Latest update from Leeds City Council and including Leeds’ infection rates, the new restriction rules and rapid testing for everyone.
It is with deep sadness and sorrow that Leeds joins the country in mourning following the announcement from Buckingham Palace that His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh has passed away.
The Royal Family are encouraging safe tributes with an online book of condolence and are suggesting charitable donations instead of flowers.
Read our statement regarding the death of His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh here: https://news.leeds.gov.uk/
Every Leeds resident makes a difference to Covid infection rates in our city. When you continue to follow the government guidance, meet fewer people outdoors and stay local, you help to keep everyone safe.
There is a lot to look forward to, as we move ahead on the government roadmap towards fewer restrictions, but we need to be cautious and keep infection rates low.
We’re making real progress in Leeds, our Covid rate is now 78.3 per 100,000 (down 34% in the last week), but this is still above the England average of 31.9. The new UK variant spreads very easily.
The recent figures also show that we have falling infections among over-60s (26.1 per 100, 22% lower this week).
As restrictions relax, it’s even more important to remember that people are still vulnerable. Please act as though you have the virus, follow the hands/face/space/fresh air, test/trace/isolate rules, and keep working #TogetherLeeds
Information to support businesses and individuals can be found on the council website.
Leeds will move into a new phase of relaxing lockdown restrictions next week as council services, along with more shops and businesses, start to reopen and welcome back the public.
The changes to restrictions will mean businesses, including non-essential shops and gyms, can reopen along with outdoor hospitality and some outdoor attractions.
Indoor venues can only be visited alone or with household groups, with outdoor settings limited to either six people or two households. Even though being outdoors is safer, there is still a risk of catching the virus.
Social distancing, hand hygiene and other safety measures will remain in place, including COVID marshals and hand sanitiser stations in the city centre. Members of the public are urged to follow the latest guidance to keep COVID-19 rates under control and ensure Leeds keeps heading in the right direction.
For more info on the easing of restrictions go to: https://news.leeds.gov.uk/
The latest updates on individual council services can be found at: https://www.leeds.gov.uk/
Work along the Headrow has been ongoing for some time with completion due in May. Changes include more appealing alternatives to the car, with quicker and more reliable bus services, ensuring that journeys on foot and by bike are more convenient, attractive and safer by widening pavements, cycle lines and making safer road crossings.
More info about the changes and what to expect can be found here- https://news.leeds.gov.uk/
Vaccinations are in progress, with over 350,000 people in Leeds having received the jab as of 30 March (about 48% of the population) and more than 59,000 people have had their second jab but new infections are still happening.
Analysis carried out by Public Health England suggests that the COVID-19 vaccination programme prevented 6,100 deaths in England up to the end of February 2021. It is crucial that we all get the vaccine when we are ready and able to do so to help stop the spread of the virus but whether or not you’ve had your vaccine, we all need to keep following the restrictions and continuing to follow the hands/face/space safety measures.
More information around vaccinations can be found at the Leeds CCG website.
Through April we are focusing on going back over JCVI cohorts 1 – 9 to ensure everyone who is eligible is offered a vaccine and has access to the necessary information to make an informed decision.
As per national guidance we can’t book anyone in for their first vaccine who falls outside of the JCVI 1 -9 cohorts
We are encouraging all of those eligible in cohorts 1-9 who have yet to receive a vaccination or without an existing appointment book their vaccine online, by calling 119 or contacting their GP.
Those who are eligible no longer need to wait to be invited.
Ramadan Kareem.
With Covid19 restrictions still ongoing, 2021 Ramadan (12/13 April to 12/13 May) will be a very different experience for British Muslims.
Whilst the restrictions will be more relaxed compared to 2020, many of the usual practices normally observed, particularly visiting friends and family indoors, will sadly still not be possible this year.
We ask Leeds residents to make sure every Iftar is a safe one by following COVID-19 guidelines. For the latest information on how to stay safe, please visit gov.uk.
A new set of translated films about spotting Covid-19 symptoms, how to get a test, and the support available if you have to self-isolate are now ready to view on the Coronavirus Information in Different Languages playlist on YouTube. The films are called COVID-19 Spot The Signs and have been translated into the top 12 most spoken languages in Leeds.
