Wakefield in Tier 2: West Yorkshire in 'ongoing' talks with government about next steps in tackling Covid outbreak

The rate of cases in the district has risen to 401 per 100,000, according to the latest NHS data, with more than 3,500 new cases of Covid-19 confirmed in the district this month.

Political leaders from across West Yorkshire have confirmed they are in discussions with government ministers and medical officers about the next steps in tackling the virus.

Wakefield and West Yorkshire are currently classified as High Covid Alert Level, known as Tier 2.

But a sharp rise in new cases in recent weeks has prompted speculation that West Yorkshire may be moved into the Very High Covid alert level, known as Tier 3.

The county's leaders have now confirmed that they are in ongoing talks with the government about the next steps.

In a statement issued yesterday (Tuesday, October 27), the leaders said: "This afternoon we met with Government ministers to discuss the worsening COVID-19 infection rate in the region and our proposals to strengthen community engagement, test and trace, and supporting the vulnerable while protecting jobs and livelihoods.

"Discussions remain ongoing and will continue tomorrow.”