Welcome to the weekly COVID-19 information round up.
|
|
|
There is lots of information about COVID-19 coming from several different channels such as the Government and the NHS.
This bulletin aims to give you a summary about COVID-19 related information that is new or has changed recently.
|
If a friend has forwarded this email to you, you can subscribe to email updates about Coronavirus for people who live and work in the Bradford district.
NHS To Invite People Aged 38 and 39 For Life Saving Covid-19 Jab
The NHS Covid vaccination programme, the biggest in health service history and the most precise in the world, will open today (Thurs) to people in their thirties.
Those aged 38 and 39 are the first to qualify for a jab with around a million people being sent text messages that allow them to access the national booking service at the touch of a button with further invitations to follow in the coming days and weeks.
You are eligible to book your vaccine if any of the following apply:
- you're aged 38 or over
- you'll turn 38 before 1 July 2021
- you're at high risk from COVID-19 (clinically extremely vulnerable)
- you have a condition that puts you at higher risk (clinically vulnerable)
- you have a learning disability
- you're a frontline health or social care worker
- you get a Carer's Allowance, get support following an assessment by your local authority or your GP record shows you're a carer
If you're an eligible unpaid carer but you cannot book an appointment, speak to your GP surgery.
Book your vaccine here.
Prime Minister’s statement on coronavirus
On the 10 May, the Prime Minister gave a statement on the Step Three of the Governments's Roadmap out of Lockdown.
He confirmed that further easing of national restrictions will come into effect as planned on Monday 17 May which includes up to 6 people or 2 households being able to meet indoors and up to 30 people outdoors, pubs and restaurants being able to serve people indoors, the re-opening of cinemas and hotels, and overnight stays involving two households or six individuals in Britain, as well as the return of some international travel.
What you can do from 17 May:
You should continue to work from home if you can. When travelling within the UK, you should aim to do so safely and plan your journey in advance.
You should get a test and follow the stay at home guidance if you have COVID-19 symptoms.
- Gathering limits will be eased. Outdoor gatherings will be limited to 30 people and indoor gatherings will be limited to 6 people or 2 households (each household can include a support bubble, if eligible).
- New guidance on meeting friends and family will emphasise personal responsibility rather than government rules. Instead of instructing you to stay 2m apart from anyone you don’t live with, you will be encouraged to exercise caution and consider the guidance on risks associated with COVID-19 and actions you can take to help keep you and your loved ones safe.
- Indoor entertainment and attractions such as cinemas, theatres, concert halls, bowling alleys, casinos, amusement arcades, museums and children’s indoor play areas will be permitted to open with COVID-secure measures in place.
- People will be able to attend indoor and outdoor events, including live performances, sporting events and business events.
- Indoor hospitality venues such as restaurants, pubs, bars and cafes can reopen with COVID secure measures in place.
- Organised indoor sport will be able to take place for all (this includes gym classes).
- All holiday accommodation will be open (including hotels and B&Bs).
- Funeral attendance will no longer be limited to 30 people, but will be determined by how many people the COVID-secure venue can safely accommodate with social distancing.
- Limits at weddings, wakes and other commemorative events will be increased to 30 people. Other significant life events, such as bar/bat mitzvahs and christenings, will also be able to take place with 30 people.
- All higher education students will be able to access in-person teaching.
- In secondary schools and colleges, face coverings will no longer be needed in classrooms or for students in communal area. Twice weekly home testing will remain. (Please see Bradford District recommendations below)
- Support groups and parent and child group gathering limits will increase to 30 people (not including under 5s)
Read the full statement on the Government website
Bradford District: face coverings in educational settings:
In the Bradford District we recommend wearing face coverings in educational settings.
It is recommend that face coverings should be worn by staff and visitors in situations outside of classrooms where social distancing is not possible
Pupils in secondary schools, special schools and FE colleges should continue to wear face coverings in corridors & communal areas in schools (but not in classrooms).
Please note that this is advice, not mandatory, and head teachers may choose to decide otherwise. If you are unsure of the advice to follow please contact your school or college.
