Let’s all work together: restrictions are our way out and not there to be worked around

West Yorkshire Prepared is encouraging residents across the region to work together to keep within the guidelines set out under the new National Restrictions which come into effect today, to ensure the next four weeks are as effective as possible in slowing the spread of infection and reducing the numbers of COVID-19 cases.

With a number of events – including Bonfire Night, Remembrance Sunday and Diwali – taking place during the lockdown period, West Yorkshire’s Local Resilience Forum is asking people to be responsible and work within the restrictions when planning celebrations.

Robin Tuddenham, co-Chair of West Yorkshire Prepared and Chief Executive of Calderdale Council, said: “Everyone in the region – individuals, communities and businesses – need to work within the parameters of the restrictions, rather than looking for loopholes or ways to work around them.

“There are a number of events coming up, which people would ordinarily celebrate by getting together with loved ones, but we really need everyone to continue working together to make these lockdown measures as effective as possible to slow the spread of infection and reduce the number of cases.”

This weekend (8 November) the country will be commemorating Remembrance Sunday which, as with other recent events, will look very different this year with normal services and public events unable to go ahead. The Royal British Legion is encouraging people to mark Remembrance Sunday by taking part in remote or socially distanced activity, whether watching the service on television or online, or pausing at home for a two-minute silence at 11am.

A number of Local Authorities in West Yorkshire will also be screening Remembrance Day services and wreath laying ceremonies on their social media pages for people to join virtually. Please see your local council website for details.

Dave Walton, co-Chair of West Yorkshire Prepared and Deputy Chief Fire Officer for West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue, said: “This is a message we keep repeating – but only because it needs repeating. If we hope to make any difference to the trajectory of this pandemic, we need to follow the guidance put in place: Stay at home other than for essentials, wear a face covering where necessary and keep your distance from those you don’t live with.

“The majority of people in West Yorkshire have been, and will continue to, follow the guidelines but we’re all in this together and we really need every single person to step up and take responsibility for their actions to protect themselves and each other.”

To keep up to date with West Yorkshire Prepared, please visit westyorkshireprepared.test or follow us on Facebook (@WYPrepared) or Twitter (@WYRForum).

For reliable, up to date information on Covid-19, please visit www.gov.uk/coronavirus or www.nhs.uk/coronavirus.