Leeds could have moved into Tier 2 safely says council - but instead Tier 3 restrictions remain over Christmas

Leader of Leeds Council, Judith Blake, said that Leeds could have "safely" moved down to Tier 2 but to remain in the Very High alert over Christmas is "disappointing."

She said it has been a “difficult and quite frustrating morning.”

The council leader paid tribute to the people across Leeds and to businesses who have worked so hard to get the numbers down.

Councillor Blake added: "If we are not extremely careful we will have a third peak in January and in the New Year.

"We are disappointed but the health needs of the population is paramount.

“Every single person has the ability to reduce the spread of the virus.

"We will continue to go and speak to businesses and work with them to mitigate the damage being done to them.

"This is a very difficult time and we have to manage the real sense of frustration that our communities are being regarded in a different way to those in the South.

"We will keep working to make sure there is a fair response and we will write to the Secretary of State to find out what more we can do to move out of Tier 3 and down to Tier 2.

“We will keep communicating with everyone.”

The current rate in the city is 138.2 which is very slightly up but over the last seven days there has been a five per cent decrease.

Leeds is 195th in the country.

The city’s positivity rate has gone down and it’s now at 5.3 per cent.

The rate for over 60s has gone down by 14% in the last week, at 121.7.

Leeds has now had over 1,115 deaths but rates in care homes and schools are now stable.

Beds in hospital in terms of people in beds in hospital has dropped to 150.

Over 3,000 vaccines have been given across the city so far.

CEO of Leeds Council, Tom Riordan said: "We are disappointed about the decision but maybe not surprised.

"We put a strong and balanced case forward about whether Leeds could go into Tier 2."

"We are disappointed but maybe not surprised but we know this is no consolation for those in hospitality who have worked so hard to be ready to reopen."

Eve Roodhouse, Chief Officer for Culture and Economy at Leeds Council said: "We know that a significant number of businesses have been impacted across Leeds by this decision.

"Before the pandemic over 49,000 people in the city were employed in the hospitality sector and we know sadly some of these people will have lost their jobs or are at risk of doing.

"We know from our work with partners across the city centre that hospitality businesses were ready to go and that they will feel disappointed.

“But people across the city should know that it is still okay and safe for people to do their shopping in Leeds City Centre and at other places across the city.”

The next Tier review will be on December 30.

--> Live updates here.Tier 3 means that pubs and bars will not be able to reopen their doors to customers and all household mixing is still banned.

The only areas moving down from Tier 3 to Tier 2 are Bristol and North Somerset.

What is Tier 3 and what does it mean for 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

- Non essential shops can reopen following the national lockdown - Tier 3 allows shops to be open

- 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

- 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