A COUNCILLOR who works as a hospital nurse is warning that the NHS will soon become overwhelmed and people will die "in large numbers" if Covid-19 infections continue to increase at the current rate.

But Otley and Yeadon councillor Sandy Lay said he "remains torn" as to the best approach to tackle the spread of coronavirus.

Cllr Lay was reacting to news that Leeds will now have to follow the restrictions currently in place in Calderdale, Kirklees and Bradford.

Residents in Leeds are now banned from socialising with other people outside of their own households or support bubble in private homes and gardens.

They are advised not to socialise with anyone outside their household in public venues, including bars, restaurants and parks.

Cllr Lay said: "It's a horrible situation made worse by the government's constant changing of the rules but I remain torn as to the best approach as I clearly don't want to see increased restrictions as these impact on everyone's physical and mental health. They also hurt businesses and employment which then feed into the physical and mental health issues.

"However, in my other role as an A&E nurse we are clearly seeing an increase in patients with Covid like symptoms and admissions to hospital and if we continue to see the current rate increase then it won't be long before the NHS is overwhelmed and people will die again in large numbers either of Covid or not being unable to access healthcare because of the impact of Covid.”