We are seeing a sharp rise in cases of Covid-19 in Leeds, particularly in the 18-24 age group in this area. We are also seeing a rise in the level of infection rates in those aged over 60 across Leeds.
Because rates are significantly high in this area, we are asking everyone to get a PCR test, whether you have symptoms or not. Covid symptoms include a high temperature, continuous cough, or loss or change in taste or smell. A PCR test is a very accurate test that will identify if people have Covid-19 and help to stop the spread, particularly in people who don’t have symptoms.
For this area PCR tests are available without an appointment at the following sites:
• Cinder Moor, Woodhouse Lane, Woodhouse, Leeds, LS6 2UZ 22-29th June 9-5pm
• Gryphon Sports Centre, University of Leeds, Woodsley Rd, Leeds LS2 9LZ, between 8am-8pm, 7 days a week
• Mandela Community Centre, Chapeltown Road, Chapeltown LS7 3HY, between 8am-8pm, 7 days a week
Do not leave home until you get your test results, except to post a test kit or for a PCR test appointment.
If you test positive on a PCR test, you, and everyone you live with, must self-isolate immediately. Your self-isolation period includes the day your symptoms started and the next 10 full days. Anyone you live with will also need to self-isolate at the same time.
You must also continue to keep doing regular twice-weekly Lateral Flow Tests (LFTs) to help stop the spread of the virus. Testing, whether you have symptoms or not, is critical to helping to contain the virus and prevent it from spreading to others. Preventing spread also helps reduce the risk of new variants developing.
Anyone who gets Covid-19 can become seriously ill or have long-term effects (known as long Covid). The risk of serious illness can affect people of all ages.
Booking your vaccine
The Covid-19 vaccines are the best way to protect yourself and others.
It is important that if you are over 50, have a long-term condition or have a suppressed immune system you also get vaccinated and always ensure you get your second vaccine. This will give you the maximum level of protection.
• If you can’t make your appointment, or you miss your appointment, you can always rebook
• If you haven’t booked yet, it’s never too late
• To prevent queues, please come at your allotted time
You will still be at some risk of spreading the virus, even if you have had your vaccine.
It is important to remember the basic infection prevention measures – hands, face, space, let fresh air indoors regularly and get tested, whether you have symptoms or not.
Socialising outdoors reduces the risk of spread. When socialising indoors, remember no more than 6 people or two households can mix inside.
Help and support while you are isolating
If you have been asked to self-isolate by the NHS Test and Trace service, you may be entitled to a support payment of £500. See
https://www.leeds.gov.uk/coronavirus/self-isolation-support for more information. If you cannot afford to pay for essentials such as food, gas and electric, call the Leeds City Council Welfare Support Team on 0113 376 0330.
If you are over 50 and need some additional support, your local Neighbourhood Network may be able to help. Contact them on:
OWLS – Hyde Park and Headingley – 0113 369 7077
Caring Together – Woodhouse and Little London – 0113 243 0298
About the Covid-19 vaccines
Research has shown the vaccines:
• significantly reduce your risk of getting seriously ill or dying from Covid-19
• reduce your risk of getting symptoms of Covid-19
• will help reduce your risk of catching and spreading Covid-19
The first dose should give you some protection from 3 or 4 weeks after you’ve had it, but it is really important you get your second dose as you need 2 doses for stronger and longer-lasting protection.
Working with the NHS and other partners, Leeds City Council is doing everything we can to keep Covid-19 rates low across the city and prevent and respond to any outbreaks and rising rates.
It’s thanks to all our efforts that we’ve come this far as a city, with over 500,000 people vaccinated, and that we are now able to enjoy the current relaxation in restrictions under the government’s Covid-19 roadmap. Let’s all of us keep going and doing our bit for a bit longer to beat this virus; protect others and ourselves and enjoy summer safely.
People in Leeds can also continue playing their part in keeping virus figures down by following the guidance in each individual setting and remembering:
- Contact outdoors is much safer as it this reduces the risk of breathing in infected particles and disperses the virus more easily.
- Continue to wear face coverings when required and maintain social distancing whenever you’re out.
- Get a test and isolate if needed from the community testing sites around the city. Find out where to get a test at: https://www.leedsccg.nhs.uk/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-where-to-go-for-testing/
- Wash your hands regularly.
- Get a vaccine when called and continue to follow the rules even if you’ve had the vaccine.
- People aged 50 and over or who have a long term condition or suppressed immune system get vaccinated and ensure you get their second jab so they have the maximum level of protection.
- If you are over 18, you can now get your vaccine. Book via the National Booking System https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/book-coronavirus-vaccination/ or by calling 119.
For full details of current COVID-19 restrictions can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/covid-19-coronavirus-restrictions-what-you-can-and-cannot-do#may-whats-changed
More information on how and where to get test in Leeds can be found at: https://www.leedsccg.nhs.uk/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-where-to-go-for-testing/
For the latest on Leeds City Council services, please visit: https://www.leeds.gov.uk/coronavirus/our-services
