Calderdale to enter Tier 3 lockdown - here's everything you need to know

Talks are taking place between Calderdale leaders and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, as infection rates and Covid-19 deaths continue to rise across West Yorkshire.

What does this mean for Calderdale, and how will things change?

This is everything you need to know about Covid Alert Level Very High (Tier 3) in West Yorkshire.

What is the current rate of infection in Calderdale?

The rate of cases in the district has risen to 378 per 100,000, just under double the UK average of 208 per 100,000.

Public Health England figures show that 4,062 people had been confirmed as testing positive for Covid-19 by 9am on Monday (October 26) in Calderdale, up from 3,684 the same time on Friday.

The ward with the lowest number of new cases was Mixenden, where three new cases were confirmed, while Pellon East has a total 158 - the highest ward.

What are the rules under Tier 3 and how are these different than Tier 2?

Calderdale will now be upgraded to a Very High Alert, known as Tier 3.

All rules from Tier 2 still apply, with some additional restrictions in place.

Within Tier 2, you are not allowed to meet socially with friends and family indoors in any setting, unless they are part of your household or support bubble.

However, Tier 3 also forbids meeting people outside your household in a private garden or most outdoor public venues.

You may meet in groups of up to six in public outdoor spaces including parks, beaches, countryside, forest, public gardens and allotments, outdoor sports courts and playgrounds, but not in private gardens.

The Rule of Six continues to apply, and people must not meet in groups of more than six, including children. Fines of up to £6,400 may be handed out to those found to be in breach of these rules.

Social distancing rules continue to apply, and people are encouraged to limit the number of people they see socially over a short period of time.

Can I still go to the pub?

Pubs, restaurants and takeaways will still be subject to the 10pm curfew, and required to close to all customers by this time unless they are ordering for delivery, drive-through or takeaway.

But pubs and bars can only remain open if they 'operate as if they were a restaurant' - meaning they can only serve alcohol if it comes with a substantial meal.

Staff and customers should also wear masks when they are not seated at a table, and maintain social distancing wherever possible.

You should only attend leisure venues with people in your household or social bubble, and at least one member of each group should provide their contact details to the venue or check in using the NHS Covid-19 app.

Additional restrictions may be introduced in West Yorkshire if these are deemed necessary - check back to this page for the latest updates throughout the week.

Am I allowed to travel to work and school?

The government advises that anyone who can "work effectively from home" should plan to do so through the winter.

But anyone who cannot work from home, including public sector employees working in services such as education, should continue to go to work where necessary.

As well as workplace guidance on remaining Covid-secure, people are encouraged to avoid public transport where possible, or plan to travel at off-peak times.

If your home and place of work fall into different Covid alert levels, you are allowed to travel between these as necessary.

Similar rules apply for travelling in or out of an area for caring responsibilities.

But the government advises against travelling in or our of a Tier 3 area wherever possible, to help manage to risk of transmission.

You should not stay overnight in any other area, including in a second home, and people outside the area should not stay overnight within West Yorkshire.

How can I get childcare?

Similar to Tier 2, exceptions to the rules apply for certain childcare settings.

Schools will continue to be open, and supervised activities including breakfast clubs, youth groups and playgroups can go ahead.

Childminders, after-school clubs and nannies can continue to work as normal.

You can also form a childcare bubble if necessary, meaning someone from another household can provide informal childcare to a child aged 13 or under.

This bubble should always be between the same two households, and should be used only for the purposes of providing childcare.

Are there exceptions to these rules?

Exceptions to the rules apply, and people may gather in groups of more than six if they meet certain criteria.

This includes: meeting those in your support bubble; for work or volunteering purposes; for registered childcare, education or training; to allow contact between parents and children in care; for arrangements where children do not live in the same household as both of their parents; to see someone who is dying or to facilitate a house move.

Weddings may go ahead in registered venues where social distancing measures are in place, but no more than 15 people may attend, and no part of the wedding or reception should be held in a private dwelling.

Up to 30 people may attend funerals, and wakes and other commemorative events are permitted with up to 15 people, but should not be held at private dwellings.

Exceptions also apply for elite sportspeople and their coaches, outdoor exercise and dance classes, indoor organised sport for disables people, educational purposes or under-18s and support groups of up to 15 people.

Social distancing guidelines should be followed at all times during permitted events.

How can I get a test?

Anyone experiencing symptoms of Covid-19 - a new, continuous cough, a high temperature or a change to their sense of taste or smell - should request a test and stay home.

Visit gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test to book a test today.

A local testing centre is at Asda, in Thrum Hall Lane, to work alongside and to enhance the national programme.

Residents in the district who suspect they have symptoms of the virus can now access tests via a home delivery service but people are urged to try the national system first.

Those without symptoms (asymptomatic) should not be seeking a test unless they have been advised to do so by a health professional, Public Health England or the council's public health teams – it could take a test away from someone who really needs it.

The local testing service is available from Monday to Friday and bookings for appointments can be made at www.nhs.uk/ask-for-a-coronavirus-test or by calling 01924 224497. Or email the person's name and contact details to www.calderdaleccg.nhs.uk/test so the booking team can get in touch.

Anyone displaying coronavirus symptoms is urged to get a test by accessing local testing or by visiting www.nhs.uk/coronavirus or calling 119.

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