TODAY marks one year since a Major Incident was declared in West Yorkshire in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

It came three days before Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced the national lockdown as the crisis intensified.

Major Incidents, which are usually declared for floods, major fires or similar emergencies, normally last for a day or two due to the intense level of effort required by the different agencies involved.

For a Major Incident to last a whole year is unprecedented and while there are signs of normality on the horizon, people are being warned it is not over yet. 

Robin Tuddenham, co-Chair of West Yorkshire Prepared and Chief Executive of Calderdale Council, said: “Although we now have a roadmap out of lockdown, as outlined by the Government, this unfortunately doesn’t mean the end of the pandemic.

"As it currently stands, there is no clear date of when we will be able to ‘stand down’ from this Major Incident. While the number of people being admitted to hospitals with Covid-19 is the lowest since before Christmas, infection rates still remain high in West Yorkshire compared with the rest of the country, though they are falling steadily.

“Let’s do all we can to work together to reduce risk, keep safe and protect each other from harm. We have come a long way, and can begin to rebuild but need to be patient and mindful that we are not through this yet.”

Dave Walton, co-Chair of West Yorkshire Prepared and Deputy Chief Fire Officer of West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, added: “We should all be extremely proud of what we have achieved together so far, for as bad as this has been for us all, it could have been far, far worse.

"However, our over-riding message to everyone in West Yorkshire is this isn’t over yet. While we can definitely see light at the end of the tunnel, we need everyone to keep playing their part by continuing to follow the guidance.”

On March 29, people will once again be able to meet up with another household, or up to six people, outdoors.

With this in mind, and with the approach of the Easter holidays, West Yorkshire Prepared is asking people in the region to continue to be mindful when out and about, avoid crowded areas and continue to follow social distancing rules.

As restrictions are eased, West Yorkshire Police will continue to adopt the approach of Encourage, Explain and Engage, and will Enforce where people are flagrantly and blatantly breaking the rules.

Tyron Joyce, co-Chair of West Yorkshire Prepared and Assistant Chief Constable of West Yorkshire Police, said: “I want to thank the vast majority of the public who have sought to apply and live within the various restrictions over the last 12 months.

"We all hope these restrictions will ease soon but, until that time, we would ask for your patience and support to keep the risk of infection as low as we possibly can.”