This is what life in Wakefield could be like under a local lockdown, and when the announcement might be made

Wakefield's political leaders have warned that the district is 'on the verge' of a local lockdown, after the rate of cases continues to rise.
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Council leader Denise Jeffery said she was "very concerned" about the potential of new restrictions in the area.

Local lockdowns are already in place in large swathes of West Yorkshire, including neighbouring Kirklees and Calderdale, with strict restrictions on socialising.

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But what would a local lockdown look like for Wakefield - and when is it likely to be introduced?

Local lockdown Wakefield: When could a lockdown be announced and what would it mean for the district?Local lockdown Wakefield: When could a lockdown be announced and what would it mean for the district?
Local lockdown Wakefield: When could a lockdown be announced and what would it mean for the district?

Why are local lockdowns needed?

The government has used local lockdowns as a way to slow the spread of Covid-19 in areas with a high rate of cases.

Almost 200 new cases of Covid-19 have been confirmed in Wakefield since the start of the month, with many spikes linked to outbreaks at local businesses, where high rates of testing mean many people discover they are carrying the virus without displaying symptoms.

According to government figures, the rate of cases in the Wakefield district fell from 21 per 100,000 in the seven days up to August 14, to 15.8 per 100,000 in the seven days up to August 21.

Wakefield's political leaders have warned that the district is 'on the verge' of a local lockdown, after the rate of cases continues to rise.Wakefield's political leaders have warned that the district is 'on the verge' of a local lockdown, after the rate of cases continues to rise.
Wakefield's political leaders have warned that the district is 'on the verge' of a local lockdown, after the rate of cases continues to rise.
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This is much lower than other areas of West Yorkshire, where the rate of cases, though falling, currently sits as 27 per 100,000 in Calderdale, 26.6 in Kirklees and 42.2 in Bradford.

When will a lockdown be announced?

There is no set day or time at which local lockdown restrictions will be announced.

Restrictions for West Yorkshire and Greater Manchester were announced by health secretary Matt Hancock via Twitter on Thursday, July 30, shortly after 9pm.

The new rules and regulations came into force at midnight, less than three hours later.

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It is unclear when or how new restrictions for other areas could be announced - but check back with the Express on Facebook for the latest updates throughout the week.

A review of local lockdown measures across England is expected to take place tomorrow (Thursday, August 27).

What areas are affected by a local lockdown?

To date, local lockdowns have covered large areas, such as districts under the control of a particular local authority.

It is likely that a lockdown for Wakefield would cover the entire district, including the city centre and Five Towns.

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But there have been calls for lockdowns to be more specific, targeting postcode areas which have seed a spike in cases.

In Wakefield, local figures reveal that some areas have seen an increase in cases in recent weeks, while others have no new reported cases.

How many cases have been recorded in your area? View the full list here.

What can I do during a local lockdown?

Under the restrictions currently in place, those living in an area affected by a local lockdown are banned from hosting or visiting people in a private home or garden, even if they live outside the affected areas.

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The only exception to this rule is those who have formed a support bubble with another one adult household.

Households within a bubble can still visit each other, stay overnight, and visit public places together.

Indoor public venues remain open, but people should attend only with people in their household or social bubble, and avoid any interaction with those in other venues.

Exceptions to these rules apply for parents visiting children in other households, moving house or childcare.

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Visits to care homes should also be limited to exceptional circumstances.

In Bradford, which has the highest rate of cases, gyms, dance studios, swimming pools and sports facilities have also been closed.

People living inside and outside of these areas can continue to travel in and out for work, and can go on holiday outside of their area, as long as they do not socialise with those outside their bubble.

You can view the full list of restrictions for local lockdown areas here.

Do you think a local lockdown should be introduced in Wakefield? Email your thoughts to [email protected], or let us know on Twitter and Facebook.