Leeds council chiefs say city is in 'strong position' but must remain vigilant as easing of lockdown measures continue

But Leeds City Council leader Judith Blake and chief executive Tom Riordan warn that the city must remain 'absolutely vigilant' in order to keep the infection rate down after Prime Minister Boris Johnson set out a four-month plan for a 'significant return to normality'.

Ms Blake and Mr Riordan said in a joint statement: "The public response throughout this crisis has been phenomenal, and a real sense of civic spirit and working together has been shown in Leeds that we can harness going forward.

"Retail, restaurants, pubs and bars, as well as hair and beauty businesses have recently reopened to residents, with leisure facilities reopening in the coming weeks.

"Our focus to make Leeds as COVID-secure as possible continues, especially as we plan ahead for schools and universities returning.

"But the virus is still very much with us, as seen by the situation in Leicester and over the Pennines, as well as local outbreaks in areas across West Yorkshire.

"As a city we need to keep vigilant and work hard to keep people safe and the virus rate as low as possible."

This week, the local authority's Executive Board will discuss the latest COVID response and recovery report that highlights the work undertaken in partnership with different organisations to support residents and business across the city.

The statement continues: "Leeds is in a strong position, and has continued to rise to an unprecedented challenge, ensuring that we have a strong outbreak management approach for the city.

"However, we remain absolutely vigilant around the higher relative infection levels in some of our neighbouring towns and cities, and continue to work very closely with them.

"This includes regular joint meetings between Directors of Public Health in West Yorkshire and Public Health England, and sharing information and best practices.

"The national test and trace service is now operational, and locally, we have made good progress with our Outbreak Control Plan..

"Working with partners and the Local Outbreak Control Board, outbreaks across the city will be closely monitored and managed, so we minimise the risk of a further local or city lockdown.

"Going forward, our community, city and regional partnerships are essential – working together to achieve one aim: to improve local areas and communities.

"There is still work to be done, by working together we can, and will, build a better future for all."

The Prime Minister said on Friday (July 17) that the time-frame for easing lockdown measures was "conditional", and the changes could be reversed depending on any resurgence of coronavirus.

Here is a timeline for the easing of lockdown over the next few months:

- July

July 24: Face coverings will become compulsory in shops and supermarkets.

Failure to comply would risk a £100 fine, reduced to £50 if it is paid within 14 days.

July 25: Indoor gyms, swimming pools and sports facilities can reopen.

- August

August 1: Close-contact beauty services, casinos, bowling alleys and skating rinks can reopen.

Guidance on shielding for vulnerable people will be paused.

Indoor performances to audiences can restart, subject to the success of pilots set to take place.

Wedding receptions can take place allowing up to 30 guests.

Employers will be encouraged to discuss bringing more employees back to workplace, ensuring they can operate safely.

- September

Schools and colleges are set to welcome back all pupils.

Universities are working to reopen for students.

- October

Audiences may be able to return to sport stadiums following pilot projects set to take place.

Conferences and business events may be allowed to restart.

- November

Social distancing measures may be eased if prevalence falls significantly, allowing for a "more significant return to normality".

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Laura Collins