An update on Leeds’s infection rates

Although the second step on the roadmap of easing restrictions took place on Monday, the actions of every Leeds resident still make a crucial difference to COVID-19 infection rates in our city.

There is a lot to begin to enjoy again and look forward to, but we need to continue to be cautious and keep infection rates low.

The COVID-19 infection rate for Leeds is now below the Yorkshire average down to 56.9 per 100,000, with the rate for over 60’s at 22.4 per 100,000. Positivity rate this week has also dropped to 2.9%.

But what we are seeing is a growing number of younger people testing positive for COVID-19, so it is still really important that everyone, even if they have had a vaccine, follow the hands, face, space guidance and only meet people outside within the rule of six or two households.

If you work at or own a business there is information and support available on the council website.

Shielding

Support is still available for the 71,000 people in Leeds who have been shielding during the lockdown. Key advice for those clinically extremely vulnerable to COVID-19 can be found translated into different languages here, with British Sign Language and Easy Read versions available. It covers working from home, going to school, shopping, socialising, travelling, accessing care and getting vaccinated. Additionally, those that have been shielding can find out more information about available support on Leeds City Council’s website.

COVID-19 vaccine update

Nearly 40 million vaccine doses have been given across the UK, with those aged 45 to 49 now able to book appointments. Don’t forget, there are four ways you might be contacted by the NHS when it’s your turn to be vaccinated.

• Using a local GP service: GP services are working together in your area to vaccinate as many people as possible. You may be contacted by a different surgery to the one you usually go to.
• Local hospital services: You might be contacted to have the vaccination as an inpatient or outpatient.
• At a vaccination centre or pharmacy: If you live within 30 to 45 minutes of a vaccination centre, and haven’t already been vaccinated, you may have received a letter asking you to book an appointment online at nhs.uk/covid-vaccination. Or if you can’t access the NHS website you can call 119 free of charge.
• NHS text alerts for COVID-19 vaccine: the national booking service is also sending invitations and reminders to some people by text. These will be sent using the Government’s secure Notify service and will show as being sent from ‘NHSvaccine’ with a link to the NHS.uk website.

As of April 15 2021, more than 361,000 people in Leeds have received their first vaccination. Of these, more than 107,000 people have also now received their second dose.

Census

Even if you missed Census Day on 21 March, there is still time to complete it. Every household is required by law to complete the census and you need to respond as soon as possible to avoid a fine. Fill in the Census here.

This is the very first time the Government is asking everyone to respond to the Census online, if they can. If you know someone who doesn’t have the skills or confidence to do it online, you can access telephone and face to face support. Visit https://census.gov.uk/help/find-a-census-support-centre or call 0113 3785005 .

The Census questionnaire is available on paper and in 42 different languages, in easy-read and large print formats and Braille, and in a video format in British Sign Language, audio and subtitles.

Register to vote

You only have till Monday 19 April to register to vote while the deadline for postal voting is 5pm the next day on Tuesday 20 April. If you haven’t registered yet, please do so at gov.uk/registertovote

Over 200,000 residents have chosen to vote by post. Those using polling stations are being asked to wear a mask and comply with other safety and social distancing measures. It is anticipated that only limited numbers will be permitted inside polling stations at any one time, which may mean queues are likely.

If you want to find out where your polling station is visit https://wheredoivote.co.uk/

You vote matters. Don’t lose it.

Leeds residents are being reminded not to lose their chance to vote as registration and postal deadlines approach.

The deadline for registering to vote is midnight Monday 19 April while the deadline for postal voting is 5pm the next day on Tuesday 20 April.

Over 200,000 residents have chosen to vote by post. Those using polling stations are being asked to wear a mask and comply with other safety and social distancing measures. It is anticipated that only limited numbers will be permitted inside polling stations at any one time, which may mean queues are likely.

To find out more and to register online www.gov.uk/register-to-vote. If you’re already registered you don’t need to apply again.

All the information needed is available online at www.leeds.gov.uk/elections, anyone needing further help can call the Leeds City Council elections helpline on 0113 222 4411 (open 9am to 5pm Mon-Fri only) or email electors@leeds.gov.uk.