Wakefield in Tier 2 Covid lockdown: Council issues new guidance on social distancing, self-isolating and social bubbles in West Yorkshire

The new rules are designed to slow the spread of Covid-19 in the district, after a recent rise in the number of cases.

Introduced this week, they restrict interactions between households in indoor settings, and are expected to remain in place for at least a month.

Wakefield Council has now published new guidance about the rules for those with frequently asked questions.

Do the rules apply to the whole district? All wards have seen an increase in the number of cases in recent weeks. No area or age group is immune, which is why everyone needs to adhere to the rules and follow the guidance.

Why does my NHS app say my area is only medium risk? The Council has been made aware that the Local Alert Level on the NHS Test and Trace app is showing some areas of the Wakefield district as 'high' and others as 'medium.' The entire district is currently at 'high' level and NHS Test and Trace are working hard to correct the issue.

Do I have to social distance if meeting people outside? Even when people are outside or wearing a face covering, social-distancing must still be maintained at all times. Washing hands, using face coverings and social distancing (hands, face, space) all help but doing them all makes a big difference.

What do I do if I develop any coronavirus symptoms? Residents of all ages who develop even one symptom of coronavirus – a new, continuous cough, high temperature or loss of taste or smell – however mild, must isolate immediately and get a test. A positive test means self-isolation for at least 10 days from when the symptoms started.

When do I need to get tested? Anyone who lives in the household of someone who has symptoms must also isolate for 14 days but do not need to get a test unless they develop symptoms. If the test of the symptomatic person is negative, they and the people in their household no longer need to self-isolate

What happens if I am contacted by Test and Trace? Anyone who is contacted by NHS Test and Trace after being a close contact of someone who has tested positive must isolate for 14 days regardless of whether or not they develop symptoms.

Am I allowed to go outside when I am self-isolating? Self-isolating means only going outside if it’s in a private garden, this does not include going for walks or food shopping. Help is available with everyday tasks, like collecting shopping or medicines, from an NHS volunteer. Residents who need to self-isolate due to Covid-19 and will lose income because of this can now apply online on the Council’s website for financial assistance, visit http://www.wakefield.gov.uk/more-money-in-my-pocket/advice-during-coronavirus

If I form a support bubble with someone in a different Tier, which rules do we follow? People who live in Wakefield can only visit someone from tier 1 indoors if they are in a support bubble. They should not be mixing with anyone else indoors even if they are in a tier 1 area.

You can view more frequently asked questions here.

Wakefield Council is encouraging people to take simple steps to protect themselves and others, including wearing a face covering in enclosed public spaces, regular handwashing, maintaining social distancing and avoiding close contact with people they do not live with.

Councillor Denise Jeffery, leader of Wakefield Council, said: “The situation has now reached a critical stage across the district and that’s why it is important that our residents know the facts so that we can collectively act now to help control this rapidly rising infection rate.

“Nobody wants further restrictions placed on our lives but that is what will happen and sadly more lives will be lost if people do not adhere to the guidance.

“If you have a question about coronavirus or are unsure about the new rules visit our website or the Government website and get the correct information.

“We must all follow these new restrictions at all times and together, we will beat this virus.”

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. Or email the person’s name and contact details to [email protected] so the booking team can get in touch.

Anyone displaying coronavirus symptoms is urged to get a test by accessing local testing or by visiting nhs.uk/coronavirus or calling 119.