Boris Johnson announcement: What did the PM say in his speech today, October 20?

BORIS Johnson addressed the nation this afternoon (Oct 20) in a Downing Street press conference. 

The Prime Minister was joined by two of the Government's top medics as they revealed the latest data for Covid-19 infections and hospital admissions, and that Greater Manchester will be placed under Tier 3 restrictions.

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What did the PM announce?

Mr Johnson announced that Greater Manchester will be moved to Tier 3 measures.

The Prime Minister stated that Tier 3 restrictions will come into effect in Greater Manchester from just after midnight on Thursday (October 22).

Pubs and bars will be closed, unless serving substantial meals, for a 28-day period, along with betting shops, casinos, bingo halls, adult gaming centres and soft play areas.  

Mr Johnson also announced that Greater Manchester will receive 22 million in extra funding.

He said that Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burham didn't accept the offer and he must proceed to moving the area to a greater alert level.

It would put many lives at risk if he didn't, he said.

Boriris Johnson said: “I bitterly regret any restrictions that lead to damage to business and people lives.”

“Nobody wants to put people in Greater Manchester through the experience they have been.

“Andy Burnham is right in what he says about the length of endurance Greater Manchaster has shown. The £22 million, that is additional to other support.”

“This is a Government that has put 190 billion already into supporting business and jobs across the country we are investing huge sums of money to support local authorities and another £1 billion.”

“Greater Manchester will have 'access to all kinds of funds.

What did Boris say in his last speech?

Mr Johnson last updated the country about local lockdown restrictions on October 16.

The PM announced that Lancashire was going into Tier 3 lockdown from last weekend and thanked local leaders for “working constructively” to help implement local lockdowns under the new tier system.

He also paid special thanks to leaders in London, Liverpool and Lancashire.

Mr Johnson said that the government was providing funds for areas in high alert levels to put measures in place, and that it was introducing local contact tracing.

Although an agreement with Greater Manchester has not yet been reached, Mr Johnson said he understood the reluctance to enter a Tier 3 lockdown.

The PM said he disagrees that a national lockdown would be a positive course of action: "If at all possible, I want to avoid a national lockdown."

He mentioned that closing businesses in areas where cases are low, such as Cornwall, would not be beneficial to the country.

The PM said that people without symptoms can affect many others without knowing about it.

It is therefore vital to test everybody who comes into contact with those who've been anywhere near an infected person.

The PM went on to stress the importance of self-isolation and said if people follow the rules “we will suppress this disease”.

The three tier system began on Wednesday, October 14.