themanchestereveningnews--2020-11-23--Coronavirus daily headlines as Johnson to outline post-lockdown plans

Boris Johnson is set to outline a revised three-tier local lockdown system for England this afternoon .
The nation will return to the tier system when the nationwide lockdown ends on December 2 - but it will be a 'strengthened ' version of the one previously used .
Changes to the 10pm curfew are set to be announced , along with tighter controls for the hospital sector .
The news has 'worried ' Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham who has said many venues may not survive Tier 3 measures .
Meanwhile , further positive news from the team behind the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Results from phase three trials suggest the jab could be up to 90 per cent effective in preventing Covid-19 .
The latest headlines can be found below , and for live updates through the day you can follow our blog .
England to return to tier system after lockdown - but it will be 'strengthened' England will be returning to a tiered system of local restrictions from December 2 as planned - but the system is set to be 'strengthened ' , according to ministers .
Boris Johnson is due to set out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ controls in a Commons statement this afternoon .
As well as allowing non-essential retail to reopen in all three tiers , it is expected he will say gyms can welcome back customers while grass roots sports will also be able to resume .
Cinemas will be allowed to reopen in areas under Tier 1 and 2 , and midnight mass and Christingle services will be permitted in all three tiers .
It is understood that bars and restaurants under the toughest Tier 3 measures will only to be allowed to offer takeaways , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be able to serve alcohol with food .
Matt Hancock told the BBC : `` In England , when the lockdown measures come to an end on December 2 , we can be confident that they can be replaced with a tiered system , but the top tier is going to have to be tougher than the previous top tier because before it managed to flatten the curve but not have it fall.
” The 10pm curfew is also expected to see some changes in the government 's next lockdown announcement .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be allowed to stay open later than 10pm following the nationwide lockdown .
The plans will mean that , while last orders must be called at 10pm , people will get an extra hour to finish their food and drinks , with opening hours to be extended until 11pm .
Chancellor Rishi Sunak told the BBC ’ S Andrew Marr : “ It ’ s definitely something that we ’ re looking at and I think , as I said , one of the things that we ’ ve been able to do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ data , see what works and see where we can improve things .
“ I think it ’ s probably fair to say when we introduced the curfew , that was something that was in common with many other countries and cities around the world .
“ As we ’ ve learnt more , there ’ s opportunities for us to look and refine things , and that is one of the things on our list.
” Following the news that England will returned to a tiered system of controls from December 3 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said many hospitality businesses will not survive .
“ I am worried about what I am hearing this morning , '' he told the BBC Radio 4 Today programme .
`` It seems that a toughened Tier 3 could be devastating for the hospitality industry and will hit cities and the city economy very , very hard indeed.
” He continued : “ They seem to be going too far before Christmas to allow too much over Christmas and that will lead to a huge loss of hospitality businesses , which I would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pay .
“ To close all hospitality businesses in Tier 3 areas – that will be large parts of the North – that will be devastating for many of those businesses .
They will not survive that.
” Oxford trial results suggest vaccine could be 90 per cent effective A British vaccine candidate has been found to be up to 90 per cent effective in preventing Covid-19 .
AstraZeneca and Oxford University said their jab is effective in stopping most people from contracting coronavirus and falling seriously ill , with some indications that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus to others .
The jab is likely to be rolled out in the UK from December , with the bulk of vaccination in the new year .
One of the dosing patterns used by the scientists – and tested on about a third of those in the study – suggested 90 % effectiveness if one half dose is given followed by a further full dose .
Another dosing pattern showed 62 % efficacy when one full dose is given followed by another full dose .
The combined analysis from both dosing regimes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % .
Experts behind the study believe that a smaller initial dose may prime the immune system to give a bigger , better response when it meets coronavirus .
The half dose regime is also thought to prevent transmission of the virus and experts hope regulators will approve this plan .
During the overall clinical trial , those given the vaccine did not suffer severe coronavirus and nobody required hospital treatment , while there were also no serious safety concerns related to the vaccine itself .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the Medicines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) in the UK will now assess if the 90 % effectiveness dosing regime can be used .
He said : “ I ’ m really very pleased , I really welcome these figures – this data that shows that the vaccine in the right dosage can be up to 90 % effective .
“ If this all goes well in the next couple of weeks , then we are looking at the potential of starting the vaccination programme next month for this Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine as well as the Pfizer vaccine .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the rollout will be in the new year .
“ We are looking with high confidence now that after Easter things can really start to get back to normal.
” Chancellor says the UK will not see a return to austerity Chancellor Rishi Sunak insisted the nation will not see a return to austerity - but suggested he could impose a public sector pay freeze in his spending review .
He is due to announce a multibillion-pound plan to invest in long-term infrastructure projects on Wednesday and fund the fight against the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ preparing to announce £1.25 billion of new funding for prisons , extra money for police recruitment and that the government ’ s 10-year schools programme will approve 50 new schools a year .
Mr Sunak insisted it is not the time to impose tax hikes “ in the fog of enormous economic uncertainty ” , but he did not rule out capping the salaries of millions of public sector workers .
Unions have reacted angrily to the prospect and there is a chance of industrial action if the freeze is confirmed , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ absolute kick in the teeth ” for frontline workers .
Mr Sunak told Sky ’ s Sophy Ridge On Sunday : “ You will not see austerity next week , what you will see is an increase in government spending , on day-to-day public services , quite a significant one coming on the increase we had last year.
” But , while he said that he “ can not comment on future pay policy ” , Mr Sunak added : “ When we launched the spending review I did say to departments that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I think it would be entirely reasonable to think of those in the context of the wider economic climate .
“ I think it would be fair to also think about what is happening with wages , with jobs , with hours , across the economy , when we think about what the right thing to do in the public sector is.
” Indonesia ’ s health ministry announced that new daily infections rose by 4,442 to bring the country ’ s total to 502,110 .
This is the highest number in Southeast @ @ @ @ @ @ @ India ’ s 9.1 million confirmed cases .
Indonesia , the world ’ s fourth most populous nation , also reported a total of 16,002 deaths from the coronavirus .
President Joko Widodo told a cabinet meeting that his administration is preparing mass vaccinations .
He urged his ministers to ensure the safe and smooth distribution of vaccines across the vast archipelago nation , home to more than 270 million people .

