Leeds could be in Tier 2 by Christmas says council as lockdown review details revealed in good news for pubs, bars and household mixing

Leeds has been placed into Tier 3 local lockdown which will be effective from Wednesday December 2.

That is the strictest lockdown tier and means that pubs, bars and restaurants will not be allowed to open their doors to customers.

But Leeds Council Leader Judith Blake announced in a meeting today that the restrictions could be reduced on December 16.

The Tier restrictions for each area will be reviewed on December 16, and at that point Leeds could be put into the less strict Tier 2 if the city's infection rates continue to go down by then.

It would mean that some household mixing in gardens would be allowed again in the run-up to Christmas, and pubs and bars would be allowed to open their doors to customers again.

Council Leader Judith Blake said she was 'very disappointed' about the announcement that Leeds is going into Tier 3 and spoke of the impact on the hospitality sector in the city.

She said: "We are very disappointed to be in Tier 3 at this stage and we feel very deeply for all of those people in the hospitality sector and entertainment sector who are so affected by the restrictions under Tier 3.

"We have had the opportunity to speak to ministers this afternoon and stress the importance of the next two weeks and the review period.

"We want them to really understand how the infection rates are going down but also the devastating impact of closing our hospitality sector in the run up to Christmas and what that will mean.

"The review will take place on the 16th and if the government feel we are still moving in the right direction there is a real chance we could move down into Tier 2 in December

"We want to work to keep getting the public health message sout that everyone has a part to play. I feel we can move in the right direction and hopefully move down into Tier 2 to help more businesses to operate.

"We are dismayed by the lack of add funding for businesses in Tier 3. We feel devastated by the lack of support that businesses are getting at this moment in time and so many jobs are dependent on the businesses affected by this.

“It’s a very challenging time but also a time we do need to reflect and thank everyone for the work they’re doing this far and encourage everyone to continue the good work we need to get through this.”

Judith Blake added: "Leeds is going into Tier 3 against a backdrop of a significant fall in our infection rate which is now 274 per 100,000 people.

“The rate for over 60s is now at 259 per 100,000 people. This puts Leeds at 59th nationally.

"We want to pay tribute to everyone who has worked so hard - the council, NHS, all of our partners and the public themselves for helping to drive down the infection rates.

“We are very disappointed to be in Tier 3 and we feel very deeply for those in the hospitality sector and in entertainment who are so affected by restrictions in Tier 3."

What Tier 3 means (click here for a full rundown)

- you must not meet socially indoors or in most outdoor places with anybody you do not live with, or who is not in your support bubble, this includes in any private garden or at most outdoor venues

- you must not socialise in a group of more than 6 in some other outdoor public spaces, including parks, beaches, countryside accessible to the public, a public garden, grounds of a heritage site or castle, or a sports facility – this is called the ‘rule of 6’

- hospitality settings, such as bars (including shisha venues), pubs, cafes and restaurants are closed – they are permitted to continue sales by takeaway, click-and-collect, drive-through or delivery services.

-> Leeds pubs and bars react to news city is going into Tier 3