Leeds and West Yorkshire will be placed into a Tier 3 lockdown from next week, it has been announced.
Rising coronavirus infection rates in recent weeks have seen the city teetering on the brink of entering the government's 'very high' level for controlling the deadly virus.
Discussions between local leaders and government officials have been ongoing for several days, but the move into the strictest category of lockdown restrictions has only now been confirmed.
In a statement, Cllr Judith Blake, leader of Leeds City Council, said: "We will be moving into Tier 3 on one minute past midnight [on Monday, November 2].
"This is a very difficult decision for us to take and we recognise the significant of the economic impact that it will have, but the virus is at a stage in which we need to take measures."
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Council leaders from across West Yorkshire also issued a joint statement which said: "Over recent days, we have had a number of meetings with government ministers to discuss the next steps for controlling the rising Covid-19 infection rates across the region.
"Today, with great reluctance, we have accepted that West Yorkshire will now move into Tier Three (Very High) restrictions as of 00.01am on Monday, November 2."
Conflicting information was originally given over when West Yorkshire would go into Tier 3, but it has now been confirmed the entire region will be subject to the new measures from Monday, November 2.
The county follows South Yorkshire, Greater Manchester, Liverpool and Lancashire into the strictest category of lockdown.
The major rule changes mean that pubs, bars and restaurants must close completely, unless they serve 'a substantial meal' with each drink.
New travel restrictions have come into place too, with people in West Yorkshire told to avoid travelling the county for any reason other than work.
However, you can still meet people from other households in groups of up to six in public places such as parks and forests, so long as you maintain social distancing.
The decision was taken after infection rates continued to remain high in Leeds, while Covid-19 admissions led to hospitals across the city becoming 98 per cent full by Tuesday.