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Boris Johnson is set to outline a revised three-tier local lockdown system for England this afternoon.
The nation will return to the tier system when the nationwide lockdown ends on December 2 - but it will be a 'strengthened' version of the one previously used.
Changes to the 10pm curfew are set to be announced, along with tighter controls for the hospital sector.
The news has 'worried' Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham who has said many venues may not survive Tier 3 measures.
Meanwhile, further positive news from the team behind the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine is being celebrated today.
Results from phase three trials suggest the jab could be up to 90 per cent effective in preventing Covid-19.
The latest headlines can be found below, and for live updates through the day you can follow our blog.
England to return to tier system after lockdown - but it will be 'strengthened'
England will be returning to a tiered system of local restrictions from December 2 as planned - but the system is set to be 'strengthened', according to ministers.
Boris Johnson is due to set out details of the revised three-tier system of controls in a Commons statement this afternoon.
As well as allowing non-essential retail to reopen in all three tiers, it is expected he will say gyms can welcome back customers while grass roots sports will also be able to resume.
Cinemas will be allowed to reopen in areas under Tier 1 and 2, and midnight mass and Christingle services will be permitted in all three tiers.
It is understood that bars and restaurants under the toughest Tier 3 measures will only to be allowed to offer takeaways, while those in Tier 2 will only be able to serve alcohol with food.
Matt Hancock told the BBC: "In England, when the lockdown measures come to an end on December 2, we can be confident that they can be replaced with a tiered system, but the top tier is going to have to be tougher than the previous top tier because before it managed to flatten the curve but not have it fall.”
Easing of 10pm curfew expected
The 10pm curfew is also expected to see some changes in the government's next lockdown announcement.
It is understood that pubs and restaurants will be allowed to stay open later than 10pm following the nationwide lockdown.
The plans will mean that, while last orders must be called at 10pm, people will get an extra hour to finish their food and drinks, with opening hours to be extended until 11pm.
Chancellor Rishi Sunak told the BBC’S Andrew Marr: “It’s definitely something that we’re looking at and I think, as I said, one of the things that we’ve been able to do as we’ve learned is get data, see what works and see where we can improve things.
“I think it’s probably fair to say when we introduced the curfew, that was something that was in common with many other countries and cities around the world.
“As we’ve learnt more, there’s opportunities for us to look and refine things, and that is one of the things on our list.”
Andy Burnham warns of 'devastating' effect on hospitality
Following the news that England will returned to a tiered system of controls from December 3, Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham has said many hospitality businesses will not survive.
“I am worried about what I am hearing this morning," he told the BBC Radio 4 Today programme.
"It seems that a toughened Tier 3 could be devastating for the hospitality industry and will hit cities and the city economy very, very hard indeed.”
(Image: PA)
He continued: “They seem to be going too far before Christmas to allow too much over Christmas and that will lead to a huge loss of hospitality businesses, which I would say is too big a price to pay.
“To close all hospitality businesses in Tier 3 areas – that will be large parts of the North – that will be devastating for many of those businesses. They will not survive that.”
Oxford trial results suggest vaccine could be 90 per cent effective
A British vaccine candidate has been found to be up to 90 per cent effective in preventing Covid-19.
AstraZeneca and Oxford University said their jab is effective in stopping most people from contracting coronavirus and falling seriously ill, with some indications that it can also prevent people passing the virus to others.
The jab is likely to be rolled out in the UK from December, with the bulk of vaccination in the new year.
One of the dosing patterns used by the scientists – and tested on about a third of those in the study – suggested 90% effectiveness if one half dose is given followed by a further full dose.
Another dosing pattern showed 62% efficacy when one full dose is given followed by another full dose.
The combined analysis from both dosing regimes resulted in an average efficacy of 70.4%.
Experts behind the study believe that a smaller initial dose may prime the immune system to give a bigger, better response when it meets coronavirus.
The half dose regime is also thought to prevent transmission of the virus and experts hope regulators will approve this plan.
During the overall clinical trial, those given the vaccine did not suffer severe coronavirus and nobody required hospital treatment, while there were also no serious safety concerns related to the vaccine itself.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) in the UK will now assess if the 90% effectiveness dosing regime can be used.
He said: “I’m really very pleased, I really welcome these figures – this data that shows that the vaccine in the right dosage can be up to 90% effective.
“If this all goes well in the next couple of weeks, then we are looking at the potential of starting the vaccination programme next month for this Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine as well as the Pfizer vaccine.
“But in all cases the bulk of the rollout will be in the new year.
“We are looking with high confidence now that after Easter things can really start to get back to normal.”
Chancellor says the UK will not see a return to austerity
Chancellor Rishi Sunak insisted the nation will not see a return to austerity - but suggested he could impose a public sector pay freeze in his spending review.
He is due to announce a multibillion-pound plan to invest in long-term infrastructure projects on Wednesday and fund the fight against the coronavirus pandemic.
It is understood he is preparing to announce £1.25 billion of new funding for prisons, extra money for police recruitment and that the government’s 10-year schools programme will approve 50 new schools a year.
Mr Sunak insisted it is not the time to impose tax hikes “in the fog of enormous economic uncertainty”, but he did not rule out capping the salaries of millions of public sector workers.
Unions have reacted angrily to the prospect and there is a chance of industrial action if the freeze is confirmed, with Labour saying it would be an “absolute kick in the teeth” for frontline workers.
(Image: Getty Images)
Mr Sunak told Sky’s Sophy Ridge On Sunday: “You will not see austerity next week, what you will see is an increase in government spending, on day-to-day public services, quite a significant one coming on the increase we had last year.”
But, while he said that he “cannot comment on future pay policy”, Mr Sunak added: “When we launched the spending review I did say to departments that when we think about public pay settlements I think it would be entirely reasonable to think of those in the context of the wider economic climate.
“I think it would be fair to also think about what is happening with wages, with jobs, with hours, across the economy, when we think about what the right thing to do in the public sector is.”
Indonesia exceeds half a million cases
Indonesia’s confirmed Covid-19 cases have breached half a million.
Indonesia’s health ministry announced that new daily infections rose by 4,442 to bring the country’s total to 502,110.
This is the highest number in Southeast Asia and second on the continent to India’s 9.1 million confirmed cases.
Indonesia, the world’s fourth most populous nation, also reported a total of 16,002 deaths from the coronavirus.
President Joko Widodo told a cabinet meeting that his administration is preparing mass vaccinations.
He urged his ministers to ensure the safe and smooth distribution of vaccines across the vast archipelago nation, home to more than 270 million people.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-11-23--Bolton press conference: updates from Ian Evatt ahead of Scunthorpe

Bolton Wanderers are back on the road tomorrow for their second away game in the space of four days when @ @ @ @ @ .
The Trotters head to Glanford Park tomorrow evening for a League Two clash against @ @ @ @ @ 's side made it back-to-back wins in the division on Saturday and three victories in @ @ @ @ @ they beat Stevenage 2-1 .
Goals from Eoin Doyle and Ali Crawford secured three points @ @ @ @ @ Wanderers are back in action tomorrow aiming to build on their current good form for @ @ @ @ @ Cox 's side .
The Iron are currently 22nd in League Two and unbeaten in @ @ @ @ @ Over the weekend , Scunthorpe were close to securing victory over Morecambe thanks to Emmanuel @ @ @ @ @ for Aaron Wildig to net an injury time equaliser for the Lancashire side .
Ahead @ @ @ @ @ Wanderers head coach Ian Evatt will be speaking to the media in a press conference @ @ @ @ @ be posting updates of what he has to say in this blog .

Bolton Wanderers are back on the road tomorrow for their second away game in the space of four days when they take on Scunthorpe United.
The Trotters head to Glanford Park tomorrow evening for a League Two clash against the Iron.
Ian Evatt's side made it back-to-back wins in the division on Saturday and three victories in succession in all competitions when they beat Stevenage 2-1.
Goals from Eoin Doyle and Ali Crawford secured three points for the Trotters.
And Wanderers are back in action tomorrow aiming to build on their current good form for a 7pm kick-off against Neil Cox's side.
The Iron are currently 22nd in League Two and unbeaten in their last three games.
Over the weekend, Scunthorpe were close to securing victory over Morecambe thanks to Emmanuel Onariase's goal, only for Aaron Wildig to net an injury time equaliser for the Lancashire side.
Ahead of tomorrow's game, Wanderers head coach Ian Evatt will be speaking to the media in a press conference via Zoom and we'll be posting updates of what he has to say in this blog.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-11-23--I'm a Celebrity fans think stars are breaking the rules over latest action

I 'm a Celebrity fans think stars are breaking the rules over their latest action .
The famous faces have already faced a week in camp at Gwrych Castle with at least two more to go for those who make it to the final .
And the camp mates are already missing their families with some creating 'secret signals ' with their loved ones as a way of communicating while away .
But now they have found another was of sending a message to their friends and families who are watching which viewers think is against the rules .
On @ @ @ @ @ @ @ viewers saw BBC Radio 1 DJ Jordan North elected camp leader and he then chose journalist Victoria Derbyshire as his deputy .
The pair went off to decided which fellow show stars would do which camp duties - from the washing up to cleaning out the privy .
Later in the show , fans spotted that each contestant had managed to scribble their loved ones names on their hats using the chalk which was provided for Jordan and Victoria to fill out the chores board .
Bolton star Vernon Kay had written his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Giovanni Fletcher sent a special message to her husband Tom and their sons and Victoria filled hers up with the most names .
ITV host Ant McPartlin later referenced the camp mate 's handy work on his way into camp with co-host Dec Donnelly to reveal who was next to do the trial .
But not all viewers were impressed .
`` I do n't agree on the writing on the Hats !
Communication to the outside world should n't be allowed !
!
!
!
!
!
! ''
wrote one .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ writing on the hats against camp rules of communicating with the outside world ? ''
`` Arent the names on their hats also breaking the rule of no contact to the outside ?
Punish them for breaking the rules !
# ImACeleb , '' added a third .
`` Why are the camp mates allowed to put messages on their hats this year ?
?
?
# ImACeleb , '' quizzed another .
Others , however , defended the celebs .
`` How are people actually getting mad at celebs for writing their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
Saying they need to be punished ?
!
As if they wouldn ’ t do the same if they had the opportunity .
Behave , '' one argued .
Another gushed : `` Writing the names of their loved ones on their hats with chalk , that ’ s such a cute idea my heart can ’ t cope . ''
`` Awwww I love that they have their other halves and kids names on their hats .
So cute , '' added a third while a fourth said : `` Well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I ’ m sat here crying at the loved ones names on their hats . ''

