West Yorkshire PCC statement on the decision to move all of West Yorkshire into tier two or high alert
13th October 2020
Mark Burns-Williamson, West Yorkshire's Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), said: “As we continue to find ourselves in the midst of a global pandemic with currently no end in sight and new measures announced last night around a ‘three-tier’ lockdown system for England, it is of course very worrying, given the rises in coronavirus infections and deaths.
“These new restrictions, at the two-tier level, will apply to all of West Yorkshire from tomorrow (WED 14 October) and will see people’s movements restricted and the potential further closing of pubs, bars and gyms if we enter tier three.
“This is a very difficult and challenging time for all our communities with individuals, businesses and households all having a responsibility to ensure the virus is suppressed.
“It has never been more important that we work together to keep one another safe and keep ourselves apprised of the guidelines that are in place locally. People’s lives could depend on it.
“We are appealing to people to use their common sense and think of others and follow the guidance. It will save lives.
“As I have said before, and it is worth stressing again now, West Yorkshire Police will be continuing with the general approach of engaging, explaining, and encouraging people to do the right thing before taking appropriate enforcement action where it’s necessary.
“I am sure communities will want to work with them and each other to help reduce the infection rate.
“It is also vital that decisions are made in consultation with policing as well as local government leaders and Mayors. PCCs across the UK will continue to work closely alongside fellow local leaders to ensure all partners are working together to keep communities safe. I am doing that at the West Yorkshire level and fully support the five West Yorkshire council leaders in their request to Government for really comprehensive support to protect jobs, our local NHS and most importantly the public.
“These are difficult and challenging times for us all and the very real public health and economic consequences of these further local restrictions. Only by supporting each other more than ever will we come through this next period better together.”