FOLLOW the COVID Code – that’s the reminder from Bradford Council as the nine wards which were taken out of local restrictions on September 2 rejoin the rest of the district in tighter restrictions again.

Last Friday the Government decided that, in order to try to reduce transmission of COVID-19, once again everyone in the Bradford District is banned from mixing with other households in private homes and gardens from today.

For three weeks people in Craven, Ilkley and Worth Valley wards in the Keighley Parliamentary constituency and all six wards in the Shipley constituency – Baildon, Bingley, Bingley Rural, Shipley, Wharfedale and Windhill & Wrose – were brought into line with national restrictions and were able to socialise with other households.

As COVID-19 infection rates increase in the district, as they are nationally, the Government has reversed that relaxation.

From today residents, you must not:

• meet people you do not live with inside a private home or garden, except where you 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.

People aged 18 or over can be fined:

• £100 for the first offence, lowered to £50 if paid within 14 days

• £200 for the second offence, then doubling for each further offence up to a maximum of £3,200

In addition, for everyone in the district, the Government advises that you should not:

• socialise with people you do not live with, unless they’re in your support bubble, in any public venue. This applies to inside and outside of the affected areas. Examples of public venues include pubs, restaurants, cafes, shops, places of worship, community centres, leisure and entertainment venues, or visitor attractions and parks

• visit friends or family in care homes, other than in exceptional circumstances. Care homes should restrict visits to these circumstances

The full details of the restrictions in Bradford District, and in neighbouring Calderdale and Kirklees, are available on the Government’s website:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/west-yorkshire-local-restrictions

The Government has also announced that grandparents and those who provide 'a consistent childcare relationship' will be exempt from restrictions during local lockdowns in England. This covers formal and informal arrangements in relation to children under-14 and vulnerable adults. It does not allow for play-dates or parties, but it does mean that a consistent childcare relationship that is vital for somebody to get to work is allowed.

Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe, Leader of Bradford Council, said: “We are at a critical moment in our district, and our country’s, response to COVID-19. If we are to stop the spread of the virus, reverse the rising infection rate and avoid even more draconian restrictions on our day-to-day lives we all need to do the right thing and abide by the rules.

“I want to thank the people of the Bradford District for the efforts they have all made and ask everyone to continue to follow the COVID Code so they can keep themselves and their families safe and well, protect our vulnerable people – and lives.

”The COVID Code brings together the basic hygiene, health and practical things everyone in the district can do in the fight to beat this terrible virus.”

The 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.

• Travel safely: Try not to share a car with those outside your household or support bubble and follow the government guidance for travelling on public transport or by taxi or private hire vehicle.

• 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