Coronavirus cases are being monitored across the UK, with local lockdowns implemented when cases spike. Areas are put back under the strict lockdown conditions of a few months ago to varying degrees, depending on the severity. Data is published each week to keep track of cases, and this week some areas have seen cases creep up.
One such are is Leeds, with residents warned there will be “no alternative” to further lockdown restrictions if coronavirus infection rates continue to rise.
The city is expected to be added to Public Health England’s weekly watch list of areas of concern, following a rise in cases over the previous weeks.
The city council has said being on the list would not mean further restrictions would be brought in at this stage.
However, it would mean increased monitoring of cases and could see additional steps taken in the future.
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Council leader and chair of the outbreak control board, Judith Blake, said: “This is a pivotal moment in our efforts to control the spread of the virus in Leeds and to keep our city open.
“Nobody wants to see further restrictions on life in Leeds and we want to assure everyone that we’re doing absolutely everything within our power to avoid that happening.
“But the harsh reality is that if our infection rate continues to rise as it has been, we will be left with no alternative.
“With that in mind, now more than ever we need a collective effort from the people of Leeds who have shown so much resilience and civic pride throughout this crisis.
“It’s up to us all to keep our families, friends and neighbours safe and to play our part in keeping Leeds’s recovery going.”
Many across the UK are fearing a second nationwide lockdown, especially as we head towards colder weather and enter flu season.
However the Government are not keen on a second lockdown, with the damage it could bring to the economy after months of stagnation at the height of the pandemic triggering a recession.
Businesses are only just beginning to regain a level footing after closures, with the Eat Out to Help Out scheme put in place with the aim of boosting the hospitality industry – one of the worst hit areas.
Will there be a second lockdown?
Speaking to The Telegraph in July, Boris Johnson insisted there would not be another national lockdown, saying the option is now comparable to a “nuclear deterrent”.
The Prime Minister said he “certainly” does not want another blanket shutdown “and nor do I think we will be in that position again”.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock echoed Mr Johnson’s comments in the Commons this week.
He said the Government will do “everything in our power” to prevent a second wave of Covid-19 in the UK.
Speaking to the Commons as Parliament resumed this week after a lengthy summer recess, Mr Hancock said: “I said in July that a second wave was rolling across Europe and sadly we’re now seeing an exponential rise in the number of cases in France and Spain.
“And the number of hospitalisations is sadly rising there too.
“We must do everything in our power to protect against a second wave here in the UK.”
