Kirklees lockdown tier announcement: Batley and Spen MP reacts to borough placement in high alert tier

Leeds, Bradford, Wakefield, Kirklees and Calderdale are likely to be placed in Tier 2 - meaning the alert level is classed as 'high'.

Official confirmation will be released later today, as talks are still ongoing.

This actually represents a loosening of rules for areas previously under 'local lockdown', as mixing with fewer than six people in gardens is now allowed again.

Prime minister Boris Johnson made the announcement this afternoon - indicating that Liverpool has entered Tier 3, with restrictions similar to those implemented during March and April.

The 'traffic light' system has been designed to unify the lockdown rules and make them more simple to understand.

On the announcement Batley and Spen MP Tracy Brabin said: “It’s disappointing that our communities now have to come to terms with new restrictions. However Tier 2 means many businesses can remain open and people can still take part in many parts of their daily lives which is so important to mental health and wellbeing.

"What’s important above all else is that these restrictions work, and that the spread of coronavirus slows. The sacrifices we are making must lead towards something, and if cases go down, restrictions should ease too.”

What is High Alert Tier 2 lockdown?

- No household mixing inside houses

- Mixing in gardens IS allowed as long as the rule of six is followed. This actually means that restrictions are slightly less strict than before.

- Curfew in bars and pubs remains at 10pm

- Pubs, bars and restaurants to stay open

- Social distancing must be obeyed at all times

- Groups of people must not exceed six people in pubs, bars, restaurants and gardens

When will the new High Alert be in force?

Boris Johnson said the rules will be agreed with councils on Monday and Tuesday before being finalised and being put in place, in force, from Wednesday October 14.

What is Tier 3?

Tier Three does not apply in Leeds but Mr Johnson said changes could be made to cities later depending on virus infection rates.

Tier Three restrictions mean that pubs, bars, gyms, casinos and adult gaming centres must be immediately shut.

The latest figures show Leeds has an infection rate of around 380, whereas Liverpool is at higher than 500.

Currently, the suggestion is that only Liverpool will be in Tier Three lockdown, but this could change later.

Local lockdown restrictions must be agreed between government and local council leaders before being announced and applied.

Household mixing in homes AND gardens is banned under Tier Three.

No organised non-professional sports or other communal hobby groups or activities would be permitted, the document also said.