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More than 2,000 key workers tested for coronavirus at Bradford sited fire service teams
A local coronavirus staff-testing site in Keighley has so far tested more than 2,000 health and social care staff from across Bradford district and Craven. Half of these tests have been given to staff who work in care homes across the region.
The drive-through facility, based at Marley Fields Sports Centre, has proved an important way to support frontline workers with minimum travelling.
Having launched in mid-April, testing at the site is now available for to all frontline health and care staff in Bradford district and Craven, including those working in care homes. It also tests police and fire service teams.
Victims of domestic abuse and violence reminded service are #StillHereToHelp
We are reminding residents that services supporting domestic abuse or sexual violence victims are still open and can still be contacted now lockdown restrictions have been loosened
There has been concern that the coronavirus pandemic has meant victims of abuse are spending more time indoors with their abusers and it has more difficult for victims to be able to speak out or access support.
Although services have remained open throughout the pandemic, it is anticipated that victims will have more opportunity to find safe times and places to ask for support as restrictions ease.
Advice issued to help people make healthier choices about alcohol teams
Thousands of households across Bradford District are set to receive a booklet containing advice and guidance on alcohol consumption during the current coronavirus crisis.
The 16-page booklet, which will drop through the letter boxes of more than 8,000 homes in the coming days, provides information and advice about making healthier choices about alcohol.
It was put together amid concern over increased alcohol misuse during the Covid-19 pandemic with studies indicating that some people are turning to alcohol to handle the stress, anxiety and boredom of lockdown.
Statement on schools in Bradford
Councillor Imran Khan, portfolio holder for education, employment and skills, has issued a further statement on the opening of schools in Bradford and he said:
“On 19 May, I issued a statement on the opening of schools, this is a fast moving situation though and the scientific advice and Government stance on the issue is shifting daily, indeed hourly today. The Council is continuing to work closely with head teachers across all school sectors in our district to ensure they have properly considered the health and safety risks to pupils and staff should they follow government guidance and reopen on 1 June.
Launch of Track and Trace
The Government has on the 27 May announced that the new NHS Test and Trace service will launch across England on the 28 May.
From the 28th May, anyone who tests positive for coronavirus will be contacted within 24 hours by the NHS Test and Trace service via text, an email alert or a call and will be asked to share information about their recent interactions. This could include household members, people with whom they have been in direct contact, or within 2 metres for more than 15 minutes. They will be given instructions on how to share details of people they’ve been in close, recent contact with and places they have visited and will be asked to provide this information online via a secure website or over the phone with an NHS contact tracer.
Anyone identified to have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for coronavirus will be alerted by the NHS Test and Trace service via text or email. They will then need to log on to the NHS Test and Trace website. If this isn’t possible, a trained call handler will contact the identified person about what they need to do. The Government has also today expanded testing availability for children aged under 5, to help support the phased opening of schools and childcare settings in England from 1 June. From the 28 May, all symptomatic individuals in England will be able to access a test if they need one.
Coronavirus statutory sick pay rebate scheme is now live
Small businesses and employers across the UK who have paid statutory sick pay to staff taking coronavirus-related leave will be able to claim back the money from today. If you’re an employer with fewer than 250 employees, you can now claim for Coronavirus-related Statutory Sick Pay (SSP). You can also speak to your tax agent about making claims on your behalf. The repayment will cover up to two weeks of the applicable rate of SSP.
For more information about this Coronavirus support measure, you can also sign-up to HMRC’s Statutory Sick Pay Scheme Webinar.
Access the scheme
Register for the webinar
Home care guidance
On the 22 May guidance for the home care sector was published for registered providers, social care staff, local authorities and commissioners who support and deliver care to people in their own homes, including support living settings, in England.
The Director General for Adult Social Care at the Department of Health and Social Care also sent a letter accompanying the guidance.
6,000 new supported homes as part of plans to end rough sleeping
Plans to provide thousands of long-term, safe homes for vulnerable rough sleepers taken off the streets during the pandemic was unveiled on 24 May by Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick.
The commitment will be backed by £160 million this year and will support many of the thousands of rough sleepers currently housed in emergency accommodation to move on to more sustainable, long-term housing. The funding will ensure that 6,000 new housing units will be put into the system, with 3,300 of these becoming available in the next 12 months. The government is also increasing the revenue support of the total programme by 37%.
