Which Tier is Leeds in under new Covid three tier lockdown system for Christmas? Everything we know after Boris Johnson announcement

The government has announced in the House of Commons today the first details of its new local lockdown system. The system will replace the national lockdown and the previous three-tier local lockdown system.

Leeds is in Tier 3, the strictest lockdown tier.

The announcement trickled out on Thursday morning via the government's postcode checker and will be confirmed in Parliament.

Under the previous local lockdown, Leeds was in Tier 2 but was preparing to enter Tier 3 - the toughest Tier of restrictions - when the national lockdown 2 began.

As of Friday, Leeds' infection rate was 439 per 100,000 people, which is slightly lower than it was when the Tier 3 change was announced for Leeds, but it remains high.

Boris Johnson said: “Later this week, I should say we will announce which areas will fall into which tier, I hope on Thursday.”

He added: “I’m sorry to say we expect that more regions will fall at least temporarily into higher levels than before but by using these tougher tiers and by using rapid turnaround tests on an ever greater scale to drive R below one and keep it there, it should be possible for areas to move down the (tier) scale to lower levels of restrictions.”

Until the announcement on Thursday it is safe to assume that Leeds will be placed into Tier 3.

What was announced by Boris Johnson and what will change in the new three tier system?

Under the new system, bars and restaurants will not be allowed to open to customers in Tier 3 areas including Leeds.

Pubs, bars and restaurants will be allowed to open as takeaways and for collection and delivery, though.

Hotels will have to close in Leeds and other Tier 3 areas, and 'all forms of hospitality' except for delivery and takeaways.

Outdoor sports and business events will also not be allowed to take place in Leeds, and Leeds United will have to continue playing behind closed doors at Elland Road.

Outlining the tiers, Boris Johnson said: “In particular, in Tier 1 people should work from home wherever possible.

“In Tier 2, alcohol may only be served in hospitality settings as part of a substantial meal.

“In Tier 3, indoor entertainment, hotels and other accommodation will have to close, along with all forms of hospitality except for delivery and takeaways.”

Mr Johnson added that he is “very sorry” for the “hardship” that such restrictions will cause business owners.

“So from the 10pm closing time… we’re going to change so that it is last orders at 10 with closing at 11.

“In tiers 1 and 2 spectator sports and business events will be free to resume inside and outside with capacity limits and social distancing, providing more consistency with indoor performances in theatres and concert halls.

“We’ll also strengthen the enforcement ability of local authorities, including specially trained officers and new powers to close down premises that pose a risk to public health.”

What about Christmas in Leeds?

Boris Johnson said the Government is working on a time-limited Christmas plan.

He told the Commons: “I can’t say that Christmas will be normal this year, but in a period of adversity time spent with loved ones is even more precious for people of all faiths and none.

“We all want some kind of Christmas, we need it, we certainly feel we deserve it. But what we don’t want is to throw caution to the winds and allow the virus to flare up again, forcing us all back into lockdown in January.

“So to allow families to come together, while minimising the risk, we’re working with the devolved administrations on a special time-limited Christmas dispensation, embracing the whole of the United Kingdom.”

It is expected that the Prime Minister could announce a special five-day window to allow household mixing for up to three households, but that was not announced today.

Boris Johnson said families will need to make a “careful judgement” about visiting elderly relatives over Christmas.

He told MPs: “This virus is obviously not going to grant a Christmas truce, it doesn’t know it’s Christmas and families will need to make a careful judgement about the risk of visiting elderly relatives.

“We will be publishing guidance for those who are clinically extremely vulnerable on how to manage the risks in each tier as well as over Christmas.”