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I'm a Celebrity fans think stars are breaking the rules over their latest action.
The famous faces have already faced a week in camp at Gwrych Castle with at least two more to go for those who make it to the final.
And the camp mates are already missing their families with some creating 'secret signals' with their loved ones as a way of communicating while away.
But now they have found another was of sending a message to their friends and families who are watching which viewers think is against the rules.
On Sunday night, I'm A Celeb viewers saw BBC Radio 1 DJ Jordan North elected camp leader and he then chose journalist Victoria Derbyshire as his deputy.
The pair went off to decided which fellow show stars would do which camp duties - from the washing up to cleaning out the privy.
Later in the show, fans spotted that each contestant had managed to scribble their loved ones names on their hats using the chalk which was provided for Jordan and Victoria to fill out the chores board.
Bolton star Vernon Kay had written his two daughters names on his hat, Giovanni Fletcher sent a special message to her husband Tom and their sons and Victoria filled hers up with the most names.
ITV host Ant McPartlin later referenced the camp mate's handy work on his way into camp with co-host Dec Donnelly to reveal who was next to do the trial.
(Image: ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
But not all viewers were impressed.
"I don't agree on the writing on the Hats! Communication to the outside world shouldn't be allowed!!!!!!!" wrote one.
Another argued: "Is the chalk writing on the hats against camp rules of communicating with the outside world?"
"Arent the names on their hats also breaking the rule of no contact to the outside? Punish them for breaking the rules! #ImACeleb," added a third.
"Why are the camp mates allowed to put messages on their hats this year??? #ImACeleb," quizzed another.
Others, however, defended the celebs.
"How are people actually getting mad at celebs for writing their loved ones names on their hats?? Saying they need to be punished?! As if they wouldn’t do the same if they had the opportunity. Behave," one argued.
Another gushed: "Writing the names of their loved ones on their hats with chalk, that’s such a cute idea my heart can’t cope."
"Awwww I love that they have their other halves and kids names on their hats. So cute," added a third while a fourth said: "Well this is Lockdown 2.0 for you, I’m sat here crying at the loved ones names on their hats."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-11-23--40% of people surveyed want to see second lockdown extended

This afternoon Boris Johnson looks set to announce England 's second lockdown will be lifted on December 2 .
But 40 % of people in Greater Manchester want to see it extended , a Manchester Evening News survey has found .
More than 9,000 people responded to the question 'What would you like to see happen from December 2 when national lockdown is due to end ? '
.
And four in 10 replied by saying they 'd like to see lockdown 'extended nationally until infections are at a manageable level everywhere ' .
But the second most popular answer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restrictions have become - was at the opposite end of the scale .
More than one in four people replied ' I 'd like to see all restrictions lifted ' .
However overall the majority of people we surveyed supported the continuation of restrictions in one form or another .
Mr Johnson will address the House of Commons at around 3.30pm on Monday when he is expected to say after December 2 more areas will be placed in higher tiers , while restrictions will be strengthened to protect the improvements gained during the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 16 % of people who said they 'd like to see a 'new , tougher version of the tier system in the areas where cases are increasing ' and the 11 % of people who said they 'd like 'to see a return to the tier system in the areas where cases are increasing ' .
Just 6 % of the people surveyed said they 'd like to see a 'new , less-restrictive version of the tier system in the areas where cases are increasing ' .
Get breaking news first on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ download it here for your Apple or Android device .
You can also get a round-up of the biggest stories sent direct to your inbox every day with the MEN email newsletter - subscribe here .
And you can follow us on Facebook here

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This afternoon Boris Johnson looks set to announce England's second lockdown will be lifted on December 2.
But 40% of people in Greater Manchester want to see it extended, a Manchester Evening News survey has found.
More than 9,000 people responded to the question 'What would you like to see happen from December 2 when national lockdown is due to end?'.
And four in 10 replied by saying they'd like to see lockdown 'extended nationally until infections are at a manageable level everywhere'.
But the second most popular answer - perhaps reflecting how divisive the covid restrictions have become - was at the opposite end of the scale.
More than one in four people replied 'I'd like to see all restrictions lifted'.
However overall the majority of people we surveyed supported the continuation of restrictions in one form or another.
Mr Johnson will address the House of Commons at around 3.30pm on Monday when he is expected to say after December 2 more areas will be placed in higher tiers, while restrictions will be strengthened to protect the improvements gained during the current national lockdown.
That will please the 16% of people who said they'd like to see a 'new, tougher version of the tier system in the areas where cases are increasing' and the 11% of people who said they'd like 'to see a return to the tier system in the areas where cases are increasing'.
Just 6% of the people surveyed said they'd like to see a 'new, less-restrictive version of the tier system in the areas where cases are increasing'.
Get breaking news first on the free Manchester Evening News app - download it here for your Apple or Android device.
You can also get a round-up of the biggest stories sent direct to your inbox every day with the MEN email newsletter - subscribe here.
And you can follow us on Facebook here


themanchestereveningnews--2020-11-23--Mata names the two things Man United youngster Garner needs

Juan Mata says Manchester United youngster James Garner needs confidence and trust to be shown in him if he is to reach his potential and become ' a very good midfielder ' .
The United youngster is currently out on loan with Championship side Watford as he looks to make his breakthrough into senior men 's football , having featured sporadically for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the first-team .
Speaking earlier in the season Garner hailed Mata for mentoring him during his development at Old Trafford and now the Spaniard has returned the favour with his own praise for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ friend , that ’ s why he speaks so well of me !
” Mata told United Review .
“ I always thought he is one of the players who , if he keeps going and keeps improving , in the way he was doing in the academy , he can be a very , very good midfielder .
Manchester United ground out a 1-0 win over West Brom to finally notch a victory at home in the Premier League this season .
It was n't pretty but it means two successive wins @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who have to balance league and Champions League commitments over a busy period in the coming weeeks .
MEN Sport will bring you all the reaction and analysis from United 's win against West Brom and you can have it all delivered straight to your inbox by signing up to our daily newsletter .
Just put your email address in the sign-up box at the top of this article , or simply follow this link .
It 's free and only takes a few seconds .
“ I really like him ; the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his cleverness , his way of looking forward , looking for a pass and also his attitude off the ball .
So , whenever he was here , I always tried to encourage him and said what I believed he could be as a player .
“ I always tried to motivate him and give him confidence as I think , when you ’ re that age , you need confidence and trust - not only from the manager but also from your team-mates .
“ I wish him all the best at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do well .
He ’ s a great guy and a very good player , as I ’ ve said before , because he keeps improving every day.
“

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Juan Mata says Manchester United youngster James Garner needs confidence and trust to be shown in him if he is to reach his potential and become 'a very good midfielder'.
The United youngster is currently out on loan with Championship side Watford as he looks to make his breakthrough into senior men's football, having featured sporadically for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the first-team.
Speaking earlier in the season Garner hailed Mata for mentoring him during his development at Old Trafford and now the Spaniard has returned the favour with his own praise for the teenager.
“He is a good friend, that’s why he speaks so well of me!” Mata told United Review. “I always thought he is one of the players who, if he keeps going and keeps improving, in the way he was doing in the academy, he can be a very, very good midfielder.
“I really like him; the way he plays on the ball, his cleverness, his way of looking forward, looking for a pass and also his attitude off the ball. So, whenever he was here, I always tried to encourage him and said what I believed he could be as a player.
“I always tried to motivate him and give him confidence as I think, when you’re that age, you need confidence and trust - not only from the manager but also from your team-mates.
“I wish him all the best at Watford and I am sure he will do well. He’s a great guy and a very good player, as I’ve said before, because he keeps improving every day.“


themanchestereveningnews--2020-11-23--IKEA's Christmas tree deal is back - but it's not all good news

The Christmas season is just around the corner .
And as we reach the end of November , it 's about that time of year where our attention turns to trees .
While some will soon be heading to the attic to brush the dust off their artificial firs , others will once again be on the look out for the real deal .
And after a challenging financial year for many , the cheaper you can get your hands on one for , the better .
Over the years , IKEA has proved to be on of the cheapest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the UK .
Last year , the big blue warehouse ran a tempting deal which saw shoppers able to bag one for under a tenner .
The offer involved being gifted a free £20 store voucher when purchasing a tree for £29 .
And the year before , in 2018 , the popular furniture store was running the same deal but for the cheaper price of £25 with a free £20 voucher - meaning you were essentially getting your tree for a fiver !
Inevitably , then , this year many customers have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the popular money-saving deal 's return .
Well , the wait is finally over .
IKEA has announced that the Christmas tree offer is back for the ninth year and customers are now able to pick up a real Nordmann fir tree for £29 and receive a £20 IKEA voucher to spend in the new year .
But unfortunately , the offer will only be available at participating stores - and IKEA Manchester Ashton did n't make the cut .
The only open UK stores where Christmas trees will be able to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cardiff , Edinburgh and Glasgow .
But it 's not all bad news for those in the region .
Some closed stores will be offering a click and collect service on Christmas trees - and Warrington is one of the branches involved .
Christmas trees purchased in this way must be reserved online first .
The full list of stores offering the bargain deal on click and collect : Click here to reserve your tree .
The store writes : `` In-line with COVID-19 regulations , options for purchasing and picking Christmas trees @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guidelines .
`` For IKEA stores in England that remain closed until the 2nd December , customers will need to reserve a tree via an online booking reservation tool and pay for the tree on collection from their preferred store ’ s car park . ''
Anna Liakh , commercial activities leader , IKEA UK and Ireland , said : “ For many , a beautifully decorated tree is the heart of the home at Christmas time , so we ’ re proud to continue to offer our customers affordable fresh trees through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The delicate scent of pine needles throughout the home is one of our favourite Christmas fragrances , lifting everyone ’ s spirits during the festive season and we want as many people as possible to be able to experience that , particularly as Christmas will likely look different this year .
`` What ’ s more , shoppers can redeem their £20 voucher across a whole range of homewares in-store , making the offer a gift that truly keeps on giving this Christmas.
” The Christmas tree offer will run from now until @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last .
Customers will be able to redeem their IKEA voucher against a range of IKEA products from January 18 to February 28 , 2021 .

