Leeds remains in Tier 3 as Council says this is a crucial moment to follow guidance amid rising cases

The leader of Leeds City Council has said however that this is a crucial moment to strictly follow the guidance in place to reduce transmission, as cases have risen across the city

It was announced on December 30 that Leeds will remain in Tier 3 which is the 'Very High' alert level of restrictions.

The leader of Leeds City Council has said however that this is a crucial moment to strictly follow the guidance in place to reduce transmission, as cases have risen across the city.Three quarters of the country will be under Tier 4 restrictions from Thursday.

Following the Tier review, Councillor Judith Blake, Leader of Leeds City Council, said: “Given the current regional and national picture regarding coronavirus, we anticipated that the government would make the decision to keep Leeds and the West Yorkshire region in tier 3 today.

“As a council we will be continuing to press the city’s case to government for further meaningful assistance to be made available, whilst doing everything in our power to support local businesses and provide help to our most vulnerable residents.

“The recent rise in rates seen in Leeds does underline how critical it is that we continue to work extremely hard to keep ourselves and each other safe. It is vitally important that at this crucial moment we follow strictly the guidance in place if we are to reduce transmission.

"I urge everyone therefore to please continue to take the steps that are required in terms of social distancing, washing hands and wearing face masks.

“The news today that the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine has been approved for use in the UK is extremely positive and a very welcome step in the fight against coronavirus.

"With our partners in the NHS and West Yorkshire region, we are continuing to move forward with our plans to deliver a major rollout of vaccinations in Leeds from next week.”

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.

--> The vaccine in Yorkshire: Who will get it, when and how?

The Oxford/ AstraZeneca vaccine, 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.

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