Once in their new home rough sleepers will be supported by specialist staff to access the help they need, such as support for mental health or substance abuse problems, so they can rebuild their lives, move towards training and work, and remain off the streets for good.
Homes England, in partnership with Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has pledged to work hand-in-hand with leading housing associations and local authorities to fast-track thousands of units of longer-term accommodation for rough sleepers needed now.
The plans are being pulled together by the Rough Sleeping Covid 19 Response Taskforce, led by Dame Louise Casey.
On the 26 May Dame Louise Casey has called on businesses, faith groups and local communities to join forces with the government, councils and charities’ efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic to help house rough sleepers and turn their lives around.
Timeline for retail to reopen
On the 25 May at the daily coronavirus press conference, the Prime Minister set out a timeline for retail to reopen in June.
Outdoor markets and car showrooms will be able to reopen from 1 June, as soon as they are able to meet the COVID-19 secure guidelines to protect shoppers and workers.
All other non-essential retail including shops selling clothes, shoes, toys, furniture, books, and electronics, plus tailors, auction houses, photography studios, and indoor markets, will be expected to be able to reopen from 15 June if the Government’s five tests are met and they follow the COVID-19 secure guidelines, giving them three weeks to prepare.
Businesses will only be able to open from these dates once they have completed a risk assessment, in consultation with trade union representatives or workers, and are confident they are managing the risks. They must have taken the necessary steps to become COVID-19 secure in line with the current Health and Safety legislation. The government is taking action to help businesses re-open and protect their staff and customers, including:
- working with local authorities to continue to carry out spot checks and follow up on concerns by members of the public
- publishing updated COVID-secure guidelines for people who work in or run shops, branches, and stores.
£50m reopening high streets safely fund
The High Streets Minister Simon Clarke announced on the 24 May a new £50 million Reopening High Streets Safely Fund.
The Fund will help councils in England introduce a range of safety measures to kick-start local economies, get people back to work and customers back to the shops. It will also support a range of practical safety measures including new signs, street markings and temporary barriers.
Councils will also be able to use this money to develop local marketing campaigns to explain the changes to the public and reassure them that their high streets and other commercial areas are safe.
A short video on how retail can be COVID safe has also been produced.
Funding boost for the Citizens Advice service
Citizens Advice and Citizens Advice Scotland will receive a funding boost of up to £15 million to help them deal with increased demand for advice and information from the public during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Consumer Affairs Minister Paul Scully announced on the 23 May.
The funding will allow them to increase their capacity so they can continue to deliver advice on a range of issues, such as if a person cannot pay their bills due to coronavirus, or how they can protect themselves from or report a coronavirus-related scam.
Do you need help or support?
If you need help or have a particular need please ring and talk to one of our friendly team who will take some details and pass them onto the relevant service. Call 01274 431000.
We can help by:
- picking up shopping
- delivering a food parcel to eligible people
- ringing for a friendly chat
- problem solving
See our website for more information about local support and volunteering to help others.
Are you concerned about someone's safety?
If you have a concern about the safety of a child or a vulnerable adult, do not keep it to yourself. Report your concern on the Safer Bradford website. We’re available 24/7, 365 days a year.
Or call:
- For children 01274 435600 (01274 431010 out of office hours)
- For adults 01274 431077 (01274 431010 out of office hours)
- If someone is at immediate risk of harm call 999
Don’t think, “What if I’m wrong?”. Think, “What if I’m right!”
Stay at home as much as possible
- Stay at home as much as possible
- Work from home if you can
- Avoid public transport if possible
- Local parks and green spaces are available for your daily outdoor exercise
- Always keep your distance in public (at least 2 metres apart)
- Wash your hands regularly
- If you or anyone in your household has coronavirus symptoms, you must all self-isolate
See the latest Government guidance on staying alert and safe.
Stay safe while out for exercise
Please follow the Government’s advice when leaving your home for exercise and observe the 2 metre rule for staying a safe distance apart. For more information about where you can walk in the Bradford district, and how to stay safe while you do so, visit our public green space and rights of way guidance page.
Use the NHS 111 online coronavirus service
Use the NHS 111 online coronavirus service if:
- you feel you cannot cope with your symptoms at home
- your condition gets worse
- your symptoms do not get better after 7 days
Only call 111 if you cannot get help online.
Helpful links
UK Government guidance and support
NHS coronavirus advice and information
Bradford district coronavirus advice and information
Support for local businesses
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