Did Lockdown 2 work in Leeds? How Covid case rates dropped the most in England from the start to end of November

Here are the case rates in Leeds at the start and end of November, which dropped the most in the whole of England.
Leeds enters Tier 3 as the national lockdown endsLeeds enters Tier 3 as the national lockdown ends
Leeds enters Tier 3 as the national lockdown ends

When the second national lockdown began on November 5, Leeds reported 3467 cases in the week from October 30.

This was at a rate of 437.1 cases per 100,000 people.

When the national lockdown was near to ending at the end of the month, the number of cases between November 19 and November 25 had dropped to 1593.

This was at a rate of 200.8 cases per 100,000 people.

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This meant that Leeds saw a drop of -1874 cases from the beginning of November to the end on the dates given which was the highest drop in the whole of England.

The ratio of change for rate was at 0.46 throughout the period.

Those who are supporters of the national lockdown would argue that this shows the national lockdown in Leeds to have been a large success.

--> The Leeds areas where Covid rates are falling fastestThe national lockdown ended on December 2.

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The significant drop in cases however was not enough for Leeds to enter a lower Tier on Wednesday when the lockdown ended, and the city has still entered the highest level of restrictions.

This means that pubs, bars and restaurants are amongst the venues which must stay closed across the city, including Distrikt Bar in Leeds.

The owner of the Duncan Street bar, Jonathan Simons, said: "The information that Leeds cases have dropped the most is just another damning fact.

"But the question is, who can we speak to about this?

"Debates seem to go through regardless of strong opinions against the Tiers and then we're just given the instructions and this is how it pans out for us.

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"It's a sad state of affairs but the real tester is being resilient and being patient through these circumstances which we can't control and hoping for euphoria next year when everything clears up."

Jonathan has co-owned the bar for 11 years and said that for the short time they had been open during this year, they traded well and people were very appreciative of venues that were open.

Tier 3, the Very High alert level, means that for people in Leeds:

- Household mixing is banned anywhere indoors

- Two households can mix in limited circumstances in parks and fields, but only if observing the rule of six

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- Non essential shops can reopen - shops, including hair salons, are allowed to be open across all Tiers

- Pubs, bars and restaurants cannot open their doors - they must operate for collection and delivery only

- People in Tier 3 are advised not to travel outside their area

- Hotels must close and overnight stays outside the local area are not permitted

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- Wedding receptions are banned in Tier 3 areas but ceremonies can go ahead with 15 guests

- Funerals will allow up to 30 guests only

- Large sport events are banned from taking place but drive-in events like drive-in cinemas will be allowed

--> Tier 3 in fullThe whole of West Yorkshire is in Tier 3 but the majority of England will be in Tier 2, where the restrictions mean a ban on households mixing indoors and pubs, and restaurants only able to sell alcohol with a “substantial meal”.

Leeds Council Leader Judith Blake said: "The government has announced that Leeds will move into Tier 3 restrictions after the current lockdown ends. The new restrictions will come into force on December 2.

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“Whilst local councils have not been involved in discussions around which tier they will move into, we have been working closely with our partners and communities in Leeds to ensure we are prepared for changes to restrictions and that support is in place that will minimise the impact on our residents and businesses as much as possible.

“I would also like to once again thank the people of Leeds for their patience, diligence and compassion over what has been an incredibly challenging time for the city.

“There is light at the end of the tunnel and if we continue to do all that we can to protect ourselves and each other, we can and will emerge from this crisis together.”

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