Kirklees Tier 2 restrictions: Council's outbreak control board issues update on discussions with Governent

The whole of West Yorkshire remains under the Government's tier two restrictions.

The 'traffic light' system has been designed to unify the lockdown rules and make them more simple to understand.

However, with infections rates continuing to rise across the county speculation has grown the the region could be place into the highest tier three status.

Tier Three restrictions mean that pubs, bars, gyms, casinos and adult gaming centres must be immediately shut.

Commenting on continuing discussions with government on COVID-19 restrictions, Kirklees’ cross-party Outbreak Control Board have said: "Tier two restrictions are the best route to bringing down infections, saving lives and supporting livelihoods in Kirklees.

"We believe the current restrictions reflect our local circumstances and offer the best chance of achieving the public consent that is essential in making any restrictions work.

"We are under no illusions. Kirklees is on the edge. What happens over the next few days and weeks will decide our freedoms and the serious consequences of losing even more of them. That is why we are asking the government to make the right call. At the same time we are asking local people to take all the action necessary to protect themselves, their families and their neighbours. The virus spreads as easily today as it did back in March. The way we live our lives needs to reflect that.

"Infection rates in Kirklees have been rising sharply over the last few weeks. But the latest data show signs that the increase might be levelling off. We all need to seize this opportunity to bring rates down to preserve our freedoms, protect the NHS and save lives. With time and government support on improving contact tracing and our work with communities, we are confident that we can flatten the curve again.

"Unlike other local authorities, which are now in tier three, Kirklees hasn’t seen exponential increases in infections. During the summer, our infection rates were in the top four local authorities in England. We are now in the top forty. Our work in communities and the sacrifices made by local people and businesses over the past few months show that we can get the virus under control if we work together.

"There has never been a more important time for everyone in Kirklees to step up and look out for each other. Social distancing, face coverings and hand washing are even more essential now than they were during lockdown. If we are going to mix with people outside our household, we need to make sure we do it outdoors and in groups of no more than six. With winter fast approaching and pressures on the NHS increasing, we simply cannot risk infection spreading through families, generations and communities."

Kirklees Council’s Outbreak Control Board is made up of:

Councillor Shabir Pandor, Leader of Kirklees Council

Councillor David Hall, Conservative Group Leader

Councillor John Lawson, Liberal Democrat Group Leader

Councillor Andrew Cooper, Green Party Group Leader

Councillor Charles Greaves, Leader of the Independent Group

Member of Parliament Batley and Spen: Tracy Brabin MP

Member of Parliament Colne Valley: Jason McCartney MP

Member of Parliament Dewsbury: Mark Eastwood MP

Member of Parliament Huddersfield: Barry Sheerman MP