More of UK put into highest lockdown tier
More cities in the north of England will move into the UK's highest lockdown tier on Saturday (October 24) to tackle rising COVID-19 infections.
South Yorkshire is set to join Liverpool and Lancashire, who are already under stricter measures.
The area has agreed to a funding package worth £41 million - that's $53.5 million - to support businesses that will have to close and for additional public health measures.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said Tuesday (October 20) he would be imposing the same measures in Manchester - after fruitless talks with local leaders over a financial support deal.
Regions in northern England have been most severely affected by the second wave of COVID-19.
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham said earlier in the week that the government was sacrificing jobs and livelihoods in the region to avoid a national lockdown and protect more affluent areas in the south.
Meanwhile, Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said the country's coronavirus restrictions will be extended until early November.
Pubs and restaurants in the central belt area will remain closed, and a curfew on indoor hospitality elsewhere will stay in place.
One scientist on the government's advisory committee for the pandemic said on Wednesday (October 21) that although a vaccine would improve the outbreak, he believed the coronavirus will be around "for evermore", and it's unlikely it will be eradicated.
Johnson continues to resist pressure for a second national lockdown, fearful of the disastrous effect it could have on the economy.
