Wakefield in Tier 2 lockdown: West Yorkshire 'will not go into Tier 3 lockdown this week', leaders say

Wakefield, along with the rest of West Yorkshire, entered into Tier 2 lockdown earlier this month, with new rules and restrictions in place for the county's 2.3m residents.

As Greater Manchester and South Yorkshire confirm that they will both enter into Tier 3 in the coming days, there have been mounting concerns that West Yorkshire may also be subject to tighter rules.

But the county's leaders have confirmed that they are not expecting any change in restrictions this week.

In a joint statement issued by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, the leaders, including Wakefield's Denise Jeffery, said: "Government Ministers did not meet Leaders today. Local and national public health experts agree that there is not a case to move West Yorkshire to Tier Three this week.

"The decision to maintain Tier Two (High Risk) restrictions reflects the progress that has been made by councils, Public Health England, the NHS and other partners working together to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and protect lives.

“To further reduce the risk of increased restrictions becoming necessary, it remains essential that everyone in West Yorkshire plays their part by following the rules, particularly when it comes to instructions to self-isolate. And we need the Government’s support now for measures including local test and trace, deep engagement with our communities and financial help for those self-isolating.

“Tier Two status will continue to have an impact on our economy, particularly the retail, leisure and hospitality sectors and their associated supply chains which together employ more than 200,000 people.

"We urge the Government to respond to our proposals to protect businesses, jobs and incomes, and to support our plan for economic recovery including a package for people who have already lost their jobs to develop new skills.”

It comes after a Wakefield Council officer said the government are "putting pressure" on local authorities to move into the highest level of restrictions.

More than 5,000 cases of the virus have been confirmed in the district to date, and the rate of infection currently stands at 292 per 100,000 people, far above the national average of 159/100,000.

What would Tier 3 restrictions mean?

Under the current restrictions, people in Wakefield are banned from meeting or socialising with those houtside their household or support bubble in any indoor setting.

But they are still allowed to meet in groups of up to six outside, including in private gardens.

If the district were to move to Tier 3 (very high) restrictions, these restrictions would become tighter, and the list of places that people can meet those who are not part of their household or support bubble becomes further limited.

Additionally, pubs and bars would be forced to close unless they are serving substantial meals, and would remain subject to the national 10pm curfew.

Schools, colleges and universities would remain open, but people would be encouraged to work from home wherever possible, and students would be banned from moving between their student home and permanent home during term time.

Exceptions to these rules still apply for situations including childcare, weddings, funerals or to facilitate a house move.

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has objected to the new rules being introduced in the area, after the government offered just 1/3 of the financial support he said would be needed to avoid a "winter of hardship".