UPDATED restrictions on households mixing indoors are coming into force in Leeds.

Leeds was named in the 'high' middle tier of the Government’s three-tier system on Monday, October 12 in response to a rise in the number of cases of the virus across the city.

Everyone in the area is again being urged help protect each other and the NHS by observing the updated restrictions along with the messages about handwashing, face masks, social distancing and self-isolating when needed.

The latest data shows the city’s current seven-day infection rate now stands at 415.5 cases per 100,000 people, with a seven-day positivity rate of 14 per cent. Cases have also been showing a consistent, upward trend over the past weeks leading to concerns over the potential for increased hospital admissions and their impact on local NHS services.

It is this rise in transmission rates that has seen Leeds being classed as having a 'high' alert which meaning that from Wednesday, October 14:

*Households will not be able to mix indoors including in homes, leisure or hospitality venues - though bars and restaurants will stay open

*Households will be able to mix outside, including in parks, and private gardens provided they do not gather in groups of more than six

*People can still come inside your home for specific purposes - including where everyone in the gathering lives together or is in the same support bubble

Other exceptions to the rule include for attending a birth (at the mother's request); to visit someone who is dying; to fulfil a legal obligation; for work purposes; and for the the provision or voluntary or charitable services.

Existing arrangements for access to, and contact between, parents and children where the children do not live in the same household as their parents, or one of their parents, will also remain exempt.

And friends and family can also still provide informal childcare for children under 14.

Leader of Leeds City Council Councillor Judith Blake said: "We have been working very closely with our partners, local businesses and residents and listening to their comments and concerns about the many different ways the pandemic and the restrictions it has brought have been affecting them.

"What has really shone through in those many conversations is that, despite the immense personal challenges each of us has faced, there remains a remarkably resilient shared will and desire to keep Leeds safe while doing everything we can to protect the city, our communities and our economy.

"None of us wants to see restrictions on life in Leeds but we are deeply concerned that if cases continue to rise as they have been, this could not only mean further restrictions for the city, but it would also risk putting our local health services under increased and unsustainable pressure.

"Having a clearer system in place to manage local restrictions and contain the spread of this insidious virus can help us all work together more confidently, consistently and effectively in the weeks and months ahead.

"It’s now down to everyone to work and engage within this new system and each play our part in protecting ourselves, the city and the incredible health professionals who have done so much to keep us safe."

Residents are also being reminded to:

*Make space and stay 2m away from people they do not live with

*Wash their hands regularly and for 20 seconds

*Cover their face in enclosed spaces

*Isolate when they need to/are advised to, and get a test if you have symptoms.

For details on all current coronavirus guidelines and advice visit the government website or Leeds City Council's coronavirus information pages.