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The Christmas season is just around the corner.
And as we reach the end of November, it's about that time of year where our attention turns to trees.
While some will soon be heading to the attic to brush the dust off their artificial firs, others will once again be on the look out for the real deal.
And after a challenging financial year for many, the cheaper you can get your hands on one for, the better.
Over the years, IKEA has proved to be on of the cheapest places to pick up a tree in the UK.
Last year, the big blue warehouse ran a tempting deal which saw shoppers able to bag one for under a tenner.
The offer involved being gifted a free £20 store voucher when purchasing a tree for £29.
And the year before, in 2018, the popular furniture store was running the same deal but for the cheaper price of £25 with a free £20 voucher - meaning you were essentially getting your tree for a fiver!
Inevitably, then, this year many customers have been anxiously waiting for the announcement of the popular money-saving deal's return.
Well, the wait is finally over.
IKEA has announced that the Christmas tree offer is back for the ninth year and customers are now able to pick up a real Nordmann fir tree for £29 and receive a £20 IKEA voucher to spend in the new year.
But unfortunately, the offer will only be available at participating stores - and IKEA Manchester Ashton didn't make the cut.
The only open UK stores where Christmas trees will be able to be purchased outside this year are Belfast, Cardiff, Edinburgh and Glasgow.
But it's not all bad news for those in the region.
Some closed stores will be offering a click and collect service on Christmas trees - and Warrington is one of the branches involved.
Christmas trees purchased in this way must be reserved online first.
The full list of stores offering the bargain deal on click and collect:
Birmingham
Bristol
Croydon
Exeter
Lakeside
Leeds
Milton Keynes
Newcastle
Nottingham
Reading
Sheffield
Southampton
Tottenham
Warrington
Wembley
Click here to reserve your tree.
The store writes: "In-line with COVID-19 regulations, options for purchasing and picking Christmas trees from stores will vary based on local guidelines.
"For IKEA stores in England that remain closed until the 2nd December, customers will need to reserve a tree via an online booking reservation tool and pay for the tree on collection from their preferred store’s car park."
Anna Liakh, commercial activities leader, IKEA UK and Ireland, said: “For many, a beautifully decorated tree is the heart of the home at Christmas time, so we’re proud to continue to offer our customers affordable fresh trees through our much-anticipated Christmas tree deal.
"The delicate scent of pine needles throughout the home is one of our favourite Christmas fragrances, lifting everyone’s spirits during the festive season and we want as many people as possible to be able to experience that, particularly as Christmas will likely look different this year.
"What’s more, shoppers can redeem their £20 voucher across a whole range of homewares in-store, making the offer a gift that truly keeps on giving this Christmas.”
The Christmas tree offer will run from now until December 24 in participating stores while stocks last. Customers will be able to redeem their IKEA voucher against a range of IKEA products from January 18 to February 28, 2021.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-11-23--Government asks schools to 'review' decision to close a week early for Christmas

School leaders are under pressure to reverse their decision to close a week early for Christmas .
The government has been in talks with Focus Trust after it announced last week that all 15 of its schools - seven of which are in our region - will close on December 11 , instead of the original planned date of December 18 .
Its decision came amid growing concerns over the number of families that could be forced to isolate over the festive period because of positive cases .
Families were initially told that during the week , pupils would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with teachers offering paper-based and online work for them to complete - but it will now be classed as a normal holiday .
Unlike the lockdown earlier this year , they will not be open to children of key workers or vulnerable youngsters .
Mum Cheryl Doyle , whose children go to Manor Green Primary Academy in Denton - one of the seven schools affected in Greater Manchester - said she would struggle to get childcare to cover the extra week off at short notice .
The Department for Education is not happy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has asked bosses to review it .
School Standards Minister Nick Gibb said : “ The best place for children to be is in schools , which is why it remains a national priority to keep them open full time and avoid further disruption to education .
“ I know this is a challenging time but the latest data shows only 0.2 % of pupils were off school isolating with a confirmed case of coronavirus .
Closing early for Christmas or extending the holidays is not the answer .
What do you think @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than planned for Christmas ?
Do you think others should follow suit ?
Would it leave you struggling for childcare ?
Let us know in the comments here or on our Manchester Family Facebook page .
“ The Chief Medical Officer has been clear that schools should remain open and has highlighted the damage caused by not being in education to children ’ s education , development and mental health , which greatly outweighs any other risks .
Children are at very low risk from the virus , and staff are not at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sectors.
” Cheryl , who works as an A & E nurse , is hoping the Trust responds to the government and reverts back to the original closure date .
She said : `` We had a letter stating the extra week is now a holiday and the children will not be expected to do any work , which is better , but it still doesn ’ t help with the last minute childcare issues a lot of us working parents will have .
`` I understand why they are doing it but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The original finish date would be better for everyone because it is just so last minute .
As it stands I might have to have last minute emergency time off work and as a nurse this is not professional or helpful at this current time . ''
Focus Trust ’ s chief executive Helen Rowland said last week that they 'recognise the short notice may be an issue for some families ' but want to 'ensure that no one is forced to self-isolate over the holiday because of someone they have come into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Manchester Evening News has approached Focus Trust for a further comment about the talks with government .
Has your school had to send children home to self-isolate ?
Let us know in the comments or email the details to emma.gill @ reachplc.com .

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School leaders are under pressure to reverse their decision to close a week early for Christmas.
The government has been in talks with Focus Trust after it announced last week that all 15 of its schools - seven of which are in our region - will close on December 11, instead of the original planned date of December 18.
Its decision came amid growing concerns over the number of families that could be forced to isolate over the festive period because of positive cases.
Families were initially told that during the week, pupils would be be expected to work from home - with teachers offering paper-based and online work for them to complete - but it will now be classed as a normal holiday.
Unlike the lockdown earlier this year, they will not be open to children of key workers or vulnerable youngsters.
Mum Cheryl Doyle, whose children go to Manor Green Primary Academy in Denton - one of the seven schools affected in Greater Manchester - said she would struggle to get childcare to cover the extra week off at short notice.
(Image: Google Maps)
The Department for Education is not happy with the Trust's decision either and has asked bosses to review it.
School Standards Minister Nick Gibb said: “The best place for children to be is in schools, which is why it remains a national priority to keep them open full time and avoid further disruption to education.
“I know this is a challenging time but the latest data shows only 0.2% of pupils were off school isolating with a confirmed case of coronavirus. Closing early for Christmas or extending the holidays is not the answer.
What do you think about the schools closing a week earlier than planned for Christmas? Do you think others should follow suit? Would it leave you struggling for childcare? Let us know in the comments here or on our Manchester Family Facebook page.
“The Chief Medical Officer has been clear that schools should remain open and has highlighted the damage caused by not being in education to children’s education, development and mental health, which greatly outweighs any other risks. Children are at very low risk from the virus, and staff are not at higher risk than those working in other sectors.”
The schools closing a week early include:
Manor Green Primary Academy, Denton, Tameside
Old Trafford Community Academy, Trafford
Freehold Community Primary, Oldham
Lyndhurst Primary, Oldham
Coppice Primary Academy, Oldham
Roundthorn Primary Academy, Oldham
Deeplish Primary Academy, Rochdale
(Image: Deeplish Primary Academy)
Cheryl, who works as an A&E nurse, is hoping the Trust responds to the government and reverts back to the original closure date.
She said: "We had a letter stating the extra week is now a holiday and the children will not be expected to do any work, which is better, but it still doesn’t help with the last minute childcare issues a lot of us working parents will have.
"I understand why they are doing it but I think it’s unnecessary. The original finish date would be better for everyone because it is just so last minute. As it stands I might have to have last minute emergency time off work and as a nurse this is not professional or helpful at this current time."
Focus Trust’s chief executive Helen Rowland said last week that they 'recognise the short notice may be an issue for some families' but want to 'ensure that no one is forced to self-isolate over the holiday because of someone they have come into contact with at school'.
The Manchester Evening News has approached Focus Trust for a further comment about the talks with government.
Has your school had to send children home to self-isolate? Let us know in the comments or email the details to emma.gill@reachplc.com.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-11-23--What we know about three Covid vaccines and when we can get them in UK

