Leeds joins Bradford, Calderdale and Kirklees in strict Covid lockdown measures

It joins Bradford, Calderdale and Kirklees who have been under stricter measures since July.

Here's what you need to know:

Which areas of West Yorkshire are under lockdown?

Bradford, Calderdale Kirklees and Leeds are under lockdown.

The only area in West Yorkshire not under lockdown measures is Wakefield.

Bradford, Calderdale and Kirklees have been under lockdown midnight since July 31.

Some council wards within these areas were removed from lockdown restrictions on Wednesday, September 2.

-> Local lockdown Leeds: rules explained and your questions answered as new restrictions in placeHowever, they were then placed back in from Tuesday, September 22.

In Leeds, the lockdown measures came into force from midnight on Friday, September 25 .

Why are these areas under lockdown?

They are in lockdown due to a rise in Covid-19 cases.

What do the local lockdown restrictions mean?

The restrictions means that people who live in Bradford, Calderdale Kirklees or Leeds cannot mix with other households.

This includes people's homes or gardens.

Can I visit someone who lives outside of these areas?

People from Bradford, Calderdale, Kirklees and Leeds cannot visit someone else's home or garden even if they live outside of lockdown areas.

What about in pubs restaurants and bars?

People should not socialise with people they do not live with in any public venue.

Examples of public venues include pubs, restaurants, cafes, shops, places of worship, community centres, leisure and entertainment venues, or visitor attractions and parks.

Are there any exemptions?

People can still go inside other people's home for certain reasons.

These include:

- people in the same support bubble

- to attend a birth at the mum's request

- to visit a person who is dying

- for work purposes

- for voluntary or charitable services

- for the purposes of education or training

- for the purposes of childcare

- to provide emergency assistance

-to facilitate a house move

- to provide care or assistance to a vulnerable person.

What if my family provide childcare?

Friends and family can still provide informal childcare for children under 14.

What if my child moves between two households?

Existing contact arrangements between parents and children who don't live in the same household will not change under the lockdown.

Can I visit care homes?

People are asked not to visit friends or family in care homes, other than in exceptional circumstances.

Care homes should restrict visits to these circumstances

What did the government say?

Matt Hanock, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care said: "As the Covid-19 incidence rate continues to rise across the country, a suite of local and national actions is required to break the trains of transmission and enable people to maintain a more normal way of life.

"The latest data shows a sharp increase in incidence rates per 100,000 population in Leeds, Blackpool, Wigan and Stockport, which are significantly above the national average.

"As a result, we are making regulations which take effect from Saturday, September 26 and will impose restrictions on inter-household mixing in private dwellings and gardens in Leeds, Stockport, Wigan and Blackpool."

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Mr Hancock added: "People who live in these areas will not be allowed to gather in a private dwelling or garden with any other household unless in a support bubble.

"People from anywhere else will also not be allowed to gather with another household in a private dwelling or garden in these areas.

"We have also reviewed the position in Leicester, the Borough of Oadby and Wigston, Birmingham, Solihull, Sandwell, Wolverhampton, Bolton, Bradford, Kirklees, Calderdale and the remaining local authorities in Greater Manchester and have decided to maintain their position on the watchlist as areas of intervention, as well as the current restrictions in these areas.

"This will be difficult news for the people living in these areas, profoundly affecting their daily lives.

"These decisions are not taken lightly, and such measures will be kept under review and in place no longer than they are necessary.

"There are exemptions to these measures so people can still meet with those in their support bubble.

"There are other limited exemptions such as for work purposes or to provide care or assistance to a vulnerable person."

What did Leeds Council say?

Councillor Judith Blake, leader of Leeds City Council said: “We are acutely aware that nobody wants to see further restrictions placed on life in Leeds and alongside our partners we have been doing absolutely everything within our power to avoid that.

“But the safety of the city and the public simply has to come first and we have now reached a point where we all need to take additional steps to contain the spread of this terrible virus within our communities.

“How long these new measures last and how much further they may need go in the coming weeks and months will depend on everyone playing their part. We know there has already been some excellent partnership work taking place across the city and this will continue to manage outbreaks and help everyone stay safe.

“Building on that sense of community spirit, I’d appeal to everyone to follow these rules, consider the impact your actions could have on others and take your share of the responsibility for protecting our city.”

What did Bradford Council say?

Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe, Leader of Bradford Council, said: “Unfortunately infection rates in the whole of Bradford District continue to increase.

“In the last few weeks it’s been noticeable that, as the infection rate has risen, it has also increased markedly in some of those wards which had previously come out of local restriction. We are an interconnected place and we’re dealing with a virus which travels fast once it gets hold, it doesn’t respect ward or constituency boundaries.

“If you live in the 21 wards that are currently in local restrictions then this latest announcement means that there is no change for you this week.

“In the nine wards that recently came out of local restrictions, from next Tuesday those residents will go back into the local restrictions and will only be allowed to socialise with their own household, or bubble.

“We are all at risk and everyone needs to continue to stay safe, take the utmost care to minimise the spread of this terrible virus, and protect vulnerable people.

“The infection rate is rising. Hospital admissions are rising. It is everyone’s responsibility to reduce the risk of COVID-19 spreading. Thank you to residents, staff, the NHS and volunteers across the district for working so hard to reduce infection rates and to support our communities."

What did Calderdale Council say?

Leader of Calderdale Council, Councillor Tim Swift, said: “We understand residents’ frustration and concern following this news, and we really feel for everyone affected. For Halifax residents it means more time away from loved ones, and for those in the Calder Valley, another change to their lives.

“This is not the news we would have wished for, and we know this is difficult to hear for many people, but we do understand that the safety of our community must always come first.

“Sadly, infection rates are rising significantly across the whole of Calderdale and throughout the country.

"We can all still make a difference by following guidance, washing our hands, social distancing, wearing face coverings and limiting time with other people. COVID-19 will unfortunately be part of our lives for months to come, and these are the things we all need to keep doing together to protect each other.

“Let’s not give up hope, let’s not blame anyone, let’s stay kind and compassionate. Together we can beat this.”

How long will the local lockdowns last?

Tom Riordan, chief executive of Leeds City Council,, said he expects national restrictions to be in place throughout winter.

There has not been a specific length of time given in relation to the Leeds lockdown.

Mr Riordan said: “What we are trying to do is give a simple message – you shouldn’t really mix with other households.”

He said about 780,000 people will come under the new measures which could be in place through the winter.

Mr Riordan added: “I think we know from the experience of Leicester, Greater Manchester and West Yorkshire that when these restrictions are brought in they do not tend to be lifted after a week or two.”

Similar restrictions in nearby Bradford, Calderdale and Kirklees have been in place since midnight from July, 31.

Some areas within those cities and towns were lifted from restriction, however, they were placed back in last week.