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Statement from Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe, Leader of Bradford Council, 16 October 2020
Cllr Susan Hinchcliffe, Leader of Bradford Council, said: “Today leaders of the five West Yorkshire authorities were invited to a briefing given by the Deputy Chief Medical Officer for England, Jenny Harries looking at the epidemiology of the virus in West Yorkshire. There was no discussion about moving to a higher alert level.
“Our infection rates are high, not yet as high as the North West but they are increasing. Government is obviously taking great interest in our infection figures. We share the Government’s concern. The number of hospital admissions and tragically deaths is still rising, nor is it just elderly people who are being affected. Our number one priority is to take the most effective action possible to tackle the virus, protect people and save lives.
“The Council cannot do this alone, it is the responsibility of all of us to play our part in beating this virus. It is crucially important that we follow the current rules and guidance, especially the instructions on self-isolating to prevent the spread of infection. Latest research nationally shows that only 18% of people self-isolate when they have symptoms. If everyone self-isolated for the full 10 days, then we’d be able to arrest the rise of the infection rate and avoid further restrictions.
“Leaders in our region are united in our call for more resources to implement effective local health measures to tackle the pandemic in our region. This must include more support for local test and trace, community engagement, and more support for people to self-isolate.
“Earlier this week Professor Chris Whittey, the Chief Medical Officer for England, publicly praised the work that we have done in Bradford to tackle the virus. I want to thank Bradford district residents for all you have done so far to help. But we still have a long way to go to beat the virus. That’s why I’m asking everyone to keep going with the regulations – stay apart, wash your hands, wear a face covering and self-isolate if you have symptoms.
“The Government have asked to meet with us again next week although no date is set yet. We will be stressing with the Government how local measures like test and trace, more home testing and support to self-isolate can play a major role in bringing down infection rates when we meet with them again early next week.
“We expect the Government to engage in open, constructive discussions about how to strengthen the health measures to tackle the virus, without doing further damage to the economy, jobs and livelihoods.”
Current restrictions
 People in all parts of Bradford District are now banned from socialising with other people outside of their own households or support bubble in private homes and gardens.
Protect your loved ones. Download the app.
The new NHS COVID-19 app, now available to download for free in England and Wales, is the fastest way to see if you're at risk from coronavirus. The faster you know, the quicker you can alert and protect your loved ones and community.
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
- 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
- Wear a face covering on public transport and in shops and supermarkets
- Keep your distance from people who are not in your household or support bubble - stay 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 coronavirus 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
You need to wear a face covering in lots of different places. 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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