Mass testing with military support for Leeds as Government reveals why city will be put in Tier 3

All places put into Tier 3 will benefit from this measure, similar to what was introduced in Liverpool, in a bid to drive down infection rates.

Health and Social Care Secretary Matt Hancock said: "Thanks to the hard work and sacrifice made by people up and down the country, we are able to move out of national lockdown and into more targeted local, tiered restrictions.

"I know for those of you faced with tier 3 restrictions this will be a particularly difficult time but I want to reassure you that we’ll be supporting your areas with mass community testing and extra funding.

"By following the rules together we can get out of these tough measures."

Tier 3 areas will be eligible for rapid or "lateral flow" tests - which give results in about 20 minutes without the need for a lab - to help bring down infections and reduce restrictions.

They will also be offered extra support by NHS Test and Trace and the armed forces to deliver a six-week rapid community testing programme.

The Government has also revealed why Leeds and West Yorkshire would be put under the toughest measures.

Justifying the decision to place West Yorkshire in Tier 3, the rationale said: “This area is improving with case rates falling in all 5 lower tier local authorities.

“However, case rates in all ages and rates in over 60s remain very high (389/100,000 and 312/100,000 respectively). Positivity is 13.9%.”

And in South Yorkshire, also Tier 3, the rationale said: “This area is improving with case rates falling in all 4 lower tier local authorities.

“However, case rates in all ages and rates in those over 60 remain very high (274/100,000 and 223/100,000 respectively). Positivity is 11.0%. There is pressure on local NHS Trusts.”

In the Humber, also Tier 3, the Government said: “The picture in Humber is improving with case rates now falling in 3 of the 4 lower tier local authorities.

“However, case rates in all ages and in over 60s remain very high (431/100,000 and 344/100,000 respectively). Positivity is 12.6%. There is ongoing pressure on the local NHS.”

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