Wakefield residents urged to follow lockdown rules as 'alarming severity' of Covid cases revealed

Under the new restrictions, announced by Prime Minister Boris Johnson last night, people should stay home at all times, unless shopping for basic necessities, travelling to work if it cannot be done from home or stepping outside for daily exercise.

Primary and secondary schools will also move to online learning only, except for vulnerable children or children of critical workers, though nurseries will remain open and childcare bubbles can continue.

These are the latest Covid figures for every area of Wakefield and the Five Towns

Clinically extremely vulnerable people are also being told to shield again.

And people in Wakefield are now being urged to follow the new rules, despite the "significant challenge" they present.

Councillor Denise Jeffery, the Leader of Wakefield Council, pledged to do everything possible to support residents and businesses through the lockdown, which are expected to last until at least mid-February.

She said: “This is yet another significant challenge facing our district and the rest of the country. The Government has made it clear that the alarming severity of the situation nationally means we must all follow the new lockdown restrictions and this Council will be here to support businesses and residents in any way we can.

“Our district is already seeing an increase in infection rates and so it is absolutely crucial for everyone to take action now and prevent the infection rate increasing more rapidly.

“If we don’t, our local NHS services risk being overwhelmed, and more lives will be lost. Please play your part, stay at home and together we can get through this.”

Speaking this morning, chancellor Rishi Sunak announced a new £4.6bn support package for businesses in retail, hospitality and leisure.

And Wakefield Council is working to ensure that as many services as possible remain open to support residents, businesses and communities.

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