Around 1 in 3 people who have Covid-19 don’t have any symptoms. This is why regular rapid testing is so important to prevent the spread of the virus and help us return to normality.
From today (9 April), everyone in England, including those without symptoms, will be able to take a free rapid coronavirus (COVID-19) test twice a week.
You will be able to access regular testing through:
More info here: https://www.gov.uk/government/
Today marks the next step in lockdown easing, however government and the health service are all stressing the importance of continuing to be careful and protect ourselves and others. Many restrictions remain in place and, very importantly you must not socialise indoors with anyone you do not live with, unless you have formed a support bubble with them, or another exemption applies, and continue to social distance when meeting people outdoors.
Here’s what changes from today:
Keeping yourself and others safe:
Social distancing is still very important. You should stay 2 metres apart from anyone who is not in your household or support bubble where possible, or 1 metre with extra precautions in place (such as wearing face coverings) if you cannot stay 2 metres apart.
You should follow the guidance on how to stop the spread of coronavirus at all times, including if you have been vaccinated against COVID-19.
Anyone in England who does not have symptoms can now get regular rapid lateral flow tests to check for coronavirus.
How to get regular rapid tests
Go to a test site
You can go to a rapid lateral flow test site to get a rapid test.
If you go to a test site:
Find your nearest rapid lateral flow test site
You can get rapid tests to do at home.
You can collect up to 2 packs of 7 tests from a local pharmacy or test site:
You can get a pack of 7 tests sent to your home. Order rapid lateral flow home test kits on GOV.UK
If you do tests at home, you’ll need to report your results online or on the phone.
This video from NHS explains more about what to expect from a rapid flow test
Join electronic artist R•MCL for a spectacular livestream concert. Performed live from the top of The Deep, one of the most iconic buildings in the UK.
The livestream will combine the artist’s never-before-seen set with cinematic camera and drone shots of the dramatic UK landmark, with soaring views of the Humber estuary behind.
You can watch at 7pm on The Deep website: https://www.thedeep.co.uk/livestream-concert or on the facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/TheDeepHull
From the Deep website “We can’t wait to host our first ever livestream concert!
Join us for a sunset performance from electronic artist R·MCL livestreamed from The Deep’s nose cone on Friday 9 April 2021 at 7pm. Enjoy live music with cinematic camera and drone shots of the Humber and surrounding landscapes.
This is a live stream performance with no audience (as we are still closed), and is free of charge to view.
The performance will be held outdoors in the nose cone of The Deep and is subject to changing weather conditions. Details will be available should the performance be rescheduled.”
Having weekly covid tests is not so pleasant (although vital), however last week my walk to it was, as the path was lined with cherry blossom. So pretty 🙂
Socially distant delivery of bingo prizes were handed out last week. Daffs and Eggs were gratefully received by the lucky winners for this month and plants, hand sanitiser and fruit for the month before.
Our next bingo session is on Wednesday 21st April 2021 @ 3pm.
Call if you would like to join us, Lisa 07436 530073, or email: lisa@caringtogether.org.uk
Series 2 has now started and episode one is available to listen, discussing what the future of our city and districts could look like. The podcast gives people the rare chance to listen in to debates and conversations about some of Leeds’s biggest issues, from culture and communities to the environment and economy.
You can also ask questions for future episodes. There’ll be a new episode each month for the rest of 2021. Find out more and listen here https://leedsinconversation.podbean.com/. You will also be able to catch up on all the episodes from last series here too.
Councillor James Lewis, leader of Leeds City Council said:
“There is so much amazing work going on in all sectors across Leeds that people don’t always get to hear about. Leeds in Conversation ensures all residents and people who are interested in Leeds can not only hear these conversations, but be a part of them too. I can’t wait for the launch of series 2 and I urge people to give it a listen.”
Said Hamlet to Ophelia,
I’ll draw a sketch of thee,
What kind of pencil shall I use?
2B or not 2B?
Dear all,
Maltesers
11. Feel the bubbles.
Aero
12. The taste of paradise.
Bounty
13 Get Some Nuts!
Snickers
14. Why have cotton when you can have silk?
Galaxy
15. Soft on the outside, crunchy on the inside
Dime Bar
16. Take it easy.
Cadbury’s Caramel
17. It’s not Terry’s, It’s mine.
Chocolate Orange
18. And all because the lady loves…
Milk Tray