A roll-out of the coronavirus vaccine could start as early as next month following positive results from three different vaccine candidates .
Since the start of the pandemic , scientists around the world have been racing to develop a jab that prevents Covid-19 .
The latest candidate to announce success in phase three clinical trials is the UK 's Oxford University vaccine .
Health secretary Matt Hancock has said the NHS is on stand-by to be ready to administer a vaccine as soon as one is manufactured .
It total , the UK government has secured early access to 355 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's all you need to know about the vaccines from the front-runners in the race - Oxford University , Pfizer and Moderna - as well as other vaccine candidates we could see results from soon .
The Oxford University Covid-19 vaccine , which is being developed with pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca , has reported interim results from a phase 3 trial showing the jab can prevent the majority of people from developing the disease .
The government has secured 100 million doses of the vaccine , which is almost enough for most of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could start to be rolled out in the UK from December , with the bulk of vaccination in the new year .
Results from the trials show that one of the dosing patterns used - one half dose followed by a further full dose - suggested 90 per cent effectiveness .
Another dosing pattern showed 62 per cent efficacy when one full dose is given followed by another full dose .
The combined analysis from both dosing regimes resulted in an average efficacy of 70.4 per cent .
The vaccine can also be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the minus 70C to minus 80C needed for the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines .
It uses a harmless , weakened version of a common virus which causes a cold in chimpanzees .
Researchers have already used this technology to produce vaccines against a number of pathogens including flu , Zika and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome ( Mers ) .
A spokesperson for the Department of Health said : `` The independent Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency will carry out their crucial work to assess whether the vaccine meets robust standards of safety @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the full data from Oxford/AstraZeneca .
`` If authorised , the NHS will begin to roll out more widely , starting with those most at risk , in line with Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation advice , and taking into account logistics and practicality . ''
At the start of November , Pfizer and BioNTech announced a major breakthrough in the race for a Covid-19 vaccine , with early phase three results suggesting the jab is 90 per cent effective .
Later that month , the companies confirmed a higher efficacy rate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been tested on 43,500 people in six countries and no safety concerns have been raised .
It has been shown to produce both an antibody and T-cell response in the body .
Ugur Sahin , co-founder of BioNTech , said the data shows a high rate of protection against Covid-19 can be achieved “ very fast ” after the first dose .
The UK has secured 40 million doses in total of the vaccine , with 10 million due in the country by the end of the year provided the jab is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doses , meaning not enough vaccine has been secured for the entire UK population .
The vaccine needs to be kept at an ultra-low temperature , between minus 70C and minus 80C , until a few days before use when it can be transferred to a standard medical fridge .
If it is approved for use in the UK it will need to be stored in regional hubs – including wholesalers and hospitals – before being shipped to GP surgeries and vaccination clinics .
Shortly after Pfizer released its first results , American @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be 94.5 per cent effective against Covid-19 .
Moderna also released data relating to severe cases , indicating that all 11 severe cases that were observed occurred in the placebo group and none in the group which had received the vaccine .
Available safety data did not indicate any significant safety concerns , the company said .
Read more of today 's top stories here The UK has agreed an “ initial agreement ” for five million doses of the Moderna vaccine if it is approved .
The phase three trial is continuing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regulatory approval .
What other vaccines are being developed across the world ?
There are a number of other vaccines in development across the world that are at different stages of trials .
Novavax is currently running a phase three clinical trial on its own vaccine candidate , which the UK has secured 60 million doses of .
The UK trial is expected to be fully enrolled by the end of November .
Clinical data for early phases of the trial suggested the vaccine triggers an immune response greater than that in patients @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Depending on the overall Covid-19 attack rate , interim data is expected as soon as in the first quarter of next year .
Phase three trials of the Janssen vaccine started in mid-November with the aim of enrolling 6,000 people in the UK , and a total of 30,000 globally .
The jab has already undergone phase one and two trials , and interim analysis of the single-dose study suggests the Covid-19 vaccine candidate induces a robust immune response and is generally well-tolerated .
The UK has secured 30 million doses of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Valneva vaccine , of which the UK has secured 60 million doses , are expected to start before the end of the year .
The company anticipates that it could potentially reach a first regulatory approval in the second half of 2021 .

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A roll-out of the coronavirus vaccine could start as early as next month following positive results from three different vaccine candidates.
Since the start of the pandemic, scientists around the world have been racing to develop a jab that prevents Covid-19.
The latest candidate to announce success in phase three clinical trials is the UK's Oxford University vaccine.
Health secretary Matt Hancock has said the NHS is on stand-by to be ready to administer a vaccine as soon as one is manufactured.
It total, the UK government has secured early access to 355 million doses of various vaccines.
Here's all you need to know about the vaccines from the front-runners in the race - Oxford University, Pfizer and Moderna - as well as other vaccine candidates we could see results from soon.
Oxford/AstraZeneca
The Oxford University Covid-19 vaccine, which is being developed with pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca, has reported interim results from a phase 3 trial showing the jab can prevent the majority of people from developing the disease.
The government has secured 100 million doses of the vaccine, which is almost enough for most of the population.
If approved, the jab could start to be rolled out in the UK from December, with the bulk of vaccination in the new year.
(Image: PA Graphics)
Results from the trials show that one of the dosing patterns used - one half dose followed by a further full dose - suggested 90 per cent effectiveness.
Another dosing pattern showed 62 per cent efficacy when one full dose is given followed by another full dose.
The combined analysis from both dosing regimes resulted in an average efficacy of 70.4 per cent.
The vaccine can also be stored in a fridge, rather than the minus 70C to minus 80C needed for the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines.
It uses a harmless, weakened version of a common virus which causes a cold in chimpanzees.
Researchers have already used this technology to produce vaccines against a number of pathogens including flu, Zika and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (Mers).
(Image: University of Oxford)
A spokesperson for the Department of Health said: "The independent Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency will carry out their crucial work to assess whether the vaccine meets robust standards of safety, effectiveness and quality once it receives the full data from Oxford/AstraZeneca.
"If authorised, the NHS will begin to roll out more widely, starting with those most at risk, in line with Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation advice, and taking into account logistics and practicality."
Pfizer/BioNTech
At the start of November, Pfizer and BioNTech announced a major breakthrough in the race for a Covid-19 vaccine, with early phase three results suggesting the jab is 90 per cent effective.
Later that month, the companies confirmed a higher efficacy rate of 95 per cent.
The vaccine has been tested on 43,500 people in six countries and no safety concerns have been raised.
It has been shown to produce both an antibody and T-cell response in the body.
Ugur Sahin, co-founder of BioNTech, said the data shows a high rate of protection against Covid-19 can be achieved “very fast” after the first dose.
The UK has secured 40 million doses in total of the vaccine, with 10 million due in the country by the end of the year provided the jab is approved.
However people will need two doses, meaning not enough vaccine has been secured for the entire UK population.
The vaccine needs to be kept at an ultra-low temperature, between minus 70C and minus 80C, until a few days before use when it can be transferred to a standard medical fridge.
If it is approved for use in the UK it will need to be stored in regional hubs – including wholesalers and hospitals – before being shipped to GP surgeries and vaccination clinics.
Moderna
Shortly after Pfizer released its first results, American company Moderna revealed its own vaccine may be 94.5 per cent effective against Covid-19.
Moderna also released data relating to severe cases, indicating that all 11 severe cases that were observed occurred in the placebo group and none in the group which had received the vaccine.
Available safety data did not indicate any significant safety concerns, the company said.
The UK has agreed an “initial agreement” for five million doses of the Moderna vaccine if it is approved.
The phase three trial is continuing and the jab is yet to receive regulatory approval.
What other vaccines are being developed across the world?
There are a number of other vaccines in development across the world that are at different stages of trials.
Novavax is currently running a phase three clinical trial on its own vaccine candidate, which the UK has secured 60 million doses of.
The UK trial is expected to be fully enrolled by the end of November.
Clinical data for early phases of the trial suggested the vaccine triggers an immune response greater than that in patients who have recovered from the disease.
(Image: Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT))
Depending on the overall Covid-19 attack rate, interim data is expected as soon as in the first quarter of next year.
Phase three trials of the Janssen vaccine started in mid-November with the aim of enrolling 6,000 people in the UK, and a total of 30,000 globally.
The jab has already undergone phase one and two trials, and interim analysis of the single-dose study suggests the Covid-19 vaccine candidate induces a robust immune response and is generally well-tolerated.
The UK has secured 30 million doses of the Janssen vaccine.
Clinical trials on the Valneva vaccine, of which the UK has secured 60 million doses, are expected to start before the end of the year.
The company anticipates that it could potentially reach a first regulatory approval in the second half of 2021.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-11-23--Pep Guardiola new contract will bring Man City change this season

