive-in events will be permitted.