No change to COVID-19 local restrictions in Calderdale
It means people living in wards that fall effectively in the Halifax Parliamentary constituency remain subject to restrictions.
Last updated 15th Sep 2020
Parts of Calderdale that had to remain under COVID-19 local restrictions after September 2 will remain subject to them for at least another week.
The Government has announced this evening no change in the situation regarding Calderdale.
That means people living in wards that fall effectively in the Halifax Parliamentary constituency – Illingworth and Mixenden, Northowram and Shelf, Ovenden, Park, Skircoat, Sowerby Bridge, Town and Warley – remain subject to local restrictions imposed on July 31 along with other parts of West Yorkshire, East Lancashire and Greater Manchester.
Other parts of the country, particularly in the Midlands, are also subject to more restrictions.
Calderdale council wards effectively in the Calder Valley Parliamentary constituency – Brighouse, Calder, Elland, Greetland and Stainland, Hipperholme and Lightcliffe, Luddenden Foot, Rastrick, Ryburn and Todmorden wards – were allowed out of local restrictions from September 2.
Rolling statistics over the last rate have shown the rate of COVID-19 cases per 100,000 of people is rising in Calderdale, although not as rapdily as some neighbouring areas.
Leader of Calderdale Council, Coun Tim Swift (Lab, Town) has explained the situation.
“We know that local people will be disappointed that the additional restrictions on household gatherings are still in place in the Halifax constituency.
“With the recent steady reduction in Calderdale’s COVID-19 rates, we had hoped to see the remaining local restrictions lifted today.
“However, sadly our infection rates are now starting to increase again, like they are across the country.
“So it’s crucial that we all continue to do everything we can to keep each other safe.
“We have come so far and we must not give up.
“If everyone keeps up the amazing partnership work, kindness and sheer determination across our communities, we are confident that Halifax will soon come out of the local restrictions and that we’ll get infection rates down across Calderdale as we have done before,” he said.
Coun Swift said the most simple and effective things people can do to beat the virus are to wash their hands regularly, stay two metres apart, wear a face covering, stay away from crowds, get tested and isolate if they have symptoms, and follow Test and Trace advice if anyone has come into contact with someone with the virus.
“We must also continue to follow the guidance.
“For Halifax constituency residents, this means not meeting with people you don’t live with in a private house or garden, unless they are part of your support bubble; not visiting someone else’s house or garden even if they live outside affected areas; and not socialising with people you don’t live with in indoor public spaces.
“Although these local restrictions don’t apply to residents in the Calder Valley constituency, they can still do their bit to reduce the spread of the virus by following national guidance,” he said.
Coun Swift also pointed out national changes which were coming into effect from the start of next week.
“From Monday, September 14, it will be illegal for anyone in the country to meet socially in groups of more than six people, both indoors and outdoors.
“This does not apply to households or bubbles of more than six, or gatherings for work, education, weddings, funerals and organised team sports carried out in a COVID-secure way.
“However, Halifax residents must not meet with any other household,” he said.