This is how people in Leeds have reacted to warnings of a second lockdown as coronavirus cases rise

As a £10,000 fine is introduced for those who refuse to self-isolate, Matt Hancock said there was a danger the numbers could “shoot through the roof” unless effective action was taken to halt the spread of the virus.

Leeds had an infection rate of 83.1 new cases per 100,000 people in the seven days to September 17, up from 76 in the previous week.

There was a mixed response from Yorkshire Evening Post readers on Sunday as they reacted to the Government's warnings of a second lockdown.

Sarah Walton said: “I’m dreading it, if the schools all close and childminders it makes working from home very hard.

“I don’t see the point in a two week lockdown because as soon as everything opens again the infection rate will increase.

“We all need to go about our lives as normally as we can. Those that are vulnerable should take extra precautions if they feel the need too.

“So many people are losing their jobs as a knock on effect from the last lockdown. Furlough is stopping soon, what will people do then?

“No doubt this is a nasty virus but life needs to go on. We all need to play our parts and keep safe.”

Beverley Woods added: “People should be allowed to get on with their life, not live in fear and isolation.”

But other readers were concerned that crowds in Leeds city centre over the weekend could cause infection rates to spike.

Zoë Buckley said: "Matt Hancock should have been in Leeds last night. I couldn't believe what I was seeing while driving through - it was packed.”

Joseph Hughes added: “Even at half nine this morning Leeds was rammed. People need to stop being so selfish.”

Several readers criticised those not sticking to social distancing rules.

Helen Beard said: "It feels like we’re being punished. Everyone gets detention because of one person’s actions!"

Crystal Reece said: “We've been given the chance to work together and obviously the majority have.

“The minority just don't care. But it's teamwork. We either work as a whole or suffer as a whole.

“People still have time to help make a difference so if it goes into lockdown again - there's a reason."

Emma Marshall was one of thousands of people in Leeds who were shielding during the first national lockdown.

She said: "I just want to know if and when shielding is going to be reinstated. I can roll with everything else. Being stuck inside for however long again needs some psyching up for.”

Other readers welcomed a second lockdown to prevent a bigger spike of cases during the winter months.

Lisa Whitehouse said: "If it needs to happen then so be it.”

Pierre Haggar said: "If it needs to be done to halt hospital admissions, it has to happen for the whole of October while the furlough scheme is still running.

“But it's just kicking the can down the road. They better get this world beating track and trace app finally ready, along with rapid tests for all by November."

Karen Naylor said: “I am okay with having a local lockdown because we can deny it as much as we like, but the fact is - infections, hospital admissions, ventilated patients and deaths are rising.

“Hopefully short term inconvenience will give long term benefits.”

Douglas Leighton said “Bring it on, happily have a month off now and get it over - cause I ain't canceling Christmas.”

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Laura Collins