What Leeds residents must do now to stop Covid before Christmas according to the council

The Government announced new nationwide restrictions last week, with rules coming into force from Thursday November 5.

It will last for four weeks until Wednesday December 2.

People are being asked to stay at home and not to gather with people they do not live with.

Residents can leave home for essential reasons such as food shopping, accessing health or critical public services, to work, for education or providing care for a vulnerable person.

Leeds City Council parks remain open and people can take unlimited exercise – with members of their own household, on their own or with one other person from outside their household.

Businesses and venues such as pubs, restaurants, gyms, and salons have also been told to close.

Schools, colleges and universities can stay open.

The Government said that the national lockdown is necessary to prevent the NHS from being overwhelmed.

It replaces the Tier 3 restrictions that Leeds would have been subject to from Monday, November 2.

Councillor Judith Blake, leader of Leeds City Council, said: “Once again the people of Leeds, along with the rest of England, are being asked to stay at home, protect the NHS and save lives.

"I know how difficult this will be for local people and businesses who have continued to face unparalleled challenges this year, but the safety of our residents must take priority until we can gain control of this relentless virus.

"It has been amazing to see the city pull together this year and I know we can do it again.

“The darker nights will no doubt make this lockdown tougher for many people and it is important we all take care of ourselves and look out for friends, family members, colleagues and neighbours who may be struggling.

"The council is here to offer help to any person or business who needs it and there is a range of support and resources available online.”

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Services planned to remain open:

- Parks, playgrounds, plus car parks and public toilets in parks.

- Waste services will remain operational but likely to be under pressures.

- Household waste recycling centres will stay open.

- Bulky waste collection and forestry continues and litter bins will be emptied as staffing allows

- Cafes are able to offer takeaways.

- Funeral services will continue with a maximum capacity of 30 people.

- The contact centre will continue to operate. As many community hubs as possible will remain open.

- Civil Registrations Offices remain open.

- There will be street support for rough sleepers.

- Food supplies: Fareshare has a new extended warehouse operational. The council has assigned £50k if they need to purchase more food. 300 bags of food a week will increase to 1000 on Thursday.

- Social care continues, day services are being reviewed.

- Schools and children and young person settings (including childcare such as Little Owls).

- Parks and playground maintenance, responsive highway and winter maintenance, catering and cleaning to support those council venues remaining open; responsive and planned maintenance of council buildings.

Services planned to close or see significant change:

- Visitor attractions, including museums and galleries, and venues, will close for the duration of the lockdown period.

- Leisure centres and golf courses and will close in line with Government guidance.

- Weddings and civil partnerships will be postponed during the lockdown period.

- General access to libraries will cease but click-and-collect services may be allowed.

- Face-to-face Welfare Rights service will cease. Doorstep visits can continue.

- Market stalls selling non-essential item will need to close.

Impact on NHS Services

People are increasingly likely to experience a delay or find appointments cancelled across healthcare services. Primary care services continue to remain open however all initial appointments are over the phone or online usually by video call.

The council will continue to work with partners across the city to ensure services are delivered as effectively as possible and to support the most vulnerable members of communities.

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