Sheffield City Region Mayor gives update on South Yorkshire Tier 3 restriction talks

The mayor, along with directors of public health and other political leaders in South Yorkshire, has been in discussions with Downing Street about the Cvid-19 alert level in the area since yesterday (October 19).

Boris Johnson today confirmed that these talks ‘continue’, as Greater Manchester was forced into the ‘very high’ level of restrictions after talks between Government and local mayor Andy Burnham over financial support collapsed.

The Sheffield City Region Mayor’s office has now issued a statement saying: “Mayor Dan Jarvis, the leaders of South Yorkshire’s local authorities and the Government have been in extensive and constructive talks over the coronavirus alert level for the region.

"These talks continue as all sides seek to agree a plan which will protect lives, jobs and our NHS. Full details will be announced as soon as the restrictions and guidance are confirmed.”

Dan Jarvis declined an interview with The Star today.

Tier 3 restrictions would see a ban on meeting people outside of households and support bubbles in any situation.

It would also mean the closure of pubs and bars, unless they sell ‘substantial meals’.

Sheffield leaders enter into talks about Tier 3 lockdown as Covid-19 infection rates fall

Schools and universities would remain open. Places of worship would also be permitted to stay open, however mixing of households would be banned.

Meanwhile, the rate of infection in Sheffield has been falling, after a spike at the end of September.

Sheffield’s current rate is 396.7, based on the latest figures which were for the week to October 14. This is down from 500.3 in the seven days to October 7.

And the number of students in Sheffield who are becoming infected with coronavirus has more than halved, according to latest figures.

In the seven days up to October 18 the University of Sheffield had 191 cases. That compares with 437 cases in the seven days up to October 12.

And at Sheffield Hallam University there were 208 student cases reported in the seven days to October 18, down from 416 the week before.