Coronavirus – Support for people & communities – September 3, 2021

Dear resident,

We hope you’re safe and keeping well.

This week we have an update for you about the latest infection rates in Leeds, back to school information and Vaccine information for 16 and 17 year olds.

An update on infection rates in Leeds

The Leeds infection rate is 329.1 per 100,000 (down 7% in last 7 days) and test positivity is 10.4%. The Y&H rate is 340.4 and England rate is 302.7.

Cases in Leeds continue to be highest in ages 17-18 and 11-16, and lowest in over 80s. There has been an increase in case rates in ages 60-79 (the over 60s rate is 219.5 per 100k, up 16%). Testing rates in the city remain high.

Covid patients in hospital remain high but relatively stable. Hospitals are also experiencing high levels of norovirus. There are pressures on all aspects of the health and social care system.

Return to school

As children and young people return to school next week, in line with new government guidance, the following COVID-19 measures are now relaxed:

• Bubbles and staggered start and finish times are no longer advised
• Children can again have break times and lunch together and take part in practical lessons and sports with other classes and year groups
• Face coverings are no longer required for staff or visitors
• Pupils and students identified as a close contact of someone who tests positive will not need to self-isolate

All schools are advised to continue with regular handwashing, cleaning regimes, and to keep spaces well ventilated. Schools should also have plans in place on what to do if there are several positive cases of COVID-19, or if measures are needed to be reintroduced for a limited period.

Although no longer a legal requirement, wearing a face covering is expected and recommended for young people aged 11 and over on public transport and dedicated transport to school and college.

Secondary schools

All young people returning to secondary school are encouraged to participate in the on-site school testing at start of term, and then twice a week at home through September/

To find out more about what to expect when pupils return to school or college in September visit www.gov.uk/backtoschool

If you are 16 or 17 years old, get vaccinated as soon as possible – ideally before you go back to school or college.

Vaccinations

Sixteen and seventeen year olds in Leeds can now get their COVID-19 vaccine ahead of going back to school or college in September. Dates and times are available at www.leedsccg.nhs.uk/covid-19-vaccine-information/walk-in-clinics/

You do not need to be registered with a GP or have an NHS number.

16 and 17 year olds

Saturday 4 September 10am – 4pm & Sunday 5 September 11am – 4pm, (1st dose, Pfizer)

• 338 Trinity Shopping Centre, 27 Albion St, Leeds LS1 5AT

Saturday 11 September 10am – 4pm & Sunday 12 September 11am – 4pm, (1st dose, Pfizer)

• 338 Trinity Shopping Centre, 27 Albion St, Leeds LS1 5AT

18+

Every day, 7:30am – 5:30pm 

• Leeds COVID Vaccination Centre (next to Elland Road LUFC site), Bobby Collins Way, Leeds, LS11 0EB (1st & 2nd doses Moderna, 18+)

Reading Challenge with Leeds Libraries

Although children and young people have missed out on a lot of education and other opportunities over the past year, children and their families are being encouraged to get involved with reading whilst learning about the importance of the environment.

The challenge helps to develop new skills and confidence with reading and thousands of children across the city have already signed up to take part. The Summer Reading Challenge ends on 18^th September, Find out more on the Summer Reading Challenge website.

Leeds’ Local Plan Update: Have Your Say

Our communities and neighbourhoods have become even more important to people during lockdown. Leeds City Council wants your views on the new draft ‘Your Neighbourhood, Your City, Your Planet’ Local Plan Update. This plan sets out the authority’s approach to planning policy and new development across the district over the next decade and beyond.

It is based around five topic areas, including carbon reduction, green infrastructure, place-making, flood risk, and sustainable infrastructure.

Find out more and have your say, visit www.leeds.gov.uk/lpu

Free BikeRegister events at workplaces in Leeds

As Covid-19 restrictions continue to ease, many of us are returning to the office after a year of working from home.  This is a great opportunity to shake up your daily routine and get to work using sustainable transport to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2030 one of the topics raised in the ‘Your Neighbourhood, Your City, Your Planet’ Local Plan Update draft.

To encourage more people to cycle to work, we’re offering FREE BikeRegister pop-ups at workplaces in Leeds. BikeRegister will protect your bike from theft and help the police locate stolen bikes, so you can cycle to work without any worries. Click here to learn more.

Let us know if you’re interested in hosting a free BikeRegister event at your workplace: travelplanning@leeds.gov.uk

Connecting Leeds has also launched a newsletter focused on journeys to work, with the latest offers and support available for commuters in Leeds. If you’re interested in receiving this, you can Click here to subscribe.

World Suicide Prevention Day

The last year has seen large increases in the numbers of people struggling with their mental health and wellbeing.

World Suicide Prevention Day takes place every year on 10 September. This year it will take place on Friday 10 September 2021. This year, the international theme is ‘Creating Hope Through Action’.

The theme is intended to be a reminder that there is an alternative to suicide and that people’s actions, no matter how big or small, may provide hope to those who are struggling.

You can get involved with World Suicide Prevention Day in several ways, including:

• Sharing on social media – including using the official hashtags, #WorldSuicidePreventionDay, #WSPD, #bethelight or #WSPD2021 to join the conversation and help spread awareness of suicide prevention
• Light a Candle – Light a Candle is an act of acknowledgement demonstrating support for suicide prevention, to remember a lost loved one, and for the survivors of suicide. Individuals from all over the world light a candle at 8pm on 10 September.

Anyone can contact Samaritans free at any time from any phone on 116 123, even a mobile without credit or you can visit the Samaritan’s website for more information.

Your chance to join major citywide future skills conversation

A citywide conversation to help identify skills needed now and for the future of the Leeds economy begins next week.  Starting on Tuesday 7 September, the ‘Future Talent Leeds’ conversation is open for anyone over 16 to give their views along with all businesses, organisations, sectors and industries in the city.

The business and employment landscape in Leeds has changed dramatically following changes to national government policy, extra devolved powers plus the impacts of Brexit and Covid-19. As a result, the council recognises the need for a skills and talent plan that is agile and works to support people and businesses across Leeds to thrive in the face of change.

Share your thoughts around support and skills needed in the city’s employment and business sectors to better prepare Leeds and help shape the Future Talent Plan at the online discussion Future Talent Leeds

One support programme we already have in place is the Stronger Families programme. It helps and supports families in Bradford and Leeds who have barriers to accessing education, gaining skills for work or finding employment even more so through the pandemic. The programme is delivered by experienced organisations in your community.

For more information on the service and support they offer you can go to: www.barca-leeds.org/service/strongerfamilies , call 0113 386 9900 or email strongerfamilies@barca-leeds.org