Update for Leeds as COVID-19 restrictions ease next week

Leeds will move into a new phase of relaxing lockdown restrictions next week as council services along with more shops and businesses start to reopen and welcome back the public.

Residents across the city are being asked to get familiar with the latest information so they can safely return to the different venues and locations which will be able to reopen from Monday, April 12.

The changes to restrictions will mean businesses including non-essential shops and gyms can reopen along with outdoor hospitality and some outdoor attractions.

Indoor venues can only be visited alone or with household groups, with outdoor settings limited to either six people or two households.

Social distancing, hand hygiene and other safety measures will remain in place, including COVID marshals and hand sanitiser stations in the city centre, and members of the public are urged to follow the latest guidance to keep COVID-19 rates under control and ensure Leeds keeps heading in the right direction. 

Under the next stage of restrictions easing , from Monday (April 12):

• All shops in Leeds will be allowed to open. This includes non-essential retail and shops in the city centre. Social distancing and hygiene measures will remain in place, including wearing masks when required.
• Hairdressers, beauty salons and other close-contact services in Leeds will also be able to open.
• The city’s restaurants and pubs can serve food and alcohol to customers sitting outdoors. The requirement to order, eat and drink while seated will remain.
• Gyms and spas can reopen, including at Leeds City Council leisure centres. A booking system for all activities will remain in place. Visit: https://active.leeds.gov.uk/ for more booking information.
• Some council libraries and community centres will reopen to the public. Visit: https://www.leeds.gov.uk/leisure/libraries for details and opening hours.
• Some Leeds Museums and Galleries locations will also reopen. Visit https://museumsandgalleries.leeds.gov.uk/reopening-information for full details.
• Weddings can also take place with up to 15 people and 15 at outdoor receptions.
• Funerals with up to up to 30 people and 15 at wakes can take place.
• Children will be able to attend indoor children's activities where premises are allowed to open.
• Care home visitors will increase to two per resident.

The latest updates on individual council services can also be found at: https://www.leeds.gov.uk/coronavirus/our-services

Councillor James Lewis, leader of Leeds City Council, said:  “This feels like a huge milestone for Leeds in our battle against the pandemic and one which we know so many people all across the city have been waiting for.

“The sacrifices which have been made by thousands of our residents and businesses cannot be overstated and each step we take towards getting life in Leeds back to normal is testament to the courage and community spirit of all those who have played a part in getting us here.

“As restrictions lift, it’s only natural that people will be keen to get out, enjoy the city and take advantage of the activities they are now able to do. But it’s also more important than ever that we remember to do that sensibly and responsibly so we can keep the virus under control and keep the city safe.”

The latest COVID-19 figures for Leeds show a case rate of 85.7 per 100,000 people, with a positivity rate of 3.8 per cent.

People can still play their part in keeping virus figures down by following the guidance in each individual setting and remembering to:

• Keep your contacts with others to a minimum as much as you’re able. Contact outdoors is much safer as it this reduces the risk of breathing in infected particles and disperse the virus more easily.
• Carry on working from home if you can.
• Continue to wear face coverings when required and maintain social distancing whenever you’re out.
• Wash your hands regularly.
• Continue to follow the rules even if you’ve had the vaccine. The full impact of the vaccine on transmission of the virus is not yet known and it may be possible to still spread the virus even if you’ve had the jab.

Victoria Eaton, Leeds City Council’s director of Public Health, said: “As restrictions lift and life starts to feel that bit more normal again, it’s very tempting to push the virus itself to the backs of our minds.

“But as our social contact increases, so too does the potential to spread COVID-19, which is why it’s more important than ever that we continue to take simple steps to control the spread and protect ourselves and others.

“By working together, acting responsibly and thinking of each other, we’ll keep up the superb progress we’ve been making together as a city and ensure we can all continue to enjoy Leeds safely and confidently in the coming weeks and months.”

For full details on the easing of restrictions on April 12, visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/further-easing-of-covid-restrictions-confirmed-for-12-april

ENDS