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.