Council leader says city is ‘in a position to safely enter Tier 2’

Leeds has made “vital” progress to reduce levels of Covid-19 infection, according to the leader of its city council.
Ahead of the Government’s planned review this week of England’s tier system to keep control of the virus, Councillor Judith Blake said the city – currently in the highest level of restrictions, Tier 3 – should be allowed to enter into the lower level of Tier 2.
She stressed the decision about which tier Leeds falls into is ultimately down to the Government, adding the council would adhere to Government guidance.
She added: “We have submitted our view to ministers and officials, published in our Exec Board report, that due to falling infection rates and extensive plans and structures that are in place, we believe Leeds is in a position to safely enter Tier 2.
“This is a finely balanced judgement, and there are different risks associated with Tier 2 and Tier 3, but we think the public in Leeds will respect the rules and play their part to help reduce the infection rate.
“People across the city have helped to make vital progress against all five of the Government’s criteria, including significantly reducing positive cases across all age groups, by more than 65% in the last four weeks.
“Likewise, infection rates among the over-60s has significantly reduced, and the percentage of positive test results has also fallen by 60% over the last four weeks.
“During the same period, the number of Covid patients in our hospital has reduced, although we are working across the partnership to reduce this further.
“We believe a move to Tier 2 at this stage would be a lifeline for many businesses, all of which have invested in Covid-secure premises and dealt with continued uncertainty for months.
“Fewer restrictions would also improve people’s mental health and wellbeing and ensure they continue to have faith in the tier system and comply with restrictions.
“It is imperative we do everything we can to continue making the positive progress we have made so far no matter which tier we are in.
“Our message remains clear; in order to keep ourselves and each other safe, we must continue to follow all the rules all the time.
“Now is not the time to give up. The vaccine is a light at the end of the tunnel, but the fight is not over yet.”
Under Tier 3 rules, people can only meet other households in outdoor public spaces like parks, where the rule of six applies.
Pubs and restaurants have to remain closed, except for delivery and takeaway. Indoor entertainment venues also have to stay closed.
Tier three regions currently include all of The Humber, West Yorkshire and South Yorkshire. Tier two restrictions apply in York and North Yorkshire.