South Yorkshire alert level talks continuing with Government

Mr Jarvis, who is also Labour MP for Barnsley Central, said the discussions would continue over the weekend and into next week.

He said: “Today the leaders of South Yorkshire’s local authorities and I started initial discussions with government about the coronavirus alert level for the region. The talks were constructive and provide a useful starting point as we work together to get the right restrictions and support in place.

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“Coronavirus cases continue to rise, infection rates are spreading from young to old, while our economy is being squeezed ever tighter.

“Our region faces an increasingly severe situation: we are treading an incredibly fine line to prevent more lives, jobs and businesses being lost, therefore reaching the right agreement is paramount.”

All four local authorities in South Yorkshire are currently in Tier 2.

“Ministers, local leaders and I have a responsibility to protect the health of our people, ensure we do not overwhelm the NHS this winter, and secure the best deal for South Yorkshire by supporting our economy and public services. We are clear, alongside fellow Northern leaders, that a local lockdown lifeline is needed. Additional restrictions must go hand in hand with significant additional resources and funding.

“The discussions with Government will continue over the weekend and into next week. In the meantime, I urge everyone across South Yorkshire to continue to observe the new High Alert Level restrictions currently in place, and that we all continue to work together to slow the spread of the virus.”

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