November 2020 will go down as one of the more productive international breaks that Manchester City have had .
With a more demanding schedule than ever before , the fortnight of rest at the club gave Pep Guardiola the time to come to a decision on his future and sign a contract extension that ties him to the Etihad until 2023 .
It is excellent for the Blues , with the club having secured one of their primary objectives this season that will help them in upcoming transfer markets and the players that are already in the squad reassured over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ next three years .
The Premier League can only benefit from having a manager of this quality and standing in the division for longer , while the man himself gets the opportunity to do what he has never done before - and been criticised by his detractors over - and try to rebuild a successful team .
If Thursday and Friday last week were dominated by the positives , the return of club football on Saturday gave a less cheery reminder about the task that Guardiola has signed up to .
City 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the defence was unreliable and there were failings in attack at crucial moments - they may have scored a shedload of goals but that did n't mean they always scored when they needed to .
On the basis of the opening eight fixtures of this campaign , they are significantly improved at the back thanks to the club record purchase of Ruben Dias and return from injury of Aymeric Laporte .
However , they are not impenetrable and their forward play has fallen off a cliff which makes things more difficult when they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ delighted to have dispelled any doubts over the manager 's future , they will now be aware that their victory only raises expectations on the team .
Manchester City resumed their Premier League campaign this weekend with a trip to London to play Tottenham Hotspur but left deflated after a 2-0 loss .
The Blues will be hoping to return to winning ways in the the Champions League on Wednesday as they travel to Greece to play Olympiacos .
We 'll bring you all the build-up to that match with our daily City @ @ @ @ @ @ @ delivered straight to your inbox by signing up to our daily newsletter - just submit your email address in the sign-up box above or follow this link - it 's free and it only takes a few seconds Any poor results or performances can no longer be caveatted by that uncertainty or by the idea of a cycle coming to an end .
Guardiola is in his fifth of seven contracted seasons at City and after the disappointment of last season and the spending that followed the team are expected to put up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are of course other understandable issues that have contributed to the slow start but , as the manager said at the weekend , ultimately it is his responsibility to lift the players and get the best out of them in spite of the issues surrounding them .
Guardiola 's contract extension helps the continuity at the club going forward , but more immediately it has also raised the standard and pressure for the rest of this season with the Blues currently well off the pace in the league .

November 2020 will go down as one of the more productive international breaks that Manchester City have had.
With a more demanding schedule than ever before, the fortnight of rest at the club gave Pep Guardiola the time to come to a decision on his future and sign a contract extension that ties him to the Etihad until 2023.
It is excellent for the Blues, with the club having secured one of their primary objectives this season that will help them in upcoming transfer markets and the players that are already in the squad reassured over who will be in charge for the next three years. The Premier League can only benefit from having a manager of this quality and standing in the division for longer, while the man himself gets the opportunity to do what he has never done before - and been criticised by his detractors over - and try to rebuild a successful team.
If Thursday and Friday last week were dominated by the positives, the return of club football on Saturday gave a less cheery reminder about the task that Guardiola has signed up to.
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City's title challenge last year was undone because the defence was unreliable and there were failings in attack at crucial moments - they may have scored a shedload of goals but that didn't mean they always scored when they needed to.
On the basis of the opening eight fixtures of this campaign, they are significantly improved at the back thanks to the club record purchase of Ruben Dias and return from injury of Aymeric Laporte. However, they are not impenetrable and their forward play has fallen off a cliff which makes things more difficult when they do concede.
If the club are delighted to have dispelled any doubts over the manager's future, they will now be aware that their victory only raises expectations on the team.
Any poor results or performances can no longer be caveatted by that uncertainty or by the idea of a cycle coming to an end. Guardiola is in his fifth of seven contracted seasons at City and after the disappointment of last season and the spending that followed the team are expected to put up a much better title challenge.
There are of course other understandable issues that have contributed to the slow start but, as the manager said at the weekend, ultimately it is his responsibility to lift the players and get the best out of them in spite of the issues surrounding them.
Guardiola's contract extension helps the continuity at the club going forward, but more immediately it has also raised the standard and pressure for the rest of this season with the Blues currently well off the pace in the league.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-11-23--The Piccadilly Gardens 'Berlin Wall' is gone forever

Council bosses today hailed 'the new beginning ' for Piccadilly Gardens after work to demolish the hated 'Berlin Wall ' was completed .
The free-standing wall is now 'gone forever ' , Piccadilly councillor Jon-Connor Lyons revealed .
A period of public consultation to shape the future of the Gardens is expected to start before Christmas .
Regeneration plans for Piccadilly Gardens , and the wider , surrounding areas , could cost up to £2m after the project was approved by the council in August .
A demolition team started work to tear down the wall on November 16 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a row of rubble where the wall stood .
A chunk of the wall however has been preserved .
It was recently daubed with graffiti reading 'The North is not a petri dish ' in response to the government 's handing of Covid-19 restrictions across Greater Manchester , and city centre councillor Pat Karney revealed the sentence would be written on the retained slab of concrete , which could end up on display at Manchester Art Gallery .
Wiring on Twitter , coun Lyons said : `` The free-standing Piccadilly Gardens wall is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ large chunk which will be preserved .
`` The consultation will start in a few weeks , but today marks the new beginning for the gardens .
`` It has so much potential . ''
The wall has divided opinion in Manchester for many years .
It was designed by acclaimed Japanese artist Tadao Ando following an international competition launched after the 1996 IRA bombing of Manchester .
The 130m-long concrete wall and modernist pavilion was completed in time for the 2002 Commonwealth Games .
It remains the architect 's only UK building @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Evening News found the public complained about crime issues associated with the wall and hit out over its general dreariness .
And in 2016 , more than 20,000 people signed a M.E.N .
petition calling on the council to demolish it .
Coun Karney said on Monday talks were ongoing regarding the future of the privately-owned Pavilion building , which is home to Cafe Nero and a currently empty unit , but revealed he wanted the wall gone on its entirity .
That stretch forms the rest of the wall .
Coun Karney @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gone .
`` The demolition work has now finished and the hoardings will be taken away over the next few days .
`` All of a sudden the gardens feel bigger .
`` Nothing stands still and the future of Piccadilly Gardens and the rest of the wall will be assessed during the public consultation . ''
The town hall said 'poor sightlines ' were cited as a factor contributing to anti-social behaviour in the gardens .
The council said : `` Ideas for the wider improvement scheme are being developed and will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to gauge their views towards the end of the year .
`` This feedback will then help shape the final design brief .
`` The overall regeneration scheme will cover an area including a section of Piccadilly to the north of Piccadilly Gardens , Parker Street to the south and Mosley Street to the west .
`` The scheme also intends to address improvements to the Pavilion building , which includes the other part of the wall .
`` What form these improvements take is to be determined . ''

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Council bosses today hailed 'the new beginning' for Piccadilly Gardens after work to demolish the hated 'Berlin Wall' was completed.
The free-standing wall is now 'gone forever', Piccadilly councillor Jon-Connor Lyons revealed.
A period of public consultation to shape the future of the Gardens is expected to start before Christmas.
Regeneration plans for Piccadilly Gardens, and the wider, surrounding areas, could cost up to £2m after the project was approved by the council in August.
A demolition team started work to tear down the wall on November 16.
(Image: Sean Hansford | Manchester Evening News)
Images from the scene on Monday capture a row of rubble where the wall stood.
Sign up to the free MEN email newsletter Get the latest updates from across Greater Manchester direct to your inbox with the free MEN newsletter You can sign up very simply by following the instructions here
A chunk of the wall however has been preserved.
It was recently daubed with graffiti reading 'The North is not a petri dish' in response to the government's handing of Covid-19 restrictions across Greater Manchester, and city centre councillor Pat Karney revealed the sentence would be written on the retained slab of concrete, which could end up on display at Manchester Art Gallery.
Wiring on Twitter, coun Lyons said: "The free-standing Piccadilly Gardens wall is now gone forever, except a relatively large chunk which will be preserved.
(Image: Sean Hansford | Manchester Evening News)
"The consultation will start in a few weeks, but today marks the new beginning for the gardens.
"It has so much potential."
The wall has divided opinion in Manchester for many years.
It was designed by acclaimed Japanese artist Tadao Ando following an international competition launched after the 1996 IRA bombing of Manchester.
The 130m-long concrete wall and modernist pavilion was completed in time for the 2002 Commonwealth Games.
It remains the architect's only UK building.
(Image: Sean Hansford | Manchester Evening News)
Polls carried out by the Manchester Evening News found the public complained about crime issues associated with the wall and hit out over its general dreariness.
And in 2016, more than 20,000 people signed a M.E.N. petition calling on the council to demolish it.
Coun Karney said on Monday talks were ongoing regarding the future of the privately-owned Pavilion building, which is home to Cafe Nero and a currently empty unit, but revealed he wanted the wall gone on its entirity.
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
That stretch forms the rest of the wall.
Coun Karney said: "The free-standing wall has gone.
"The demolition work has now finished and the hoardings will be taken away over the next few days.
"All of a sudden the gardens feel bigger.
"Nothing stands still and the future of Piccadilly Gardens and the rest of the wall will be assessed during the public consultation."
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
The town hall said 'poor sightlines' were cited as a factor contributing to anti-social behaviour in the gardens.
The council said: "Ideas for the wider improvement scheme are being developed and will be shared with the public and businesses to gauge their views towards the end of the year.
"This feedback will then help shape the final design brief.
"The overall regeneration scheme will cover an area including a section of Piccadilly to the north of Piccadilly Gardens, Parker Street to the south and Mosley Street to the west.
"The scheme also intends to address improvements to the Pavilion building, which includes the other part of the wall.
"What form these improvements take is to be determined."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-11-24--Man United squad vs Istanbul Basaksehir includes Greenwood and Pellistri

