Leeds on ‘areas of concern’ list after cases across city

LEEDS has been added to the official watch list of “areas of concern”, as local politicians blamed young people attending house parties for a rise in coronavirus cases.

Matt Hancock confirmed last night that the city would join the list alongside South Tyneside, Corby, Middlesbrough and Kettering.

It comes as the Government announced a further easing of restrictions for Greater Manchester, Lancashire and West Yorkshire.

Leeds City Council said the infection rate is now at 32.4 per 100,000 people, and that infections are spread across different parts of Leeds “meaning they may be linked to social interaction and leisure activities”.

The council added coronavirus is being “increasingly detected in younger people aged 18-34, with some concern over activities like house parties and gatherings”. Judith Blake, leader of the council, said: “We completely understand that these past six months have put a tremendous strain on everyone in Leeds and that being able to get out, socialise and enjoy ourselves has provided a massive lift.

“But it is absolutely crucial that if we want to continue to do that, we all do it sensibly and responsibly and follow the latest guidance which is there to keep us all safe.”

Pools, gyms and sports facilities will be allowed to open from Tuesday in the remaining areas of Blackburn with Darwen, Bradford and Leicester.

And casinos, skating rinks, bowling alleys, exhibition halls, conference centres, and indoor play areas will be able to lawfully reopen from Tuesday throughout Greater Manchester – apart from Bolton, where these restrictions will remain in place – Lancashire and West Yorkshire. Newark and Sherwood, Slough and Wakefield will be removed from “areas of concern”.