Leeds escapes local lockdown but council warns city is at 'crucial point'

Leeds has escaped local lockdown measures but the council has warned that the city is at a "crucial point".
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Other parts of West Yorkshire have been placed back under lockdown but no restrictions have been imposed in Leeds.

However, Leeds City Council has warned that the city could face further limits this time next week if the number of infections continues to rise.

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Rates in Leeds now stand at 78.3 per 100,000 people, with 7.1% of those testing proving positive, as concerted efforts to bring the spread of infection down are being intensified across the city.

Leeds City Council has warned that the city could face further limits this time next week if the number of infections continues to rise.Leeds City Council has warned that the city could face further limits this time next week if the number of infections continues to rise.
Leeds City Council has warned that the city could face further limits this time next week if the number of infections continues to rise.

Councillor Judith Blake, Leader of Leeds City Council, said: “We are at a crucial point and we need everyone to get behind the mammoth effort we’ve been making as a city to help slow these alarming rates and keep us all safe.

"This means following the guidelines, observing the new rule of six and keeping safety at the front of our minds at all times.

“Concerted efforts have been increasingly stepped up across the city to tackle the spread of the virus.

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"There have been big pushes on enforcement, getting information to people and making sure the right support is in place involving partners across every sector, public, private and voluntary and innumerable people determined to keep Leeds safe. But we cannot do this without everyone joining in.”

Victoria Eaton, director of public health for Leeds, added: “I cannot stress enough how important it is for everyone to play their part.

"We can only stop further spread of the virus if everyone knows their responsibilities and is supported to reduce their contacts.

"So many people are doing what they can. We need everyone following the rules and paying particular attention to the new rule of six.

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“I would also urge people to remember the importance of personal hygiene and safe behaviour in helping control the virus, in particular with handwashing and social distancing.”

The government announced today that all areas of Bradford, Kirklees and Calderdale will be banned from socialising with each other people.

Some parts of these areas had their lockdown restrictions lifted after a successful bid by Tory MPs for a more localised approach to the measures.

However, from Monday, September 22 all parts of Bradford, Kirklees, Calderdale, will now be under lockdown rules again.

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This means people are banned from socialising with other people outside of their own households or support bubble in private homes and gardens once again.

Elsewhere in the country, restrictions have been put in place in Merseyside, Warrington, Halton and Lancashire (excluding Blackpool and Greater Manchester).

Residents must not socialise with other people outside of their own households or support bubble in private homes and gardens;

Hospitality for food and drink will be restricted to table service only and late night operating hours will be restricted, with leisure and entertainment venues including restaurants, pubs, and cinemas, required to close between 10pm to 5am.

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Residents are also advised to only use public transport for essential purposes, such as travelling to school or work and avoid attending amateur and semi-professional sporting events as spectators.

This does not apply to Bolton or Greater Manchester where separate restrictions are already in place.

In Wolverhampton and Oadby & Wigston residents will be banned from socialising with other people outside of their own households or support bubble in private homes and gardens.

These changes are in addition to the ‘Rule of six’ which was introduced nationwide on Monday, limiting the number of people who can gather indoors or outdoors to six.

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This rule is in place across the country and will sit alongside additional restrictions in some local areas.

Health and Social Care Secretary, Matt Hancock said: “We are seeing cases of coronavirus rise fast in Lancashire, Merseyside, West Yorkshire, Warrington, Halton and Wolverhampton.

"Local leaders in these areas have asked for stronger restrictions to be put in place to protect local people, and we are acting decisively to support them.

"I know these restrictions will make every-day life harder for many, but I know that residents will work together and respect the rules so we can reduce rates of transmission.

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"I urge local people to isolate and get a test if you have symptoms, follow the advice of NHS Test and Trace, and always remember ‘hands, face, space’. By sticking to these steps, we will get through this together.”