People in Leeds must currently follow the strictest Tier 3 restrictions, but the number of new infections is now showing as positive downward trend. As Matt Hancock hints that Leeds could move down to Tier 2 next week, we take a look at how the infection rate in Leeds has changed since the start of the pandemic. Here's the story of how Leeds ended up in Tier 3, in pictures:
7. July
It was looking positive in Leeds in July as restaurants, bars and pubs reopened. The infection rate remained under 10 throughout the month, with case numbers each week staying in double figures.
Week to July 6 - 6.4 | Week to July 13 - 8.3 | Week to July 19 - 4.8 | Week to July 27 - 6.6
8. August
In August Leeds was buzzing with diners enjoying a half price meal, as the Government launched its Eat Out to Help Out scheme. Rates began to climb again towards the end of the month.
Week to August 3: rate of 16.6
Week to August 10: rate of 14.8 Week to August 17: rate of 17.8
Week to August 24: rate of 24 Week to September 1: rate of 33.2
9. September
September saw huge changes to the infection rate in Leeds with the rate rising by almost 600% since August - the start of the 'second wave' of the pandemic. A national 10pm curfew on pubs and restaurants was introduced on September 24.
Week to September 7: rate of 79.2 | Week to September 14: rate of 80.4 | Week to September 21: rate of 122 | Week to September 28: rate of 227.5 Photo: Danny Lawson/PA Wire
10. September 25 - local lockdown
Due to rising infection rates Leeds was made an 'area of intervention' on September 25, with the Government imposing stricter lockdown restrictions. The lockdown banned household mixing in private homes and gardens.
11. October 5 - infection rate doubles in one week
The biggest spike in coronavirus cases happened in the seven days to October 5. Major outbreaks occurred in student areas such as Hyde Park, Woodhouse and Headingley - with rates in these areas as high as 4,500. Week to September 28: rate of 227.5 | Week to October 5: rate of 486.5
12. October
The infection rate remained high throughout October as the new tier system was introduced across England. Leeds was initially place in Tier 2, so household mixing indoors was still banned but bars and pubs remained open.
Week to October 12: rate of 439 | Week to October 19: rate of 415.6 | Week to October 27: rate of 418.6