COVID-19 rates have risen again in Leeds days after tighter restrictions were introduced.

Anyone with symptoms is being urged to book a test as numbers continue to increase. The rates reached 132.7 per 100,000 on Wednesday, with more than nine per cent of tests proving positive.

Further restrictions on different households mixing were introduced in Leeds on Friday following detailed discussions between Leeds City Council, the government and Public Health England.

The measures mean residents are no longer allowed to mix with people outside their household or bubble in private homes, including gardens. This will be enforceable by law.

Residents are also advised not to meet people outside their household or bubble in any setting, whether a bar, shop or leisure facility – indoors or outdoors.

Last Friday the seven day COVID-19 rate in Leeds was 98.5 per 100,000 people, with 8.4 per cent of those tested being positive and cases showing a consistent upward trend for a number of weeks.

As the restrictions were due to be introduced councillor Judith Blake, leader of Leeds City Council said: “We are acutely aware that nobody wants to see further restrictions placed on life in Leeds and alongside our partners we have been doing absolutely everything within our power to avoid that.

“But the safety of the city and the public simply has to come first and we have now reached a point where we all need to take additional steps to contain the spread of this terrible virus within our communities.

“How long these new measures last and how much further they may need go in the coming weeks and months will depend on everyone playing their part. We know there has already been some excellent partnership work taking place across the city and this will continue to manage outbreaks and help everyone stay safe."

Leeds City Council tweeted yesterday: "COVID-19 rates in Leeds are up again today to 132.7 per 100k; 9.2% of tests are positive. You must book a test if you have symptoms - check here https://leedsccg.nhs.uk/health/coronavirus/ for some really useful local NHS advice and information #StaySafeSaveLives #TogetherLeeds."