| Good afternoon, Finally we have a decision. After exactly a week of debate and politics and after an early morning meeting today which included the Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Lancashire will move to Tier 3, which is the 'very high' Covid-19 alert level which means significant restrictions. A £42m funding package has been secured to support those businesses who will be forced to close plus the care sector and schools. Some businesses will remain open including gyms and leisure centres but non-food pubs and bars look set to close. It's fair to say not all the districts are delighted with this decision, particularly those lower down on the scale of severity. We will be reporting all the latest as detail emerges today and endeavour to explain what is happening and answer all of your questions. I'm sure many of you will be feeling very confused and frustrated - and who can blame you? We seem to be riding a political roller-coaster and the north has felt like a second-class citizen. But you are not alone, we are here trying to work it all out so you don't have to. Feel free to send me any questions and I will try and get a sensible answer! Have a good Friday, Nicola Adam, deputy editor Lancashire Post & Blackpool Gazette Thanks for reading. If you value what we do and are able to support us, a digital subscription is just £1 per month for the first two months. Try us today by clicking here | 
