Leeds City Council has published coronavirus outbreak plans in case there is a local lockdown in Leeds.
It comes after the Government announced that Leicester will remain in lockdown once restrictions are eased this week because there has been a spike in infections in the city.
All schools will close on Thursday, and non-essential shops will have to close or remain closed for at least two weeks.
Despite the infection rate being low in Leeds, outbreak plans have been put in place by Leeds’ director of public health. The council has also been handed a one-off payment of £4.14million by the government to meet the requirements of the local outbreak planning and response, including the Test and Trace programme.
The report states that the plan aims to reduce infections, save lives and support recovery.
To avoid a local outbreak altogether, the council continues to promote social distancing, hand-washing, specific support for care homes, schools and other places with groups of people.
If we get a spike in cases in the city, a host of new measures will be introduced to control the outbreak.
This is how the council will manage a virus outbreak:
Monitoring the spread of coronavirus using national and local data.
Helping workplaces and high-risk settings to develop specific outbreak management plans.
Working with Public Health England and other public agencies to put targeted control measures in place.
Training the wider council and third sector workforce to help manage outbreaks, prevent infections and trace contacts.
Raising awareness of any targeted local interventions or restrictions that may be introduced to manage outbreaks.
A Leeds City Council spokesperson said: “We are pleased that the infection rate in Leeds is currently low and we have a comprehensive plan in place to keep it this way in order to keep residents safe and support the city’s recovery.
“Our plan is regularly reviewed and updated to make sure we are meeting our aims.”
You can read full details outlined in the report here.
