Leeds leaders call for city-wide response as city expected to be added to coronavirus watch list
Civic leaders and public health officials in Leeds are calling for a city-wide effort to avoid further restrictions being put in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
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Hide AdWhilst being on the list would not mean any further restrictions on the city at this stage, the council said it does mean increased monitoring of cases and could see additional steps taken in future if the city’s infection rates do not start to fall.
The latest seven-day infection rate shows Leeds as having 29.4 cases per 100,000 people, with 44 new cases identified on Wednesday and a testing positivity rate of 4.2 per cent.
In an effort to manage the rise in the infection rate, Leeds Council and partners have recently undertaken a string of preventative steps to stay on top of community transmission, including targeted community work, mobile testing units and public awareness campaigns.
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Hide AdBut with case numbers continuing to show an upward trend, the board is calling on the people of Leeds to play their part in controlling the spread and keeping Leeds open.
Councillor Judith Blake, leader of Leeds City Council and chair of the Outbreak Control Board, said: “This is a pivotal moment in our efforts to control the spread of the virus in Leeds and to keep our city open.
“Nobody wants to see further restrictions on life in Leeds and we want to assure everyone that we’re doing absolutely everything within our power to avoid that happening.
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Hide Ad“But the harsh reality is that if our infection rate continues to rise as it has been, we will be left with no alternative. With that in mind, now more than ever we need a collective effort from the people of Leeds who have shown so much resilience and civic pride throughout this crisis. It’s up to us all to keep our families, friends and neighbours safe and to play our part in keeping Leeds’s recovery going.”
How people in Leeds can play their part:
> Don’t leave home if you, or anyone in your household, has COVID-19 symptoms.
> Keep a safe distance from others.
> Wash your hands regularly for at least 20 seconds.
> Wear a face covering over your mouth and nose on public transport and in indoor areas such as shops, places of worship, hairdressers, libraries and healthcare settings.
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Hide Ad> If you have symptoms book a free test at www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test. If you have a positive test, remember to isolate.
Victoria Eaton, Leeds City Council’s director of Public Health said: “It’s imperative that we do all we can to contain the spread of this virus and protect one another at this crucial time for the city. Using the latest data and intelligence, our local and national systems are working together to help us track and trace the spread of COVID-19 in Leeds as efficiently as possible.
“But we also need people to ensure they stay up-to-date with all the latest guidance, follow the rules on social distancing and face coverings and stay safe and sensible when seeing people outside their household.
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Hide Ad“Above all, if you have symptoms, get tested and isolate so you don’t put other at risk.”
For more details about outbreak planning in Leeds and steps that can be taken to prevent the spread of COVID-19, click here.
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