Do everything to stop spread of virus

No new restrictions were imposed on Leeds by the government last Friday but the city could face further limits later this week if the number of infections continues to rise.
Judith Blake Leeds Council Leader. Picture by Simon HulmeJudith Blake Leeds Council Leader. Picture by Simon Hulme
Judith Blake Leeds Council Leader. Picture by Simon Hulme

People are being urged to do everything they can to help stop the spread of the virus as the city remains in enhanced support.

Rates in Leeds now stand at 78.3 per 100,000 people, with 7.1 per cent of those testing proving positive, as concerted efforts to bring the spread of infection down are being intensified across the city.

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Coun Judith Blake, Leader of Leeds City Council, said: “We are at a crucial point and we need everyone to get behind the mammoth effort we’ve been making as a city to help slow these alarming rates and keep us all safe.

“This means following the guidelines, observing the new rule of six and keeping safety at the front of our minds at all times.

“Concerted efforts have been increasingly stepped up across the city to tackle the spread of the virus.

“There have been big pushes on enforcement, getting information to people and making sure the right support is in place involving partners across every sector, public, private and voluntary and innumerable people determined to keep Leeds safe. But we cannot do this without everyone joining in.”

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Victoria Eaton, director of public health for Leeds, added: “I cannot stress enough how important it is for everyone to play their part.

“We can only stop further spread of the virus if everyone knows their responsibilities and is supported to reduce their contacts.

“So many people are doing what they can. We need everyone following the rules and paying particular attention to the new rule of six.

“I would also urge people to remember the importance of personal hygiene and safe behaviour in helping control the virus, in particular with handwashing and social distancing.”

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Last week saw a big focus in Leeds on enforcement and awareness-raising with the hospitality industry, with a multi-agency operation in Headingley. It is planned to roll this out in other areas across the city.

Work has also been happening to promote the use of the QR code to support the launch of the new test and trace app later this month.

Efforts to resettle children back in schools have continued and around 70,000 students joining the city’s universities are receiving a letter welcoming them and reminding of their responsibilities around safe distancing.