Why new Leeds Covid rules for High Alert tier two are less strict - new household mixing rules revealed

Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced that local lockdown areas - such as Leeds - will automatically move into High Alert level, which is tier two.

Mr Johnson said that the change to the system is to make one unified system for local lockdowns across the country.

Places in the High Alert will not be allowed to mix with other households indoors.

Leeds already has these restrictions.

An official announcement has not yet been made by Leeds City Council as Boris Johnson said talks were ongoing.

However, as mixing in private gardens will be allowed within High Alert areas - restrictions in Leeds will actually be a little less tight.

But you will still have to stick to the Rule of Six in a garden.

Mixing in private gardens has been illegal under the Leeds local lockdown which has been in place over the past few weeks.

West Yorkshire MP Jason McCartney tweeted that the Rule of Six would apply outdoors.

MP Claudia Webbe is the MP for Leicester, which will be on the same alert level as Leeds.

She tweeted: “This means there will be a relaxation on private gardens to the #RuleOf6."

Bars and restaurants can stay open, but will have to close at 10pm.

But households will not be able to mix in leisure or hospitality venues.

Boris Johnson said the rules will be agreed with councils on Monday and Tuesday before being finalised and being put in place, in force, from Wednesday October 14.

Merseyside is one of the few areas of the country that will be put on High Alert

The Prime Minister said agreement has been reached with leaders in Merseyside, explaining it will be in the “very high alert” level from Wednesday – with gyms, leisure centres, betting shops, adult gaming centres and casinos also closing.

Mr Johnson said: “Engagement with other leaders in the North West, the North East and Yorkshire and Humber is continuing.

“I know how difficult this is, they like us, like everyone in this House are grappling with very real dilemmas, but we cannot let the NHS fall over when lives are at stake.”

He told local authorities to “work with us on these difficult but necessary measures in the areas that are rated very high” in return for more support, adding: “I believe not to act would be unforgivable so I hope that rapid progress can be made in the coming days.”

Regulations will be laid in the Commons on Monday and voted upon on Tuesday, Mr Johnson added before insisting the measures will be kept under “constant” review.

What is High Alert Tier 2 lockdown?

The High Alert Tier 2 rules in Leeds are:

- No household mixing indoors - that means homes AND pubs and restaurants. Any indoor setting.

- Mixing in gardens IS allowed as long as the rule of six is followed. This actually means that restrictions are slightly less strict than before.

- Curfew in bars and pubs remains at 10pm

- Pubs, bars and restaurants to stay open

- Social distancing must be obeyed at all times