Wakefield and West Yorkshire to enter into Tier 3 lockdown on Monday

The district, along with the rest of West Yorkshire, will enter Local Covid Alert Level Very High from 00.01am Monday, November 2.

Wakefield in Tier 3: The new rules and guidance for West Yorkshire as new restrictions introduced across Pontefract, Castleford and more

The announcement was confirmed by Leeds City Council Leader Judith Blake in a press conference on Thursday afternoon, and applies to all of West Yorkshire, including Wakefield, Leeds, Kirklees, Calderdale and Bradford.

It comes after a sharp spike in cases in Wakefield, with more than 4,100 people testing positive for the virus since the start of October.

The rate of cases in the district has risen to 401 per 100,000, almost double the UK average of 208 per 100,000.

Councillor Denise Jeffery, Leader of Wakefield Council, said: “We understand that local businesses are already struggling. This is why we were reluctant to accept more restrictions. But the situation is now critical due to the sharp rise in numbers and stricter restrictions are now needed to help reduce the spread of infection, protect local NHS services and save lives.

“The virus is already having a significant impact on our health system and we must do whatever it takes to protect the NHS, ourselves and others, from the very real threat of COVID-19. If we don’t, the stark reality is that more lives will be lost.

“I understand that these restrictions are going to be a huge challenge to us all – having major impacts on our daily lives and once again adversely affecting our local businesses. But with the rate of infection rising at such a significant rate, we now have no choice.

“We are pleased to have been able to secure a substantial package of additional support for businesses and local residents when they need it most. And we are determined to continue lobbying Government to ensure the district and wider region gets clarity on a Tier 3 exit strategy and a clear road map that will enable us to move back nearer to normality.”

Anyone displaying coronavirus symptoms – of a new continuous cough, high temperature or loss of taste or smell - is urged to get a test by accessing local testing or by visiting nhs.uk/coronavirus or calling 119.

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.

Speaking at the press conference on Thursday evening, Coun Judith Blake said: “You will all be aware that we have been negotiating with government with regard to the high infections. We have been negotiating with WY and I can tell you we will be moving into Tier 3 as of one minute past midnight on Monday.

“This is obviously a very difficult decision for anyone to take. We recognise the significance of the economic impact this will have and we are very mindful the virus is at a state where we need to take measures, in particular with regards to our hospitals."

Check back to this page for the latest updates throughout the evening.