Leeds hospitals COVID patient numbers doubling

As Leeds now has the highest number coronavirus cases in West Yorkshire at 422 per 100,000, there has started to be a steep increase in hospital admissions.

In the last week there has been a doubling of patients in hospital testing positive across the city.

Director of Public Health for Leeds City Council, Victoria Eaton said: "It is an area of concern. We're seeing a significant number of older people, both over 65 and 85.

"The challenge at this time is other NHS services aren't being stood down as they were in the spring.

"We've got a huge backlog of patients that colleagues in the NHS are absolutely committed to dealing with.

"The challenge feels even more of an issue this time. They are doing everything they can to not stand down any of those other services."

She said the city is at a critical point where capacity is starting to be pushed and staffing could become a real challenge.

Tier System

Yesterday the government announced the new tier system for local restrictions. Leeds has been placed in the high risk category of Tier 2, with the Liverpool City Region being the only area put into the highest risk category Tier 3.

However, it seems the government's preference would be for more areas to be placed in Tier 3.

Leader of Leeds City Council Judith Blake said: "We're still in discussions with government and still need to fully understand the regulations.

"We're going into Tier 2 but we are on a watch list and will have further discussions this week.

"We need to have a better understanding of the full implications of moving into Tier 3, what impact that would have on the wider economy and most importantly, how much would moving into Tier 3 help us keep the numbers down and stop the spread of the virus."

She said they are requesting more information from the government on evidence to show that hospitality settings are a source of spread of the virus.

They are also concerned that businesses under Tier 2 aren't getting enough financial support and they will be looking for an extra package of support for businesses in the city.

Council chief executive Tom Riordan said: "We know that not just hospitality but retail businesses are really struggling, freelancers, the cultural and creative sector, people who haven't had any support yet through this period and have been massively worried and continue to be, so we'd like to talk to the Government about a package of support that can really help get us through this next phase because we know there are some fantastic businesses that have been around for many years who are the lifeblood of Leeds, who are at risk, and we need to get this right for them, as well as balancing all the public health elements as well.''

It's unclear yet as to how often the tier system will be reviewed, but with the whole of West Yorkshire currently in Tier 2 from tomorrow, what can and can't you do?

Well in Tier 2, hospitality can stay open until the 10pm curfew but it will be illegal to meet someone from another household inside a venue.

You can now meet outside in public or private spaces, including gardens, so long as you abide by the rule of 6.

But no mixing inside households with those outside your house or support bubble.

Here are all the scenarios where you're allowed to meet with others inside:

in a legally permitted support bubble.

in a legally permitted childcare bubble.

for registered childcare, education or training

for arrangements where children do not live in the same household as both their parents or guardians

for work, volunteering to provide voluntary or charitable services.

for prospective adopting parents to meet a child or children who may be placed with them

for supervised activities provided for children, including wraparound care (before and after school childcare), youth groups and activities, and children’s playgroups

for birth partners

to see someone who is dying

to provide emergency assistance, and to avoid injury or illness, or to escape a risk of harm

to fulfil a legal obligation, such as attending court or jury service

to provide care or assistance to someone vulnerable

to facilitate a house move

for a wedding or equivalent ceremony and wedding receptions – up to a maximum of 15 people, with a Covid risk assessment (but not to take place in private dwellings)

for funerals – up to a maximum of 30 people. Wakes and other commemorative events are permitted with up to 15 people (not to take place in private dwellings)

for elite sportspeople and their coaches if necessary for competition and training, as well as parents or guardians if they are a child

for outdoor exercise and dance classes, organised outdoor sport, and licensed outdoor physical activity

indoor organised team sports for disabled people, and youth sport

support groups of up to 15 participants – formally organised groups to provide mutual aid, therapy or any other form of support (not to take place in private dwellings)

protests – if organised in compliance with COVID-secure guidance.