Covid in West Yorkshire: These are the Tier 3 rules for pubs, restaurants, hotels, shops and more in Wakefield and the Five Towns

Speaking in the Commons this afternoon, Health Secretary Matt Hancock confirmed that Wakefield, Pontefract and Castleford would remain in Tier 3 measures.

But large areas of the country, including North Yorkshire, the North East and the North West, will move Tiers from tomorrow (Thursday, December 31).

What is the situation in Wakefield?

A total of 15,982 cases of the virus have been confirmed in the Wakefield district to date, including an additional 216 confirmed over the bank holiday weekend.

The rate of cases currently stands at 186 per 100,000, up from 120 per 100,000 last week.

And at least 818 people have died after testing positive for Covid-19, including 689 at Mid Yorkshire Hospitals and 129 in the district's care homes.

Councillor Denise Jeffery, Leader of Wakefield Council, said: “I would like to say thank you to all our residents and businesses for their ongoing commitment to following the rules. It is your actions that helped to bring down infection rate across our district during the early part of December.

“However, the case rate alone does not determine what tier we’ll be in and I know that to begin the New Year in Tier 3 will be disappointing to many, but it is so important that we all continue to do all we can to keep driving down the infection rate in the district. There is much hope for 2021 with the roll out of the vaccine but for now, we must all continue to act to help protect our local health services and save lives.

“I understand that the festive period has been extremely difficult for many of our local businesses, particularly in the hospitality industry, and this announcement is another blow - but I want to reassure them, and all the businesses affected, that we are on their side and will be doing all we can to get them the financial support they need.

“These restrictions are going to continue to be a huge challenge to us all, especially as we enter a new year, but we must continue to work together to keep slowing down the infection rate in the district.”

What are the rules for Tier 3?

Under Tier 3 rules, people in Wakefield are not allowed to meet socially indoors or in most outdoor places, including private gardens, with people who are not part of their household or support bubble.

In areas where people are allowed to meet socially, including parks, beaches and sports facilities, the rule of six remains in place.

Hospitality venues, such as bars, pubs and restaurants, will remain closed, though will be permitted to continue takeaway, click-and-collect, drive-through or delivery services.

Accommodation such as hotels, B&Bs, campsites, and guest houses must close. There are several exemptions, such as for those who use these venues as their main residence, and those requiring the venues where it is necessary for work or education and training.

Indoor entertainment and tourist venues, including play areas, trampoline parks, casinos, bingo halls, bowling alleys, cinemas and theatres, must close.

And indoor attractions at mostly outdoor entertainment venues must also remain closed, though indoor shops, through-ways and public toilets at such venues can remain open.

Leisure and sports facilities may continue to stay open, but group exercise classes including fitness and dance should not go ahead.

Members of the public should not attend spectator sport or indoor performances and large business events should not be taking place, though elite sporting events can go ahead without spectators.

Large outdoor events, such as concerts, will not take place, with the exception of drive-in events.

Places of worship remain open, but you must not attend with or socialise with anyone outside of your household or support bubble while you are there.

Weddings and funerals can go ahead with restrictions on the number of attendees – 15 people can attend wedding ceremonies, wedding receptions are not allowed, 30 people can attend funeral ceremonies, 15 people can attend linked commemorative events.

Are there exceptions in place?

Exceptions to the rules continue to apply to those who are part of a single household or have formed a support bubble with another household.

There are also exceptions for childcare, education and training, formal support groups, to allowed contact between parents and children in care or children who do not live with both their parents.

Alternative rules will be in place for five days over the Christmas period, allowing people to form separate bubbles with up to three households.

How can I book a test?

Anyone displaying coronavirus symptoms – of a new continuous cough, high temperature or loss of taste or smell - is urged to get a test by accessing local testing or by visiting nhs.uk/coronavirus or calling 119.

The local testing service is available from Monday to Friday and bookings for appointments can be made at www.nhs.uk/ask-for-a-coronavirus-test or by calling 01924 224497.

Those without symptoms (asymptomatic) should not be seeking a test unless they have been advised to do so by a health professional, Public Health England or the Council’s public health teams – it could take a test away from someone who really needs it.