The city could never have predicted the year that was to come, with coronavirus spreading across communities and having a profound impact on many lives. As 2020 draws to a close, we revisit the defining moments of the pandemic in Leeds - from lockdowns to cheering for our NHS. Here's how the pandemic unfolded, in 20 pictures:
1.
The first two coronavirus cases in Leeds were confirmed on March 1. People were at first advised by the Government to ‘go about their normal business’, before social distancing measures were introduced as cases increased. Photo: Ben Birchall/PA Wire
2.
An eerily quiet Leeds city centre in March, after the first national lockdown was enforced on the 23rd. Police patrolled the city centre as people were told to stay at home, only permitted to leave for exercise once a day. Photo: James Hardisty
3.
Police and firefighters pictured at Leeds General Infirmary, showing their support for NHS workers on the frontline of the pandemic during the Clap For Our Carers. People across Leeds took to their doorsteps, banging pots and pans and cheering the NHS heroes Photo: James Hardisty
4.
The first drive-through testing centre opened in Leeds on April 11 at the Temple Green Park & Ride site. Initially for NHS workers, testing was later rolled out to everyone with symptoms in May Photo: Danny Lawson/PA Wire
5.
A sad milestone was reached on April 16 when 100 coronavirus patients were confirmed to have died at hospitals in Leeds. The Yorkshire Nightingale Hospital in Harrogate was opened on April 21, providing 500 beds for coronavirus patients Photo: James Hardisty
6.
By May, coronavirus cases had fallen in Leeds and national restrictions were lifted for the first time on May 13. A family enjoyed exercise in Golden Acre Park, as the exercise cap is lifted Photo: Tony Johnson