Government officially confirms Leeds to go into lockdown

Leeds City Council confirmed the news in a press briefing this afternoon, after coronavirus cases surged in the city.

However, the Government has now formally announced the new measures.

Matt Hanock, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care said: "As the Covid-19 incidence rate continues to rise across the country, a suite of local and national actions is required to break the trains of transmission and enable people to maintain a more normal way of life.

"The Government will act swiftly and decisively to limit further spread, reduce disruption and contain local outbreaks.

"The Local Action Committee Command structure has been reviewing the latest evidence, working with local leaders and the scientific community to assess the data and whether further evidence is required.

"The latest data shows a sharp increase in incidence rates per 100,000 population in Leeds, Blackpool, Wigan and Stockport, which are significantly above the national average.

"As a result, we are making regulations which take effect from Saturday, September 26 and will impose restrictions on inter-household mixing in private dwellings and gardens in Leeds, Stockport, Wigan and Blackpool."

-> This is how much you'll be fined for breaking Leeds lockdown as police issue statement on new rules​

Mr Hancock added: "People who live in these areas will not be allowed to gather in a private dwelling or garden with any other household unless in a support bubble.

"People from anywhere else will also not be allowed to gather with another household in a private dwelling or garden in these areas.

"We have also reviewed the position in Leicester, the Borough of Oadby and Wigston, Birmingham, Solihull, Sandwell, Wolverhampton, Bolton, Bradford, Kirklees, Calderdale and the remaining local authorities in Greater Manchester and have decided to maintain their position on the watchlist as areas of intervention, as well as the current restrictions in these areas.

"This will be difficult news for the people living in these areas, profoundly affecting their daily lives.

"These decisions are not taken lightly, and such measures will be kept under review and in place no longer than they are necessary.

"There are exemptions to these measures so people can still meet with those in their support bubble.

"There are other limited exemptions such as for work purposes or to provide care or assistance to a vulnerable person."

-> Where are the boundaries of Leeds and which areas will go into lockdown? Council clears up rulesCouncillor Judith Blake, leader of Leeds City Council said: “We are acutely aware that nobody wants to see further restrictions placed on life in Leeds and alongside our partners we have been doing absolutely everything within our power to avoid that.

“But the safety of the city and the public simply has to come first and we have now reached a point where we all need to take additional steps to contain the spread of this terrible virus within our communities.

“How long these new measures last and how much further they may need go in the coming weeks and months will depend on everyone playing their part. We know there has already been some excellent partnership work taking place across the city and this will continue to manage outbreaks and help everyone stay safe.

“Building on that sense of community spirit, I’d appeal to everyone to follow these rules, consider the impact your actions could have on others and take your share of the responsibility for protecting our city.”

-> 'What did people expect?': This is how Leeds has reacted to news of local lockdown measuresThe new measures come after months of extensive work by agencies and partner groups across the city which has seen increased testing, community engagement and public awareness campaigns. This has also been supported by work alongside the city’s universities to prepare for the imminent arrival of students to start the new university year in Leeds.

Victoria Eaton, Leeds City Council’s Director of Public Health said: “Any restrictions on seeing the people close to you are incredibly difficult to take but these rules have been put in place to protect families, friends and neighbours from a virus which is spreading at a dangerously rapid rate.

“It’s vital that we all play our part in containing that spread by sticking to the latest rules and guidance and ensuring that we don’t put ourselves or each other at unnecessary risk.”