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Statement from the leader of Bradford Council, Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe
“We must stick together to beat this virus.
"It’s with real sadness that I see that some people are using the local restrictions around COVID to promote division and disharmony. Let’s not play the blame game in the Bradford district. We’re better than that. The virus hits those people in poverty most, those people who live in densely populated urban areas, people who are on zero hours contracts who have to go out to work every day, those elderly people who are being cared for by their relatives in their own house. These are not people to blame, they are people we should be thanking as key workers, as people who have served the district well and as people who keep the district going now.
"Some people, including some politicians, are using the new regulations as a political football. Politicians who do this are wrong and irresponsible. We are interconnected as a place, we don’t live our lives neatly inside ward or constituency boundaries, neither should we. At a time of national crisis we have to stick together and protect each other. We can criticise all we like but the regulations are necessary and are designed to keep us safe. We must follow them.
"Our Muslim community has shown great fortitude throughout this period. They are amongst those who have been most impacted by the lockdown. During Eid ul Fitr in May they stayed at home, without going to the Mosque for prayers. Just two hours before Eid ul Adha, which is as important to the Muslim faith as Christmas is to Christianity, they were told by Government their celebrations would be spoiled. They have shown great dignity in their response to this today and I thank them for this. I want to wish the Muslim community Eid Mubarak. The work you do to support all communities all year round is noted and appreciated.
"These regulations are challenging for all of us, and the timing of the announcement was unexpected, but Government are right to bring them in and we need to follow them to prevent a local lockdown and to protect each other from illness and worse. Let’s not forget that the group most affected by Coronavirus is actually our elderly of all communities. 74% of deaths nationally have been amongst the 75+ age group. And it is the elderly of all communities who we have tragically lost. We don’t want to lose anymore.
"Just a few weeks’ ago we remarked on the wonderful coming-together of the whole district as we joined in clapping our NHS and care workers. Our forefathers during national crises of war stuck together, united in battling common enemies. We can’t see this enemy this time but it is all around us wherever we are in the district. To fight it we must retain that spirit of togetherness. Beating the virus is a joint effort, alone we can achieve nothing.”
Information about Covid-19 in the Bradford district can be found on our website
The latest Governement Guidelines on the North West of England: local restrictions – what you can and cannot do can be found here
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 or for BSL text 07790 347389.
We can help by:
- helping you get a priority shopping delivery slot
- arranging food parcels for people on the government shielded list who need them
- ringing for a friendly chat
- referring people who are not shielded who need emergency food to one of the district's food banks
See our website for more information about local support and volunteering to help others.
Stay at home as much as possible
- Work from home if you can
- Avoid public transport if possible
- Wear a face covering on public transport and in shops and supermarkets
- Keep your distance from people who are not in your household (at least two metres apart if possible)
- Wash or sanitise your hands regularly
- Use cashless payment if possible
- If you are contacted by the NHS Test and Trace Service please give them the information they need to keep everyone in the UK safe and follow the instructions they give you
- 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.
Coronavirus testing in Bradford District
Walk-in mobile testing units are available in community locations throughout the district. These testing units are a quick and easy way to get a coronarvirus test with or without an appointment.
The units are available for anyone who has symptoms of COVID-19, such as a high temperature, a new cough, or a change in sense of taste or smell, or thinks they may have the virus.
Face coverings
Wear a face covering on public transport and in shops and supermarkets. This is now mandatory for everyone except children under 11 and those with certain disabilities.
Please see our website for more information about face coverings including a short video by Dr Amir Khan showing how to safely put on and wear a face covering.
 If you do not have to wear a face covering
People who have a reason for not wearing a face covering (if they are exempt) should not be routinely asked to give evidence of this. However it might be helpful to be able to show something on a phone, wear a badge or print out a card that can be shown to explain to others.
If you would like to use an exemption card, or an image you can display to people on your phone, you can download these from the GOV.UK website.
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!”
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
Support for keeping your mind healthy
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