This week is Carer’s week and the theme is Make Caring Visible and Valued.

You may not even think of yourself as a carer but does any of the following apply? Are you helping a friend or family member due to their illness, disability, mental health issue or a substance misuse problem?
Yes? – Then you are one of 74,000 unpaid carers in Leeds

Carers Leeds can offer help and support to you,  if you have any questions or concerns, call their advice line Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm on 0113 380 4300. 

You can also find lots of information, as well as both online and face to face activities at Carers Leeds website https://www.carersleeds.org.uk/

ADD YOUR VOICE to support the 2021 Carers week campaign.  As part of the campaign to raise awareness of caring, highlight the challenges unpaid carers face and recognise the contribution they make to families and communities throughout the UK, Carers Week are asking people (Carers or not) to add their voice to their wall – to help make caring Visible and Valued and help carers get the support they deserve

More details here https://www.carersweek.org/?cmp=voices 

Today is 6 months since the covid vaccination programme started in the UK.

Our NHS have been doing an amazing job!!

Nearly 34 million adults, in England, have received their first vaccine dose, and nearly 24 million have now had their second jab.

From today anyone over 25 can receive the vaccine so, if for any reason you haven’t had yours you can find out how at nhs.uk/covid-vaccination or by phoning 119.

The second dose is vitally important for maximum protection, so people are also urged to come back when they are contacted or if they have an appointment booked.

Those who booked online can remind themselves of the place and the time of their second dose using the ‘manage my appointments’ section at nhs.uk.

If you’re eligible but unable to book through the national booking service, you can speak to your GP.

https://twitter.com/i/status/1402184448188235778

An update on infection rates in Leeds

The Leeds seven day COVID-19 rate is currently quite stable at 38.2 per 100,000, with the national average of 24.9 per 100,000. The positivity rate this week is 1.5%. Cases have recently been highest in the city in older children aged 10-19 and younger adults aged 20-39. Cases are higher in parts of West Yorkshire, so we might expect case numbers to rise in Leeds as restrictions are eased.

You may well have heard in the news that the latest COVID-19 variant (first identified in India) is accounting for most new cases nationally, particularly in hotspot areas of the country. The number of cases in Leeds is consistent with national trends, with active monitoring and management of those cases.

Enjoying the Bank Holiday safely

The weather forecast for Leeds this Bank Holiday is looking very promising. It will be a great time to catch up with loved ones and friends, but it is still important that we all continue to follow the government guidance to keep ourselves and everyone else safe, even if we have had the vaccine. This means:

• Washing your hands regularly for 20 seconds
• Wearing a face covering, unless exempt
• Making space from those you don’t live with
• Self-isolating if you have COVID-19 symptoms or a positive test result.

You should self-isolate immediately if you have symptoms or a positive test result for COVID-19. There is financial support for those who are eligible if you’re off work because of Coronavirus.

Travelling during the Bank Holiday

We hope that you enjoy this long weekend!

Please plan your journey ahead as there are various major essential infrastructure projects underway which we anticipate to cause some disruption. This includes work on the Inner Ring Road, the Headrow and around the city’s Corn Exchange building. You can see www.leeds.gov.uk/planahead for details.

Also please consider leaving your car at home for shorter journeys and try to avoid travelling during peak times. Our newly expanded park and ride at Elland Road has reopened and bus operators have been working hard to make travel safe by following enhanced cleaning regimes, keeping windows open and ensuring enough space for social distancing. You can check capacity on your bus service app.

There is also signalling work taking place at Leeds City train station and there will be a partial block on platforms 0-6, 8, 9b and 10. Platforms 8 and 9c will still be in use. Some services are offering buses instead of trains. You can find out how you might be affected here.

Have #NoRegrets this Bank Holiday

If you are going out, please remember to drink responsibly, respect others and have a good night and a great next day with #noregrets. If you are worried that you or a friend is drinking too much there is advice and support available here.

If you are dining at one of the many restaurants and pubs in Leeds, make sure you scan the QR code to check in via the NHS COVID-19 app.

Parks & gardens

With the weather improving, many will head outdoors and our green spaces are expected to be quite busy over the Bank Holiday. If your chosen location is busy why not check VisitLeeds comprehensive guide of all the amazing parks and gardens across Leeds?

Make sure you plan your visit and travel ahead of time, check for parking space availability and if you are planning on having a picnic, please remember to take your litter away with you if the bins are full.

Vaccination update

As of 24 May a total of 424,769 GP registered patients in Leeds have been vaccinated and 299,557 of those have received their second dose.

Currently people over the age of 30 are being called to receive their vaccine in England. If you haven’t been notified yet, please be patient, the NHS will get in touch. If you’ve been invited but weren’t able to get your vaccine before, it’s not too late to book your appointment.

For more information on vaccine safety and current cohorts, please visit the NHS website.