Wakefield in Tier 3: New rules on socialising, pubs, travel and home working to come into effect

West Yorkshire has been classed as a High risk area (Tier 2) since the new system was introduced in October, but it was announced last week that the area would be upgraded to Very High Risk (Tier 3).

The restrictions come into place from 00.01 on Monday, November 2, and will apply to all areas of West Yorkshire, including Wakefield, Pontefract and Castleford.

These are the key rules you'll need to remember:

• In Tier 3, you are not allowed to meet socially with friends and family indoors in any setting, unless they are part of your household or support bubble

• You are also banned from meeting people outside your household in a private garden or most outdoor public venues. Parks, beaches, forests, public gardens, outdoor sports courts and allotments are among the areas you are allowed to meet.

• If you are meeting family or friends in a permitted setting, the Rule of Six continues to apply. People should not meet in groups of more than six, including children, and should social distance at all times.

• Pubs and bars will be required to close unless they can operate "as if they were a restaurant" - meaning they can only serve alcohol if it comes with a substantial meal.

• You should only attend leisure venues with people in your household or social bubble, and at least one member of each group should provide their contact details to the venue or check in using the NHS Covid-19 app.

• Face masks should be worn at all times in public enclosed spaces, unless you are eating or drinking or medically exempt.

• Certain other venues, including casinos, soft play areas, adult gaming centres, betting shops and car boot sales, will also need to close. Gyms may open, but guidance is against indoor exercise classes taking place.

• The government advises that anyone who can "work effectively from home" should plan to do so through the winter, but you can still travel to work if needed, even if your home and place of work fall into different Covid alert levels.

• You should limit the number of journeys you make, and plan ahead to avoid peak times or busy areas.

• Where possible, you should avoid leaving the local alert area unless for work, education or caring responsibilities.

• Exceptions apply for childcare, meeting those in your support bubble, to see someone who is dying or to facilitate a house move.

You can view a full explanation of the new rules here.

A joint statement from West Yorkshire's political leaders said the move was taken “with great reluctance”.

It said: “The virus spread is now at a critical juncture. Not only are infections rising in our region, particularly amongst the elderly, but we already have evidence that the NHS is starting to struggle to deliver essential elective care.

“Once it became clear that heightened restrictions would be necessary, we have been negotiating hard to secure a package of support for our region and our residents - with the aim of reducing the financial uncertainty for people and businesses.

“For now, to enable us to take the advised measures to protect people’s health and wellbeing, we have secured a package worth an additional £59.3m to begin to help support West Yorkshire through this time.”