Residents in Leeds and other parts of West Yorkshire are today anxiously waiting on a Tier 3 decision to be made.
Local leaders are continuing their talks with government officials as to whether Leeds, Kirklees, Bradford, Wakefield and Calderdale should be upped into the most strict lockdown tier.
In the meantime, businesses are bracing themselves for what leaders call a "devastating" blow to the economy if Tier 3 is forced upon the area.
A statement was released by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority - made up of leaders from Leeds, Bradford, Kirklees, Calderdale and Wakefield - to say discussions with government ministers would continue today.
The authority said: "This afternoon we met with Government ministers to discuss the worsening COVID-19 infection rate in the region and our proposals to strengthen community engagement, test and trace, and supporting the vulnerable while protecting jobs and livelihoods.
"Discussions remain ongoing and will continue tomorrow.”
Follow our live updates on Tier 3 in Leeds here
The number of cases and deaths from coronavirus continued to increase yesterday in Leeds and across West Yorkshire.
Leeds recorded another two coronavirus deaths, bringing the city's death toll in hospitals from the virus to 392, and recorded an additional 511 cases - the most across Yorkshire.
The rate of infection also increased in Leeds to 420.6 cases per 100,000 people and operations have been cancelled as Leeds General Infirmary struggles under the pressure of Covid admissions.
Neighbouring Huddersfield MP Barry Sheerman described Tier 3 as "inevitable".
Mr Sherman said yesterday: "Covid is rampant. Rates are going up. Hospitals are under pressure locally and nationally.
"I think they are going to put us in the next tier quite soon. It's inevitable."
Across West Yorkshire the numbers cases have increased and infection rates are now higher than they were in South Yorkshire when that region was placed under Tier 3 restrictions last week.
Placing Leeds and West Yorkshire under Tier 3 measures would ban households from mixing in both indoor and outdoor private settings as well as forcing the closure of pubs and bars that do not serve food considered 'a substantial meal'.
