Kirklees tier 3 restrictions: West Yorkshire leaders re-open talks with Government ministers

Kirklees has been identified as a Tier 2 High Alert level area in the national tiered approach to COVID-19 restrictions, announced by the government.

However it has been confirmed that leaders of local authorities in West Yorkshire have held talks about restrictions.

The Leaders of West Yorkshire Councils have issued the following statement yesterday: “Today we were invited to a meeting with senior government ministers and the Deputy Chief Medical Officer to discuss the next steps in combatting COVID-19 in West Yorkshire.

"The latest data on infections and hospital admissions shows a continued rise, and we have repeated our calls to Government that further local action needs to be taken, including strengthening community engagement and test and trace.

"There will be further discussions with government in the coming days. We are absolutely committed to implementing the most effective measures to protect the people and economy of West Yorkshire.”

The borough has been identified as a Tier 2 area in the new national tiered approach to COVID-19 restrictions, announced by the government this afternoon.

There are three tiers in the system:

Tier 1 Medium Alert level - the minimum level of restrictions applicable to all of England

Tier 2 High Alert level - applies in certain geographical areas or nationally when there has been a rise in COVID-19 transmission, which cannot be contained through local responses

Tier 3 Very High Alert level - triggered in certain geographical areas or nationally when Tier 2 measures have not contained the spread of the virus, or where there has been a significant rise in transmission

The Tier 2 restrictions, was brought in October 14.

The main difference, compared to the previous local restrictions, was that more than one household, up to the rule of six, can meet outdoors in private gardens and open spaces, as well as outside in hospitality, retail and leisure settings.

However, more than one household must still not meet inside homes or indoors in hospitality, retail and leisure venues.

In addition to the national restrictions which apply to the whole country, in Kirklees the following Tier 2 restrictions are currently in force.

* People must not socialise with anybody outside of their household or support bubble in any indoor setting, whether at home or in a public place

* People must not socialise in a group of more than six outside, including in a garden or other spaces like beaches or parks (other than where specific exemptions apply in law)

* Businesses and venues can continue to operate, in a COVID-secure manner, other than those which remain closed in law

* Certain businesses selling food or drink on their premises are required to close between 10pm and 5am. Businesses and venues selling food for consumption off the premises can continue to do so after 10pm, as long as this is through delivery service, click-and-collect or drive-thru

* Schools, universities and places of worship remain open

* Weddings and funerals can go ahead with restrictions on the number of attendees

* Exercise classes and organised sport can continue to take place outdoors. These will only be permitted indoors if it is possible for people to avoid mixing with people they do not live with (or share a support bubble with)

* People can continue to travel to venues or amenities which are open, for work or to access education, but should look to reduce the number of journeys they make where possible

* Informal carers can provide care for children and vulnerable adults. Children under 14 can be cared for by people outside of their immediate household as part of a care bubble. Children’s groups and supervised activities in private homes are permitted, as is registered and wraparound childcare.