Leeds escapes Tier 4 as Tier 3 lockdown stays for all West Yorkshire, Government announces

Health Secretary Matt Hancock announced the news on Wednesday, December 30.

Speaking to Commons he said that the areas in Yorkshire already under Tier 3 restrictions will remain in the 'Very High' alert level.

This means Leeds and the rest of West Yorkshire will remain under Tier 3 restrictions at least until the next tier review.

North Yorkshire, which has been in Tier 2 since the national lockdown ended, will also now move up to Tier 3.

Leeds has been under the Tier 3 'Very High' alert level restrictions since the second national lockdown ended on December 2.

Today's announcement means that household mixing is still banned anywhere indoors but two households can mix in limited circumstances in parks and fields, but only if observing the rule of six.

Non-essential shops can remain open, along with personal care salons, such as hairdressers, and leisure facilities such as gyms.

Hospitality venues will remain closed to diners, however, but will be allowed to stay open for takeaway or delivery.

Leeds will not be joining London, the South East and the East of England who are living under the highest level of restrictions in Tier 4.

What are the Covid infection rates across Leeds?

Since the first data sets published after Christmas, Leeds has seen a day on day rise in infection rates.

On December 29, the Covid rate in Leeds was published as 189.8 cases per 100,000 people.

This is at a positivity rate of 7.3 per cent.

This represents a 2.7 per cent increase in case rates since the previous case rate figures, 184.8 per 100,000 people, were issued on December 27 with a positivity rate of 6.9 per cent.

These are the Leeds areas where the Covid rates are growing the fastest.

When will the Oxford/ AstraZeneca vaccine be rolled out in Leeds?

It was also announced today that the Oxford/AstraZeneca Covid vaccine has been approved in the UK for mass rollout.

The rollout will begin in Yorkshire on January 4.

--> Who will get it, when and how?

The jab, which has been described as a “game changer”, was given the green light by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).

The UK has ordered 100 million doses of the vaccine – enough to vaccinate 50 million people.

--> How does the Oxford vaccine work and how effective is it?

What are the Tier 3 restrictions in full 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 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 are allowed