Leeds lockdown: Leeds Council urges people to act 'sensibly and responsibly' as Covid restrictions ease on Monday

The next step of the Government's road map out of lockdown will see non-essential retail, outdoor hospitality, gyms and personal care services reopen.

Some of Leeds museums and galleries will also reopen, as well as indoor children's activities.

The leader of Leeds City Council, James Lewis, has urged people to act "sensibly and responsibly" as they start to get out and enjoy the city again.

The latest figures show that Leeds has an infection rate of 85.7 new cases per 100,000 people, far higher than when lockdown measures were eased last summer.

Coun Lewis said: "This feels like a huge milestone for Leeds in our battle against the pandemic and one which we know so many people all across the city have been waiting for.

“The sacrifices which have been made by thousands of our residents and businesses cannot be overstated and each step we take towards getting life in Leeds back to normal is testament to the courage and community spirit of all those who have played a part in getting us here.

“As restrictions lift, it’s only natural that people will be keen to get out, enjoy the city and take advantage of the activities they are now able to do.

"But it’s also more important than ever that we remember to do that sensibly and responsibly so we can keep the virus under control and keep the city safe.”

As business and outdoor attractions reopen, the council's Covid marshals will patrol Leeds to enforce social distancing.

Safety measures such as hand hygiene stations will remain in place in the city centre.

The council's director of Public Health, Victoria Eaton, said: “As restrictions lift and life starts to feel that bit more normal again, it’s very tempting to push the virus itself to the backs of our minds.

“But as our social contact increases, so too does the potential to spread COVID-19, which is why it’s more important than ever that we continue to take simple steps to control the spread and protect ourselves and others.

“By working together, acting responsibly and thinking of each other, we’ll keep up the superb progress we’ve been making together as a city and ensure we can all continue to enjoy Leeds safely and confidently in the coming weeks and months.”

The council is reminding people in Leeds to stick to the following guidelines:

- Keep your contacts with others to a minimum as much as you’re able. Contact outdoors is much safer as this reduces the risk of breathing in infected particles and disperse the virus more easily.

- Carry on working from home if you can.

- Continue to wear face coverings when required and maintain social distancing whenever you’re out.

- Wash your hands regularly.

- Continue to follow the rules even if you’ve had the vaccine. The full impact of the vaccine on transmission of the virus is not yet known and it may be possible to still spread the virus even if you’ve had the jab.

Support the YEP and become a subscriber today. Enjoy unlimited access to local news and the latest on Leeds United, With a digital subscription, you see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Click here to subscribe.