Statement from Calderdale Council as borough set for Tier 3 restrictions

In response to today’s Government announcement that Calderdale and West Yorkshire are moving into Tier 3 (Very high) restrictions on Monday 2 at 00:01, the Leader of Calderdale Council, Tim Swift, has provided a latest.

People must not meet with anybody outside their household or support bubble in any indoor or outdoor setting, whether at home, in a private garden, or in most public spaces.

Council leader Mr Swift said: “Following today’s Government’s announcement, unfortunately, along with other West Yorkshire authorities, Calderdale has been moved into Tier 3 of restrictions, meaning the local COVID alert level is very high in our area.

“As a result, there will be additional restrictions on people and businesses across the borough. We know this is upsetting news for everyone, particularly those who haven’t seen loved ones for many months; and for businesses, especially those in the hospitality sector which has already been severely affected by Covid restrictions this year.

“As the weather changes, so do people’s habits, but unfortunately the change in seasons have had a dramatic effect on the number of Covid cases in Calderdale - our rate is currently 20 times that seen at the end of August.

“Hospital admissions are increasing too, so it’s vital we take action to protect our NHS services and support our hard-working health service staff who have already done so much for us this year.

“We know that moving into Tier 3 is an unwelcome step in what has been an unrelenting period of upset, but it’s important to remember that the sooner we bring the virus under control, the sooner we can move out of restrictions.

“The virus is too easily spread in groups of people and it’s extremely important that we limit contact with others to bring the infection rate under control in the borough and the wider West Yorkshire area."

Pubs and bars must close, and can only remain open where they operate as if they were a restaurant – which means serving substantial meals, like a main lunchtime or evening meal. They may only serve alcohol as part of such a meal.

Weddings and funerals can go ahead with restrictions on the number of attendees.

15 guests are allowed at weddings and 30 at funeral services. 15 attendees are allowed at wakes and related ceremonies.

Wedding receptions are not permitted.

People should try to avoid travelling outside the ‘Very High’ area they are in, or entering a ‘Very High’ area, other than for things like work, education, accessing youth services, to meet caring responsibilities or if they are in transit.

“Each of us has a part to play in bringing the virus under control. It’s important we all continue to wash our hands regularly, wear a face covering in enclosed public places, keep our distance from people who aren’t in our household, limit social contact and get tested and isolate if we have Covid-19 symptoms," said Mr Swift.

“As a Council we’ll continue to do all we can to prevent and control Covid.

"Our local contact tracing service currently has the highest success rate in the North East and Yorkshire region.

The continued success of this service is so important in breaking the chain of infection and is a key part of our response to save lives and reduce transmission of the virus.

“We’ll also continue to push for enhanced financial packages from Government to support residents and businesses who are struggling as a results of enhanced measures.

“Although the move to Tier 3 is disheartening, it’s important to remember this isn’t a return to the strict lockdown of earlier this year. Although it’s increasingly difficult, it’s vital that we all try and focus on the positives and look for ways we can still do the things we enjoy within the Government guidelines.”

People should avoid staying overnight in another part of the UK if they are resident in a ‘Very High’ area, or avoid staying overnight in a ‘Very High’ area if they are resident elsewhere.

Schools, universities will remain open although a move to greater online provision is encouraged.

People should work from home wherever possible

Places of worship are open (subject to gathering limits)

Gyms will remain open although indoor exercise classes should not take place

Hairdressers and beauty salons can remain open

Libraries and museums can remain open

Retail can remain open

Casinos, soft play areas, adult gaming centres, betting shops and car boot sales will be closed

Shisha bars (serving shisa) – these venues may operate but only operating as a cafe and not allowed to serve shisha.

What are the council doing to prevent and control Covid-19 in Calderdale?

We will continue to live with Covid-19 for the foreseeable future. In line with Calderdale’s Outbreak Prevention and Control Plan, the Council, local partner organisations and communities are working together to protect people from the virus and to prevent and manage outbreaks. This includes:

Engaging with and supporting communities, particularly in areas of high infection rates, and helping local businesses to be Covid-secure

Increasing and improving access to testing for residents

Carrying out local contact tracing to support the national Test and Trace service

Providing support to people to enable them to self-isolate

Enforcing Covid-19 restrictions.

What you can do to beat the virus:

Washing our hands regularly

Staying two metres apart

Wearing a face covering when we are indoors where we might come into contact with others, such as public transport, taxis, shops, museums and places of worship

Not visiting, or having visitors from, other households indoors

Staying away from crowds and avoiding close contact with others, such as handshakes and hugs

Keeping up with guidance

Isolating for 10 days and getting a test if we have symptoms of Covid-19

Following the advice of the Test and Trace service if we have come into contact with someone with the virus.

For up-to-date and reliable information about Covid-19, use trusted sources such as:

www.gov.uk/coronaviruswww.nhs.uk/coronaviruswww.calderdale.gov.uk/coronavirus