Calderdale lockdown tier announcement: Council leader reacts to borough placement in high alert tier

The Tier 2 restrictions, which apply throughout Calderdale from Wednesda.

The main difference, compared to the previous local restrictions, is that more than one household, up to the rule of six, can meet outdoors in private gardens and open spaces, as well as outside in hospitality, retail and leisure settings. However, more than one household must still not meet inside homes or indoors in hospitality, retail and leisure venues.

In response to the government’s announcement about the tiered approach, Councillor Tim Swift, Calderdale Council’s Leader, said: “This is a positive step forward in our fight against COVID-19.

“The new guidelines for meeting people outdoors mean we can start to safely see more of our loved ones. We empathise with everyone who feels tired and disheartened after months of not being with their family and friends.

“We have been working tirelessly with other West Yorkshire councils to get a more targeted, consistent and clear approach to local restrictions in our region. We have also been lobbying government to allow greater freedom to meet people outside, so we are pleased that residents across Calderdale will now start to benefit from this.

“So, wrap up warm and enjoy reuniting with your loved ones in the fresh outdoor air. Spend some quality time together in the garden; enjoy being active together – go for a walk; visit the park. But please remember to stay two metres apart to keep each other safe.

“We all need to keep doing the right thing and follow the measures in place – they’re here to protect ourselves, our loved ones and our communities. COVID-19 is still spreading quickly in every part of Calderdale, but we all have the power to slow it down. Together, we can control this. There will be brighter days ahead.

“It’s important to focus on the positives. We have come a long way since the toughest days of national lockdown and can now safely do more of the things we enjoy.

“We are still working intensively on community and business engagement, local testing and contact tracing to help bring infection rates down, so that the remaining restrictions can be lifted.

“We can all play our part in this by washing our hands regularly, wearing a face covering in enclosed public places, keeping our distance from people who aren’t in our household, limiting social contact and getting tested if we have COVID-19 symptoms. This is more important than ever as we move towards winter.

“Another vital way to stop the virus spreading is to stay at home and avoid contact with other people for 10 days if we have symptoms of COVID-19, or for 14 days if we’re a contact of someone who has the virus. This is particularly important because some people in our community could get very ill if they catch the virus. We’re urging people to download the NHS’s new contact tracing app – it’s the fastest way to see if you’re at risk from coronavirus.”

Over the coming days it is anticipated that there will be further discussions with the government regarding the restrictions and implications for Calderdale and West Yorkshire.