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer 's side take on the Turkish side at Old Trafford this evening at Old Trafford as Man Utd chase the Champions League knockout stages .
Mason Greenwood and Facundo Pellstri are with Manchester United 's squad for tonight 's Champions League clash with Istanbul Basaksehir .
The United team arrived at The Hilton Hotel in Manchester city centre on Tuesday afternoon to prepare for the game against the Turkish side , which kicks off at Old Trafford at 8pm .
Basaksehir stayed over at the Lowry Hotel , which is often used by United , on Monday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ squad had to find an alternative base .
Greenwood , Pellistri and Teden Mengi were among those squad members spotted by MEN photographers outside the hotel .
Paul Pogba and Scott McTominay were n't spotted or pictured , but they could be joining up with the squad later , though it 's very possible that both will miss tonight 's game .
Pogba trained with United at Carrington on Monday , but missed the most recent win over West Brom after picking up a `` knock '' while playing for France against Sweden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lingard , Luke Shaw and Eric Bailly for the game , while Sergio Romero , Phil Jones and Marcos Rojo are not being considered for selection as things stand .
United 's players will travel from their hotel to Old Trafford before tonight 's game , which gives Solskjaer and his side the chance to move to nine points in their Champions League group .
United have won their past two Premier League games , against Everton and West Brom , but lost the reverse fixture to Basaksehir in Istanbul .
All pictures @ @ @ @ @ @

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side take on the Turkish side at Old Trafford this evening at Old Trafford as Man Utd chase the Champions League knockout stages.
Mason Greenwood and Facundo Pellstri are with Manchester United's squad for tonight's Champions League clash with Istanbul Basaksehir.
The United team arrived at The Hilton Hotel in Manchester city centre on Tuesday afternoon to prepare for the game against the Turkish side, which kicks off at Old Trafford at 8pm. Basaksehir stayed over at the Lowry Hotel, which is often used by United, on Monday night, so Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's squad had to find an alternative base.
Greenwood, Pellistri and Teden Mengi were among those squad members spotted by MEN photographers outside the hotel. Paul Pogba and Scott McTominay weren't spotted or pictured, but they could be joining up with the squad later, though it's very possible that both will miss tonight's game.
Pogba trained with United at Carrington on Monday, but missed the most recent win over West Brom after picking up a "knock" while playing for France against Sweden last week.
United are without Jesse Lingard, Luke Shaw and Eric Bailly for the game, while Sergio Romero, Phil Jones and Marcos Rojo are not being considered for selection as things stand.
United's players will travel from their hotel to Old Trafford before tonight's game, which gives Solskjaer and his side the chance to move to nine points in their Champions League group. United have won their past two Premier League games, against Everton and West Brom, but lost the reverse fixture to Basaksehir in Istanbul.
Confirmed United squad members:
David de Gea, Dean Henderson, Lee Grant; Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Timothy Fosu-Mensah, Harry Maguire, Teden Mengi, Axel Tuanzebe, Victor Lindelof, Alex Telles, Brandon Williams; Donny Van de Beek. Nemanja Matic, Fred, Juan Mata, Bruno Fernandes, Facundo Pellstri, Daniel James; Marcus Rashford, Mason Greenwood, Anthony Martial, Edinson Cavani, Odion Ighalo.
All pictures by Eamonn and James Clarke.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-11-24--Metrolink bosses asked to explain why its WiFi has been 'terminated'

Metrolink has been urged to give their rationale behind ‘ terminating ’ the WiFi service on the tram network without consulting councillors .
Free internet access was suspended ‘ indefinitely ’ in June as bosses grappled with funding uncertainties and plummeting passenger numbers caused by the first Covid-19 lockdown .
By withdrawing WiFi , Metrolink is saving £300,000 a year to provide the service as well as avoiding a £1m bill to upgrade the system .
Tram usage , which had been increasing week-on-week between the first and second national lockdowns , is beginning to fall to around a third @ @ @ @ @ @ @ November have yet to be released , but Transport for Greater Manchester ( TfGM ) is expecting it to be ‘ significantly reduced ’ .
Meanwhile reports of crime and antisocial behaviour on the network rose to 238 between September 20 and October 17 - the highest figure reported in a year and well above the monthly average of 140 incidents .
But a member of the Greater Manchester Transport Committee has asked for an update on the future of WiFi provision on the tram network .
Should WiFi be restored on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Leave your note in our comments Liberal Democrat councillor Howard Sykes , speaking at a meeting of the Metrolink and Rail subcommittee on November 20 , said : “ I understand the situation has moved on so that not only have we suspended [ WiFi ] we ’ ve effectively terminated it .
“ I would have thought that no other light rail network has suspended its WiFi , buses continue to offer it because it ’ s part of the attractive offer of getting passengers back on the service .
“ I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but the fact that it never comes anyway near us on this subcommittee or the main Committee is a shame .
“ I do find it a bit peculiar to say the least that we ’ ve terminated it , it ’ s not an insubstantial amount .
We have no plans to re-engage but nobody saw fit to tell us.
” Coun Sykes told the meeting that he had suggested that Metrolink install real-time digital information points at stops across Greater Manchester a few years ago , only to be told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the availability of free WiFi .
Victoria Mercer , the Metrolink service delivery manager at TfGM , agreed to produce a full report to fully explain the thinking behind the decision to withdraw WiFi .
The meeting heard that usage had been falling before the pandemic , and the service was up for review ahead of being potentially renewed .
Councillors were also told that another reason for withdrawing Wifi was that the network had been 'tapped into ' and used for antisocial behaviour .
Ms Mercer said : “ Ultimately with reviewing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the usage and in light of the significant loss of revenue and financial constraints as well , the decision was taken not to switch it back on.
” The original decision to suspend the service had been taken at a time when Metrolink was facing the threat of being ‘ mothballed ’ without government support .
Since then the Department for Transport has announced several bailout packages for light rail networks across the UK , with Metrolink due to receive a share of an extra £33.5m on top of the £44m it has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the current financial agreements Metrolink will receive emergency funding up until March 31 , 2021 .
Get breaking news first on the free Manchester Evening News app - download it here for your Apple or Android device .
You can also get a round-up of the biggest stories sent direct to your inbox every day with the MEN email newsletter - subscribe here .
And you can follow us on Facebook here .

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Metrolink has been urged to give their rationale behind ‘terminating’ the WiFi service on the tram network without consulting councillors.
Free internet access was suspended ‘indefinitely’ in June as bosses grappled with funding uncertainties and plummeting passenger numbers caused by the first Covid-19 lockdown.
By withdrawing WiFi, Metrolink is saving £300,000 a year to provide the service as well as avoiding a £1m bill to upgrade the system.
Tram usage, which had been increasing week-on-week between the first and second national lockdowns, is beginning to fall to around a third of pre-coronavirus levels.
Patronage figures for November have yet to be released, but Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) is expecting it to be ‘significantly reduced’.
(Image: TfGM)
Meanwhile reports of crime and antisocial behaviour on the network rose to 238 between September 20 and October 17 - the highest figure reported in a year and well above the monthly average of 140 incidents.
But a member of the Greater Manchester Transport Committee has asked for an update on the future of WiFi provision on the tram network.
Should WiFi be restored on the network? Do you use it? Leave your note in our comments
Liberal Democrat councillor Howard Sykes, speaking at a meeting of the Metrolink and Rail subcommittee on November 20, said: “I understand the situation has moved on so that not only have we suspended [WiFi] we’ve effectively terminated it.
“I would have thought that no other light rail network has suspended its WiFi, buses continue to offer it because it’s part of the attractive offer of getting passengers back on the service.
“I can agree or disagree with the decision, but the fact that it never comes anyway near us on this subcommittee or the main Committee is a shame.
“I do find it a bit peculiar to say the least that we’ve terminated it, it’s not an insubstantial amount. We have no plans to re-engage but nobody saw fit to tell us.”
Coun Sykes told the meeting that he had suggested that Metrolink install real-time digital information points at stops across Greater Manchester a few years ago, only to be told that they were not needed due to the availability of free WiFi.
Victoria Mercer, the Metrolink service delivery manager at TfGM, agreed to produce a full report to fully explain the thinking behind the decision to withdraw WiFi.
The meeting heard that usage had been falling before the pandemic, and the service was up for review ahead of being potentially renewed.
Councillors were also told that another reason for withdrawing Wifi was that the network had been 'tapped into' and used for antisocial behaviour.
Ms Mercer said: “Ultimately with reviewing the renewal that was required, reviewing the usage and in light of the significant loss of revenue and financial constraints as well, the decision was taken not to switch it back on.”
The original decision to suspend the service had been taken at a time when Metrolink was facing the threat of being ‘mothballed’ without government support.
Since then the Department for Transport has announced several bailout packages for light rail networks across the UK, with Metrolink due to receive a share of an extra £33.5m on top of the £44m it has received since March this year.
Under the current financial agreements Metrolink will receive emergency funding up until March 31, 2021.
Get breaking news first on the free Manchester Evening News app - download it here for your Apple or Android device. You can also get a round-up of the biggest stories sent direct to your inbox every day with the MEN email newsletter - subscribe here. And you can follow us on Facebook here.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-11-24--Pep Guardiola confirms double injury boost for Man City ahead of Olympiacos

