Harrogate and Yorkshire Dales in 'Medium Tier'
What does the tier system mean for our area?
Last updated 12th Oct 2020
The Prime Minister announced in Parliament today that the country will now take a three-tier system, where areas with more coronavirus cases will face further lockdown rules.
Harrogate and the Yorkshire Dales have been included in Tier One (Medium), which is the lowest tier. That means local restrictions will not change.
But other areas in our patch, such as Ilkley, Otley, Keighley and Wetherby have been included in Tier Two (High) as they are in West Yorkshire. That means people in these areas are now no longer allowed to mix within other households.
In his statement, the Prime Minister said all areas which are not already in a local lockdown would automatically be placed into the lowest tier: meaning restrictions will not change.
He also added that retail, schools and universities will remain open in all areas, despite which tier they're in, to ensure the economy can survive.
Each local authority will work with local government leaders to understand and implement the measures.
What's included in each tier?
Medium / Tier One:
These restrictions thought to be the baseline which is already in place across England. It includes a 10pm hospitality curfew and a ban on most gatherings of more than six people.
It will include most regions in the country.
High / Tier Two:
High alert reflects interventions in many local areas and prevents all mixing between different households but the rule of six will continue outdoors.
Most areas already in local lockdowns will be in this category.
Very High / Tier Three:
In areas in the very high alert level transmission is rising most rapidly and the NHS could be under pressure if restrictions aren't followed.
Social mixing indoors and outdoors is prohibited and bars and pubs will be forced to close.
The Liverpool City Region is the first area to be confirmed in this tier.
The latest seven-day infection rates show Harrogate and North Yorkshire are around the national average; North Yorkshire's infection rate is 92 cases per 100,000 people, while the England average is 93.
The most recent statistics show Harrogate's seven-day rate is at 98 cases per 100,000 people.
In his statement, the Prime Minister, said: "I know how difficult this is. Everyone is grappling with very real dilemmas but we cannot let the NHS fall over when lives are at stake.
"This is not how we want to live our lives but this is the narrow path we need to lead.
“The weeks and months ahead will be difficult and will test the metal of this country I have no doubt we will succeed."