Tier 2: What new coronavirus restrictions mean for Bradford

Addressing MPs in the House of Commons, Mr Johnson laid out what the new scheme will mean for the nation, with areas placed into three tiers depending on the severity of the spread of cases.

Some local MPs were briefed earlier this afternoon that West Yorkshire will be placed into Tier 2 by Health Secretary Matt Hancock.

Bradford will be subject to Level 2 restrictions

He outlined what each tier - Medium, High and Very High - means and which areas will be placed into each level. He said the new system will "simplify and standardise local rules"

The Medium level is the current national restrictions, such as social distancing, the rule of six and 10pm curfew on hospitality.

The High level will automatically be applied to all areas which are currently subject to local restrictions, such as Bradford, Kirklees, Calderdale and Leeds. It includes all the national restrictions, plus a ban on households mixing indoors, but they will still be allowed to meet in gardens and outdoor areas. 

Here's what people in Bradford can and cannot do under Tier 2 restrictions:

• You must not socialise with anybody outside of your household or support bubble in any indoor setting, whether at home or in a public place. 
• You must not socialise in a group of more than six outside, including in a garden or other spaces like beaches or parks (other than where specific exemptions apply in law). 
• Businesses and venues can continue to operate, in a COVID-secure manner, other than those that remain closed in law. 
• Certain businesses are required to ensure customers only consume food and drink while seated, and must close between 10pm and 5am. 
• Businesses and venues selling food for consumption off the premises can continue to do so after 10pm as long as this is through delivery service, click-and-collect or drive-through. 
• Schools, universities and places of worship remain open.
• Weddings and funerals can go ahead with restrictions on the number of attendees.
• Exercise classes and organised sport can continue to take place outdoors. These will only be permitted indoors if it is possible for people to avoid mixing with people they do not live with or share a support bubble with, or for youth or disability sport.
• You can continue to travel to venues or amenities that are open, for work or to access education, but should look to reduce the number of journeys you make where possible. 

• You can still go on holiday outside of Bradford District. You should only do this with people you live with or have formed a support bubble with.

You must:

• Wear a face covering in those areas where this is mandated. 

You should continue to:

• Follow social distancing rules
• Work from home where you can effectively do so. 
• Walk or cycle where possible, or plan ahead and avoid busy times and routes on public transport.

The police will be able to take action against those that break these rules, including asking people to disperse and issuing fixed penalty notices starting at £100 for those who participate in illegal gatherings.

People aged 18 or over can be fined:

• £200 for the first offence, lowered to £100 if paid within 14 days. 
• £400 for the second offence, then doubling for each further offence up to a maximum of £6,400.

You've read it right. They have taken a view on allowing rule of 6 meetings outdoors however it will become unlawful to meet anyone from outside your household in a pub or restaurant etc. Previously that was only advisory. https://t.co/8AewUbSuUe

— K England (@kersten_england) October 12, 2020

Very High will see all these plus a ban on outdoor mixing of households, the closure of pubs and bars, plus further areas of the economy if needed.

Judith Cummins, Bradford South MP, said: "The Government has today announced that the whole of West Yorkshire will be in tier two restrictions.

"After months of uncertainty and weeks of speculation and confusion for local people and businesses, I am hoping this will bring more clarity. 

“Although we are not currently facing hospitality closures, the continued restrictions on indoor mixing will have an impact on many businesses in Bradford.

"They need further financial support and I will continue to push the Government to roll out financial support to all areas under restrictions.

“The rate of infection remains worryingly high in Bradford and I urge people to keep themselves and their families safe.”

Shipley MP Philip Davies praised the Prime Minister for "once again putting his trust in British people to act responsibly".

Batley and Spen MP Tracy Brabin added: “It’s disappointing that our communities now have to come to terms with new restrictions.

"However Tier 2 means many businesses can remain open and people can still take part in many parts of their daily lives which is so important to mental health and wellbeing. 

"What’s important above all else is that these restrictions work, and that the spread of coronavirus slows. The sacrifices we are making must lead towards something, and if cases go down, restrictions should ease too.”