"WE must not become complacent or think the situation is returning to normal."

That's the message from Bradford Council Leader Susan Hinchcliffe this evening amid the news that there are no further changes to the restrictions which currently apply in the district.

Cllr Hinchcliffe said: “The government’s announcement today means that there are no further changes on the restrictions that apply to our district.

"This means that the ban on indoor household gatherings will continue in 21 wards of our district where that ban is already in place.

“Earlier this week the government announced the national rule of no more than six people gathering together from more than one household, apart from a few specified exceptions, and that fines will be enforced for people who break this rule.

"This will start from Monday, September 14, and will apply to people all across the district regardless of whether they are in the locally restricted area or following the national restrictions.  This new “Rule of 6” will be enforced by the police.

“That there is no further change today does not mean that we can relax. That is absolutely not the case. The infection rate is rising. We must not become complacent or think that the situation is returning to normal.

“I know that many people: our staff, our partners, the health service and many volunteers are making a Herculean effort to reduce rates and to support our communities.

“We all have a responsibility to reduce the risk of Covid-19 spreading and we must all continue to be vigilant. I urge everyone to continue to follow the government’s guidelines so that we can contain the virus, save lives and prevent further restrictions on our district. 

"Regular hand-washing, wearing a face covering indoors and keeping two metres apart from each other are all fundamental to combating this virus and protecting our loved ones.”