Decision on whether to ease restrictions in parts of region

A PUBLIC statement on the status of the restrictions placed in parts of West Yorkshire is expected to be made today.

People living in Bradford, Kirklees, and Calderdale were told last week that due to spikes in coronavirus, restrictions would be imposed meaning that, among other rules, they could not visit friends and family.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock met yesterday with experts to decide whether any easement could take place in West Yorkshire, or in parts of East Lancashire, Leicester, or Greater Manchester which also face restrictions.

If changes are deemed necessary, an announcement is expected this morning, with local leaders alerted first.

The Department for Health and Social Care is working with Public Health England, the Joint Biosecurity Centre, NHS Test and Trace and the relevant local authorities to monitor the current situation.

It comes after five Yorkshire Conservative MPs in the affected areas called on Mr Hancock to take a more granular approach on where was covered by the restrictions.

Meanwhile, Preston could be the next area to face Government intervention after a rise in coronavirus rates, the city council’s chief executive said. The authority has advised residents in the Lancashire city to avoid having visitors to their homes, although there are no official restrictions.

Preston City Council’s chief executive Adrian Phillips said: “We are not waiting for some Government announcement.

“We know our rates are increasing and they have increased over the last week to a level now where we are concerned that we could face Government intervention.

Mr Phillips added: “We’ve been working with our communities to make sure we get those key messages out.”

The council has also advised residents to wear face coverings at all times and to get tested even if they are experiencing only mild symptoms.

A statement on the authority’s website said evidence from Public Health England showed a spike of coronavirus cases in Preston, with the majority of the spread through households and community.

It said: “The city is surrounded by areas that have had enforced measures implemented by Government and we want to act now to stop that from happening (in) Preston.”

Mr Phillips told BBC Breakfast: “We are aware we have got community transmissions, we’re aware they are across the city.”