People in Bradford District are urged to heed latest Covid-19 restrictions

The measures, which apply to all parts of Bradford District, including Ilkley, were introduced by the government at midnight on July 31, amid concerns over rising coronavirus rates in parts of Greater Manchester, East Lancashire, and West Yorkshire.

Bradford Council says it has been working with health partners and the government to control the spread of the virus and to prevent a rise in infections.

Council Leader Cllr Susan Hinchcliffe said: "Restricting businesses and stopping people gathering together is not something anyone wants to see happen but like many areas in the North of England, we’re at a critical moment in our District’s response to Covid-19. We hope that by taking these precautions we can prevent the introduction of much tougher lockdown measures.

"I want to thank the people of the Bradford district for their patience and forbearance. We’re really proud of the way so many people in our district are working together to beat the virus. We know that these measures will be massively inconvenient and disruptive for everyone, and especially distressing for people celebrating Eid, but we need everyone to work together so we can get the infection rates down and these measures lifted as soon as possible. We urge everyone to follow the Covid Code so they can keep themselves and their families safe and well."The full details of the precautionary measures being introduced are available on the Government’s website.

www.gov.uk/guidance/north-west-of-england-local-restrictions-what-you-can-and-cannot-do

The new rules mean residents in Bradford District must not:

•meet people they don't live with inside a private home or garden, except where they have formed a support bubble (or for other limited exemptions to be specified in law).

•visit someone else’s home or garden even if they live outside of the affected areas.

•socialise with people they don't live with in other indoor public venues – such as pubs, restaurants, cafes, shops, places of worship, community centres, leisure and entertainment venues, or visitor attractions. They are allowed to attend these venues with people they live with (or are in a support bubble with), but should avoid interaction with others. Anyone running this type of business, should take steps to ensure customers do not interact with people they do not live with, in line with COVID-19 Secure guidance.

The government will pass new laws to enforce the changes to meeting people in private homes and gardens. The police will be able to take action against anyone breaking the rules, and could issue fixed penalty notices starting at £100.

In addition, the following premises in the district must remain closed by law:

•indoor gyms

•indoor fitness and dance studios

•indoor sports courts and facilities

•indoor swimming pools, including indoor facilities at water parks

People identified by the NHS as vulnerable and at high risk who have been shielding since the coronavirus pandemic began were told that shielding guidelines would change from August 1 allowing them to spend time outdoors.

In a statement this afternoon Bradford Council said: "Given the worrying infection rate across the district, the council is advising those that are shielding to protect themselves, not to take any unnecessary risks and not to follow the new shielding guidelines as of August 1.

"The advice to those that are shielding is to stay home and continue to utilise those support options that are already in place. Bradford Council will continue to offer support through the 01274 431000 number for those who are unable to leave the house."

The Council is urging everyone across the district to follows its revised Covid Code:

•KEEP YOUR DISTANCE: Keep at least 2 metres (3 steps) away from anyone you don’t live with.

•FACE COVERINGS: Always wear a face covering when in a shop, on public transport and when you can’t follow the 2 metre rule

•HYGIENE IS KEY: Wash your hands with soap and warm water often.

•NO HANDSHAKE, NO HUGS, HANDS OFF: Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

•THINK OF OTHERS: Cough or sneeze into your elbow.

•GET TESTED: If you have a high temperature, a new continuous cough or a loss/change in your sense of taste or smell.

•STAY SAFE: Do not meet people you do not live with inside a private home or garden, except where you have formed a support bubble.

•DO NOT VISIT someone else’s home or garden even if they live outside of the District.

•STAY INDOORS: Isolate at home for 10 days if you have symptoms and 14 days if you live with someone who has symptoms.

•NO EVENTS: Do not socialise with people you do not live with in other indoor public venues.

•DON’T SPIT: if you are infected, spitting will increase the chance of the virus and other germs spreading.

•TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF: GPs, hospitals and other services are #StillHereToHelp

Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe, Leader of Bradford Council, said: "Restricting businesses and stopping people gathering together is not something anyone wants to see happen but like many areas in the North of England, we’re at a critical moment in our District’s response to Covid-19. We hope that by taking these precautions we can prevent the introduction of much tougher lockdown measures.

"I want to thank the people of the Bradford district for their patience and forbearance. We’re really proud of the way so many people in our district are working together to beat the virus. We know that these measures will be massively inconvenient and disruptive for everyone, and especially distressing for people celebrating Eid, but we need everyone to work together so we can get the infection rates down and these measures lifted as soon as possible. We urge everyone to follow the Covid Code so they can keep themselves and their families safe and well."