Coronavirus – Support for people & communities – June 18, 2021

Dear resident,

We hope you’re safe and keeping well.

This week we have an update for you following the government’s announcement on Monday, about infection rates in the city, getting vaccinated and what you can do to help stop the spread.

An update on infection rates in Leeds

The latest Leeds infection rates have increased to 161.3 per 100,000, an 80% increase in the last 7 days. The Yorkshire and Humber average is 83.6 per 100,000 and the England average is now 77.5 per 100,000. Positivity rate has increased to 5.8% in Leeds. The over 60s rate has increased to 17.4 per 100,000.  Hospitalisations and deaths in Leeds remain quite low, the main increases in new cases are in the 18-24 population.

The case rate rise is driven by the Delta variant (originating in India), with this being about 60% more transmissible, combined with the easing of restrictions.

It’s even more important now for everyone to remember that some people are still vulnerable, so we all need to play our part to prevent the spread of coronavirus, by joining the millions of people across the UK who have safely received their COVID-19 vaccination when you are invited.

Keep doing the basics of washing hands, wearing a mask and keeping your distance. Get tested regularly and isolate when needed. Check your neighbours are ok and let’s keep working #TogetherLeeds

Enhanced testing for parts of Leeds to tackle rise in COVID-19 cases

Some parts of Leeds experiencing a very sharp rise in cases of COVID-19, so residents will be offered an enhanced programme of community testing next week to help Leeds stay safe over the summer.

From Tuesday [June 22] residents in the Hyde Park and Headingley and Little London and Woodhouse areas who are not experiencing symptoms will be encouraged to get a free PCR test at one of three pop-up testing centres located at Cinder Moor on Woodhouse Lane, the Gryphon Centre at The University of Leeds and the Mandela Community Centre on Chapeltown Road.

Government announcement

Government announced on Monday (14 June), that Step 4 of the roadmap in England (originally planned for 21 June) will be paused for 4 weeks to 19 July, though the data will be reviewed after 2 weeks.

Some restrictions will still change from 21 June, including:

• The number of guests at weddings and wakes will no longer be limited to 30 as long as venues can adhere to social distancing.
• A limited series of pilot events will take place to produce additional evidence on reopening events safely. Attendees will need to show proof of vaccination or a recent negative test.
• All care home residents will be able to nominate an essential care giver for any care need that cannot be easily met by care home staff and receive visits from them, including during isolation.
• Care home residents will no longer have to isolate for 14 days after returning from visits outside or when coming in from the community. Exceptions will include high-risk trips such as overnight hospital stays.
• Out-of-school settings can organise domestic residential visits for children in ‘bubbles’ of up to 30 children.

For further information, please visit: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/covid-19-coronavirus-restrictions-what-you-can-and-cannot-do

Keep testing

To ensure we continue moving in the right direction and reduce the risk of COVID-19 everyone is urged to get tested. Testing remains an important part of the overall strategy to get our lives back to normal.

You can book a test here  or ring 119 (for people with Covid symptoms). Lateral flow testing for everyone- more info here. For further information on testing sites in Leeds including walk up sites can be found on the Leeds CCG website here.

Vaccine update

If you’re aged 18 or over, you can now book your Covid-19 vaccination. The first dose should give you good protection from three to four weeks after you’ve had it. You need two doses for stronger and longer lasting protection.

You may be able to book your COVID-19 vaccination appointments online now at https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/ or you can ring 119.

From Monday over 40s will be texted asking them to rebook their second dose. Everyone will be able to book second doses at 8 weeks rather than 12.

Join the millions already vaccinated. Vaccination is the most important thing you can do to protect you and your community against serious illness.