Leeds Tier 3 lockdown: Will Leeds be out of Tier 3 in time for Christmas?

However, how is this expected to affect Christmas in the city?

National restrictions such as the curfew and rule of six are expected to remain in place throughout winter.

Local lockdown is likely to remain in place as long as it is needed and cases continue to rise.

It is unlikely to be lifted in the near future, with similar restrictions placed across West Yorkshire remaining weeks after first being announced.

At the moment the current Tier 2 and Tier 3 rules apply for Christmas, unless the government either relaxes the rules or ends the lockdown before Christmas Day.

Environment secretary George Eustice has warned people "may not be able to get together in the larger groups that they normally would".

However Eustice also added that it is too early to say exactly what the situation will be come Christmas and what people will or will not be able to do in different parts of the country.

Further, this week Professor John Edmunds, a member of the SAGE committee, said "radical action" would need to be taken to stop the rise in coronavirus cases.

He added that carrying on as we are and celebrating normally is “wishful thinking” in the extreme. Unless Covid rates change, there is no sign that limits on household mixing will be lifted in time for Christmas.

Downing Street has confirmed that it expects university students will be allowed to return home for Christmas, with education secretary Gavin Williamson assuring students that the government will work with universities to ensure they are supported to spend Christmas safely with their loved ones.

In the media briefing held to announce the lockdown, Leeds Council leader Judith Blake said: "Tier 3 is for a period of 28 days and then the situation will be reviewed.

"What no one can tell us at this moment in time is exactly what the criteria are for coming out of Tier 3.

“This is something all the areas are pressing the button on for clarification. We are continuing to work with government, we want thar clarity and we have to all work together to reduce the rate of infection. That is the position we are in.”

According to government guidelines, you must not socialise with anybody you do not live with or haven't formed a support bubble with, in any indoor setting or in any private garden or at most outdoor hospitality venues and ticketed events.

This will be an issue for families who were hoping to share Christmas dinner together.

You must not socialise in a group of more than 6 in an outdoor public space such as a park or beach, the countryside, a public garden or a sports venue, the government said.

But what do the changes mean for Leeds and how do they affect Leeds residents?

What's changed under Tier 3 rules?

- Tier 3 restrictions mean that pubs, bars, casinos and adult gaming centres must be immediately shut - on top of all the Tier 2 rules remaining in place.

- The exception is that restaurants, and pubs serving 'predominantly food' can remain open.

- Household mixing remains banned and mixing in private gardens is also banned as well

- Only some public spaces such as parks and beaches allow household mixing, and then the rule of six must still be followed

-> These are the exceptions to new Tier 2 and Tier 3 household mixing ban - Police are able to fine people breaking lockdown Tier 2 restrictions up to £10,000 for a large breach

- All the previous rules still apply. So there is a 10pm curfew, the rule of 6, face masks in shops, and social distancing still in effect.

- Household mixing remains banned and mixing in private gardens is also banned as well

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