The Government has announced that Kirklees, alongside the rest of West Yorkshire, will be in Tier 3 restrictions from 2 December 2020.
When National Lockdown ends on 2 December, Kirklees will go into Tier 3 restrictions – this is for areas with a very high or very rapidly rising level of infections, where tighter restrictions are in place.
Tier 3 means:
- No mixing indoors.
- People can only meet outdoors in limited places such as parks and public gardens in groups up to six.
- Hospitality including pubs, bars, cafes and restaurants must close, with the exception of takeaway sales.
In all tiers, non-essential shops, gyms, hairdressers and personal care services can open. People in all tiers to work from home where they can do so.
‘Not Surprised’
Councillor Shabir Pandor, Leader of Kirklees Council, said: “We’re turning a corner in Kirklees, with our infection rates dropping by 18 per cent this week but we know we still have a long way to go.
“We’re not surprised that the Government has announced Kirklees is in Tier 3, with our rates currently the fifth highest in the country.
“We’ll follow the restrictions, as we always do, and will continue to do everything we can to prevent the spread of the virus in our communities.
The Council says they have a local test and trace system which they are launching soon, along with cross-party support for mass COVID-19 testing in Kirklees.
He added: “Our rates have dropped the last two weeks in a row, as well as hospital admissions and COVID-19-related deaths. We need to build on this to get out of Tier 3 as quickly as possible.
My plea to residents is to play your part by following the Tier 3 restrictions as well as continuing to do the basics such as regular hand-washing, social distancing, wearing a face covering and self-isolating and getting tested if you have symptoms.
“If we all continue to play our part, we’ll get where we need to be.”
‘Crucial Time of Year’
Cllr Pandor continued: “I’m pleased non-essential retailers can reopen from 2 December, especially at such a crucial time of year. I’d like to urge everyone to shop safe and shop local this Christmas and support our businesses who need us now more than ever.
“There is something we cannot ignore, and that’s how devastating today’s announcement is for our hospitality sector. Pubs, bars, restaurants and others who cannot open under Tier 3 restrictions have gone above and beyond to keep their customers safe throughout this pandemic.
“I’m urging Government to think more creatively about these restrictions and about how it can support the sector and the supply chain that relies on it so they are not laying more misery on these businesses.”
‘Not for Nothing’
After the government announced that West Yorkshire will be going into Tier 3 restrictions, West Yorkshire Mayoral Candidate and Batley & Spen MP Tracy Brabin reacted to the news.
She said: “Whilst I am disappointed that we are still in the highest tier of restrictions, I know that infection rates are falling across the region as a result of the current circuit breaker lockdown.
“People across West Yorkshire will want to know that the government is following the science and that their sacrifices in following these restrictions will not be for nothing.
“I am disappointed that the government were not open to discussions with local leaders about the restrictions in their area, and people in our towns and villages here in West Yorkshire will want to see support for their local economy under tier 3, especially as hospitality will still be closed.
“I hope that the government will be providing backdated support for areas like West Yorkshire which have been under these restrictions for a considerable period of time.
“I support the request from Kirklees Council to be part of the pilot scheme for mass testing to ensure that we can accurately target interventions and bring down the number of infections.”