Pep Guardiola has confirmed the entire Manchester City squad is fit apart from Nathan Ake ahead of tomorrow 's Champions League meeting with Olympiacos .
City had been without Ake as well as Benjamin Mendy and Fernandinho in recent weeks while Sergio Aguero returned during the weekend 's defeat against Tottenham .
The Blues can all but secure passage to the knockout stages of the competition with a victory in Greece after winning all three of their group stage fixtures thus far .
Guardiola confirmed he has a full squad available for selection with both Fernandinho and Mendy back in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ake who suffered a hamstring injury on international duty with the Netherlands .
`` Everyone is fit except Nathan , '' Guardiola said during his pre-match press conference .
`` It 's important for competition .
`` The players have to know - and they know it - that it depends on their performances on the pitch whether they can play regularly .
`` When you have 16 out with injuries or COVID from the beginning of the season like we have in different periods - not altogether but 16 different guys being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have the competition between themselves .
That is the key when you play top teams in all competitions .
`` Now we have it and they have to know that if they play well they can continue and if they do n't then they have the chance to be replaced .
It is important to have everyone and that is what we are looking for . ''
Guardiola was asked whether he would use the game against the Greek champions to rest some players ahead of the gruelling festive schedule .
The City @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only focus was fielding a team capable of winning the game .
He added : `` I have full respect for Olympiacos .
I know they have struggled as we did at the beginning of the season with injuries but they remain a team built to win every game and even though they have some injuries and struggle .
`` I have all the respect and I am more concerned about what we have to do as a team to try to win another game . ''

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Pep Guardiola has confirmed the entire Manchester City squad is fit apart from Nathan Ake ahead of tomorrow's Champions League meeting with Olympiacos.
City had been without Ake as well as Benjamin Mendy and Fernandinho in recent weeks while Sergio Aguero returned during the weekend's defeat against Tottenham.
The Blues can all but secure passage to the knockout stages of the competition with a victory in Greece after winning all three of their group stage fixtures thus far.
Guardiola confirmed he has a full squad available for selection with both Fernandinho and Mendy back in training.
City remain without summer signing Ake who suffered a hamstring injury on international duty with the Netherlands.
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"Everyone is fit except Nathan," Guardiola said during his pre-match press conference. "It's important for competition.
"The players have to know - and they know it - that it depends on their performances on the pitch whether they can play regularly.
"When you have 16 out with injuries or COVID from the beginning of the season like we have in different periods - not altogether but 16 different guys being out - it is more difficult to have the competition between themselves. That is the key when you play top teams in all competitions.
"Now we have it and they have to know that if they play well they can continue and if they don't then they have the chance to be replaced. It is important to have everyone and that is what we are looking for."
Guardiola was asked whether he would use the game against the Greek champions to rest some players ahead of the gruelling festive schedule.
The City boss refuted the suggestion and reiterated his only focus was fielding a team capable of winning the game.
He added: "I have full respect for Olympiacos. I know they have struggled as we did at the beginning of the season with injuries but they remain a team built to win every game and even though they have some injuries and struggle.
"I have all the respect and I am more concerned about what we have to do as a team to try to win another game."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-11-24--Cobra meeting taking place to draw up Christmas rules

A meeting this afternoon is bringing together the UK government and leaders from Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland to thrash out plans to allow families to reunite at Christmas as England exits a national lockdown .
A Cobra meeting between the UK government and the devolved administrations is being held this afternoon to agree on a four-nation approach to relaxing coronavirus restrictions over the festive period .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has acknowledged the risks involved in a Christmas relaxation , saying it is the “ season to be jolly careful ” , but is determined to give families @ @ @ @ @ @ @ end of a grim year .
Scotland ’ s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said there could be a “ slight and careful ” easing of the rules for a few days while Welsh Health Minister Vaughan Gething has suggested tough measures to control the virus before Christmas could allow “ more headroom for the festive season ” .
What do you think the rules should be over Christmas ?
Have your say below UK Transport Secretary Grant Shapps urged people to “ look very carefully ” at how they will go home for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ We have got to understand there are limitations to the ( train ) network caused by , for example , things like the need on some trains to pre-book tickets at this time , in order to prevent overcrowding , ” he told the BBC .
“ So we are going to be appealing to people to look very carefully at the transport route they take and of course even making a choice about whether they travel at all.
” In England , the government has already announced new tiered restrictions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2 and could last until the end of March – apart from any Christmas relaxation .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said he hoped the roll-out of a vaccine would signal that life could go back to “ normal ” by Easter , on April 4 2021 .
He also suggested that some habits encouraged during the pandemic , such as regular hand-washing , would continue .
Mr Hancock told a joint session of the Health and Social Care Committee and Science and Technology Committee that the “ damaging social distancing interventions ” could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , people in England will find out which tier they are being placed in once the lockdown ends .
More regions than prior to the lockdown are expected to face Tier 2 or Tier 3 restrictions , banning simple acts such as popping to the pub for a pint of beer or a glass of wine .
In Tier 2 , alcohol can only be consumed with a “ substantial meal ” while in Tier 3 pubs and restaurants will only be able to offer takeaway or delivery services .
Dr Mike Tildesley @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Influenza Group on Modelling ( SPI-M ) which advises the government , said he expected a lot of areas of England to emerge from lockdown into the highest tier as it was the best way of reducing the R value – the reproduction rate of the virus – to below one .
He told BBC Breakfast : “ It may be initially we might see slightly more severe tiers but then when we start to see the effect of the lockdown , one to two weeks after the lockdown finishes on December 2 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dropping down the tiers .
”

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A meeting this afternoon is bringing together the UK government and leaders from Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to thrash out plans to allow families to reunite at Christmas as England exits a national lockdown.
A Cobra meeting between the UK government and the devolved administrations is being held this afternoon to agree on a four-nation approach to relaxing coronavirus restrictions over the festive period.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has acknowledged the risks involved in a Christmas relaxation, saying it is the “season to be jolly careful”, but is determined to give families the chance to meet up at the end of a grim year.
Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said there could be a “slight and careful” easing of the rules for a few days while Welsh Health Minister Vaughan Gething has suggested tough measures to control the virus before Christmas could allow “more headroom for the festive season”.
What do you think the rules should be over Christmas? Have your say below
UK Transport Secretary Grant Shapps urged people to “look very carefully” at how they will go home for Christmas – and even consider not travelling.
“We have got to understand there are limitations to the (train) network caused by, for example, things like the need on some trains to pre-book tickets at this time, in order to prevent overcrowding,” he told the BBC.
“So we are going to be appealing to people to look very carefully at the transport route they take and of course even making a choice about whether they travel at all.”
In England, the government has already announced new tiered restrictions which will come into effect on December 2 and could last until the end of March – apart from any Christmas relaxation.
Sign up to the free MEN email newsletter Get the latest updates from across Greater Manchester direct to your inbox with the free MEN newsletter You can sign up very simply by following the instructions here
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said he hoped the roll-out of a vaccine would signal that life could go back to “normal” by Easter, on April 4 2021.
He also suggested that some habits encouraged during the pandemic, such as regular hand-washing, would continue.
Mr Hancock told a joint session of the Health and Social Care Committee and Science and Technology Committee that the “damaging social distancing interventions” could be lifted after Easter.
On Thursday, people in England will find out which tier they are being placed in once the lockdown ends.
More regions than prior to the lockdown are expected to face Tier 2 or Tier 3 restrictions, banning simple acts such as popping to the pub for a pint of beer or a glass of wine.
In Tier 2, alcohol can only be consumed with a “substantial meal” while in Tier 3 pubs and restaurants will only be able to offer takeaway or delivery services.
Dr Mike Tildesley, a member of the Scientific Pandemic Influenza Group on Modelling (SPI-M) which advises the government, said he expected a lot of areas of England to emerge from lockdown into the highest tier as it was the best way of reducing the R value – the reproduction rate of the virus – to below one.
He told BBC Breakfast: “It may be initially we might see slightly more severe tiers but then when we start to see the effect of the lockdown, one to two weeks after the lockdown finishes on December 2, we might see some regions stepwise dropping down the tiers.”