direct to your inboxUp to 25pc of all new coronavirus cases across Greater Manchester can be attributed to the new strain seen spreading rapidly through southern England.Experts predict there could be even higher number of new cases down to the new variant currently due to a data lag.Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham announced the figures at a press conference this morning.He said that partly as a result of this new strain, he and Greater Manchester’s leaders are in agreement with the government’s decision to place the city-region under the toughest Tier 4 restrictions, as a ‘preventative’ measure.Mr Burnham said: “What has changed up to now is the prevalence of the new strain of the virus, around 25pc of our cases can be attributed to.