Will Wakefield go into Tier 2 or stay in Tier 3? Latest Covid figures for the district as government to decide whether West Yorkshire will remain under strictest restrictions

Wakefield officially entered into Tier 3, the highest level of Covid-19 restrictions, on December 2, following the end of the second national lockdown.

At that point, the rate of cases in the district was 275 per 100,000, far higher than the national average of 168 per 100,000.

But this rate has since fallen sharply, and last week dropped below the national rate for the first in almost three months.

Similar low rates have been recorded across West Yorkshire, prompting speculation that the county may drop to Tier 2 restrictions later this week.

But what has been said, and is Wakefield expected to be lowered to Tier 2 in the coming days? This is everything we know so far.

How many cases have been confirmed in Wakefield to date?

A total of 14,760 cases of Covid-19 have been confirmed in the Wakefield district since March, including 927 new cases in the first 14 days of the month.

This compares to 3,459 cases in the first two weeks of November.

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But the district's health services remain under pressure, health chiefs have warned, with 191 people currently receiving treatment for the virus in hospitals run by the Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust.

Jo Webster, Chief Officer at NHS Wakefield Clinical Commissioning Group, said: "While infection rates in the district are steadily reducing, we are not yet seeing this translate into an easing of pressure on our local health services.

"There are three things that everyone in the district can do to help the NHS - continue to follow the guidance, isolate immediately if you develop symptoms and help us to help you by choosing the right local service if you need healthcare.

"If you're not sure which service to use and it's not a life-threatening emergency, call NHS111 or visit NHS online. NHS111 will make sure you get the care you need, in the most appropriate place for your needs."

According to the latest NHS data, 631 people have died at Mid Yorkshire Hospitals after testing positive for the virus since March.

A further 118 people have died in the district's care homes.

What are the differences between Tier 2 and Tier 3?

Under Tier 2, pubs and restaurants could reopen, with people able to dine indoors together with their household or bubble.

They can also meet in groups of up to six in outdoor setting, including private gardens and public spaces.

While outdoors, in areas such a beer gardens, households could mix in groups of up to six people and enjoy a drink, provided they also eat a substantial meal.

Other venues, including casinos, theatres, bowling alleys and museums, will also be allowed to open, but will be subject to 11pm curfews and restrictions on audience numbers.

People found to be breaking the rules can be fined up to £6,400.

What has been said?

Speaking in a Wakefield Council meeting on Monday, Tom Stannard, the council's corporate director for regeneration, said it was expected the district would remain in Tier 3 restrictions following the government review.

He added: "Although the government has set out its intention to review those restrictions on a fortnightly basis, with the first of those review points being later this week, the expectation at the moment is West Yorkshire will stay in Tier 3.

"That's because although cases are coming down and starting to plateau, they're still at a level that's in line with the government's formula for (Tier 3)."

But just hours later, health secretary Matt Hancock sparked speculation that Leeds could be lowered to Tier 2 restrictions, following questioning from Yorkshire MP Hilary Benn.

Responding to data on falling infection rates in Leeds, Mr Hancock said: "(He) has made a typically wise intervention ahead of the decision-making on Wednesday as to the wider tiering decisions for the rest of the country.”

West Yorkshire was placed into Tier 3 as a whole earlier this month, but it is possible the restrictions may be eased for local authorities on an individual basis.

When will the announcement be made?

Announcing the new system last month, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said Tiers would be reviewed every two weeks.

This means the first review would be due tomorrow (Wednesday, November 16), and an announcement is expected shortly afterwards.