EVERYONE in the district has a responsibility to reduce the risk of Covid-19 spreading.

That's the message from Bradford Council leader Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe, after the Government announced there would be no further changes to the current local restrictions.

"This means that the ban on indoor household gatherings will continue in 21 wards of our district (including Keighley Central, Keighley East and Keighley West) where that ban is already in place.

"Earlier this week the Government announced the national rule of no more than six people gathering together from more than one household – apart from a few specified exceptions – and that fines will be enforced for people who break this rule. This will start from Monday (Sept 14) and will apply to people all across the district regardless of whether they are in a locally restricted area or following the national restrictions. This new 'Rule of 6' will be enforced by the police.

"That there is no further change to local restrictions does not mean that we can relax. That is absolutely not the case. The infection rate is rising. We must not become complacent or think that the situation is returning to normal.

"I know that many people – our staff, partners, the health service and many volunteers – are making a Herculean effort to reduce rates and to support our communities.

"We all have a responsibility to reduce the risk of Covid-19 spreading and we must all continue to be vigilant. I urge everyone to continue to follow the Government’s guidelines so that we can contain the virus, save lives and prevent further restrictions on our district. Regular hand-washing, wearing a face covering indoors and keeping two metres apart from each other are all fundamental to combating this virus and protecting our loved ones.”