BARS and restaurants in Leeds could see a nighttime curfew introduced as part of potential measures to curb the city's high infection rates.

As a social ban is introduced across Bradford, Calderdale and Kirklees, Leeds escaped local restrictions yet again.

It has been branded the "right decision" by Leeds City Council despite a continuing rise in coronavirus cases.

According to Public Health England's rolling seven-day figures, Leeds recorded 565 new cases in the last week.

The city's infection rate has dropped slightly from 74.3 (cases per 100,000 people) to 71.2.

At the time of writing, this is higher than the 7-day rate in Calderdale - 62.8 - and Kirklees which is currently 72.71.

When the T&A asked Leeds City Council about the decision to remain without restrictions, a spokesperson said there are "a range of potential options" that could possibly be introduced.

The Council said it will continue to "liase very closely with Government" about the decision.

A spokesperson for the Department of Health & Social Care said: “We work closely with local leaders and public health teams to inform decisions on local interventions, taking into account a range of factors.

“PHE, the JBC and NHS Test and Trace are constantly monitoring the levels of infection across the country and Leeds remains an area of enhanced support.

“We discuss measures with local Directors of Public Health and local authorities, constantly reviewing the evidence and we will take swift targeted action where necessary.”

One of the possible measures could include a curfew on bars and restaurants in Leeds.

A Leeds City Council spokesperson said: “We continue to liaise very closely with government as we remain in enhanced support.

“In our conversations we regularly discuss a range of potential options that could possibly be introduced to reduce Covid-19 rates in the city, and this has included a possible curfew for bars and restaurants. We feel this week the right decision in terms of our city has been made, and continue to call on the public of Leeds to follow closely all of the guidance relating to coronavirus.”