West Yorkshire leaders respond to decision to keep county at Tier 2 Covid level this week

The leaders of West Yorkshire local councils have released a joint statement in response to the Government's decision to keep the county's Tier 2 status this week.
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Speaking at a press conference this evening, the Prime Minister confirmed that Greater Manchester would move to the Tier 3 “very high” coronavirus alert level.

Boris Johnson said that conversations are ongoing with local leaders in West Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire and the North East about the possibility of moving to the very high alert level shortly.

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Mr Johnson said: “I hope and expect central and local government will continue to work closely together. Ultimately all of us want to protect the NHS and in doing so to save lives.”

Leeds and West Yorkshire will remain in Tier 2 this weekLeeds and West Yorkshire will remain in Tier 2 this week
Leeds and West Yorkshire will remain in Tier 2 this week

West Yorkshire's local leaders said they did not meet with Government ministers today.

They urged everyone in the county to play their part by following the rules to prevent further measures being imposed.

In a statement, the leaders of Leeds City Council, Calderdale Council, Kirklees Council, Bradford Council and Wakefield Council said: "Local and national public health experts agree that there is not a case to move West Yorkshire to Tier Three this week.

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"The decision to maintain Tier Two (High Risk) restrictions reflects the progress that has been made by councils, Public Health England, the NHS and other partners working together to reduce the spread of Covid-19 and protect lives.

“To further reduce the risk of increased restrictions becoming necessary, it remains essential that everyone in West Yorkshire plays their part by following the rules, particularly when it comes to instructions to self-isolate.

"And we need the Government’s support now for measures including local test and trace, deep engagement with our communities and financial help for those self-isolating.

“Tier Two status will continue to have an impact on our economy, particularly the retail, leisure and hospitality sectors and their associated supply chains which together employ more than 200,000 people.

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"We urge the Government to respond to our proposals to protect businesses, jobs and incomes, and to support our plan for economic recovery including a package for people who have already lost their jobs to develop new skills.”