Government confirms traffic light list ahead of cautious return to international travel
International leisure travel from England no longer illegal from 17 May 2021 but strict border control measures will remain in place.
- UK government confirms international travel can gradually resume from 17 May, as 12 countries and territories are added to the ‘green list’
- strict rules on testing and quarantine will remain in place to protect public health and our vaccination programme, while people should not travel to ‘amber’ and ‘red’ countries for leisure
- international travel will be different as passengers are warned to expect additional checks and longer queues at the border
The following countries will move to green from the amber list at 4am, 17 May. If you arrive in England before then, you need to follow the amber list rules.
Australia, Brunei, Falkland Islands, Faroe Islands, Gibraltar, Iceland, Israel and , Jerusalem, New Zealand, Portugal (including the Azores and Madeira), Singapore, South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands, St Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha
Find out more about the rules for entering England on the Government website.
Are you visiting a care home resident?
The rules for care home visits will change, allowing up to five named visitors (two at any one time), provided visitors test negative for COVID-19
All care home residents are now able to participate in more out-of-home visits without having to isolate on their return.
Residents are able to leave their care homes to visit a friend or family member’s garden, or go on walks in public places, such as parks, public gardens and beaches, and will not have to self-isolate when they return.
Residents must be accompanied by either a care worker or nominated visitor and follow the government guidelines of washing hands regularly, keeping socially distanced and remaining outside in line with step two of the roadmap.
Residents who have tested positive, or who have COVID-19 symptoms, must self-isolate and would therefore not be able to leave the care home. In the event of an outbreak, all residents must self-isolate, and visits out will be suspended to prevent the spread of the virus.
You can read further Government information here.
Looking after your mental health
Better Health – Every Mind Matters’ campaign will be promoted during Mental Health Awareness Week which started on 10 May.
Having good mental health helps us relax more, achieve more and enjoy our lives more. We have expert advice and practical tips to help you look after your mental health and wellbeing.
There are resources available for Coronavirus and wellbeing worries you may have:
Celebrating Ramadan Safely
With COVID19 lockdown easing still ongoing, 2021 Ramadan will be a very different experience for British Muslims. Whilst restrictions will be more relaxed compared to 2020 things will still be different, please ensure we are all safe during Ramadan by following these guidelines:
- Please respect your Mosque’s neighbours.
- Be considerate when parking, maintain social distancing and keep noise levels to a minimum.
- Please remember, you MUST be wearing a mask before you enter a Mosque.
- Sunnah prayers - Please pray your sunnah prayers at home.
- This Ramadan, you MUST take your prayer mat to Mosque.
- You will pray on your mat, you will open your fast on your mat and there is NO communal eating
- Maintain social distancing in the Mosque at all times.
- Keep a 2m distance from EVERYONE in the Mosque, at all times, including Iftar and Tarawih.
- Iftar rules - Bring your own bottled water, bring your own khajoor (dates), DO NOT share food or water, no communal eating and no food distribution.
Self-isolate - help stop the spread
If you have coronavirus symptoms or have tested positive for coronavirus you must self-isolate for 10 days.
You should self-isolate if you have any of the following symptoms:
- a high temperature
- a new, continuous cough
- a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste
If you have not already had a test you can book your test here: www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test
Keeping yourself and others safe
Social distancing is still very important. You should stay 2 metres apart from anyone who is not in your household or support bubble where possible, or 1 metre with extra precautions in place (such as wearing face coverings) if you cannot stay 2 metres apart.
It is more important than ever to remember Hands, Face, Space and Fresh Air to keep infection levels down and our friends and family safe.
Coronavirus testing in Bradford District
If you live or work in the Bradford District there are now several different ways you can get a test for COVID-19 including mobile testing units, home testing and lateral flow testing.
Find out more about where you can go to get tested or see the information on how you can access tests to do at home.
COVID-19 Vaccine information
The NHS have provided partners with information on the latest COVID-19 vaccines including a list of FAQs. This page will be updated as and when more information is made available.
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.
See our website for more information about local support and volunteering to help others.
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
Support for local businesses
Support for keeping your mind healthy
Support for unemployed residents
|