Welcome to the weekly COVID-19 information round up.
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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.
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The Government announced that people in England will see restrictions start to lift. They have published details of a four-step road map which details the route back to a more normal life.
Details on the each step can be found on the government website.
Plan ahead and travel safely this bank holiday
The bank holiday weekend is approaching so the roads and attractions are likely to be busier than normal.
While we can visit more places now that restrictions have eased, please ensure you protect yourself and your family by following the safer travel guidance below:
- Check before you travel.
- Regularly wash or sanitise your hands.
- Wear a face covering, unless exempt.
- Keep your distance from others where possible.
Guidance following your first COVID-19 vaccination dose
It’s great that so many of us have had our first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine but please remember that it will take 2–3 weeks before the vaccination starts working. You could still pass the infection on to others. Let’s work together to keep everyone safe.
The next important step is for you to get your second dose of vaccine when you are invited.
It is important to get the second dose because this will further reduce your chances of becoming seriously ill with COVID-19 and means that this protection will last for longer.
There is some initial evidence that people who have been vaccinated may be less likely to pass on a COVID infection to others, but this is not yet clear.
Scientists who advise the government are working hard to understand when it might be safe to relax the rules completely but until then it is important that we all stick to the guidelines.
Bradford District taking part in COVID-19 vaccine booster study
Bradford District is one of 18 locations across the UK selected to give volunteers a booster COVID-19 vaccine as part of a new clinical trial.
Bradford District has been chosen as one of 18 National Institute for Health Research (NIHR)-supported sites across the UK to take part. The team at Bradford Institute for Health Research (BIHR), based at Bradford Royal Infirmary, part of Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, will roll out the study.
The study will give scientists from around the globe and the experts behind the UK’s COVID-19 vaccination programme a better idea of the impact of a booster dose of each vaccine in protecting individuals from the virus. It will include a total of 2,886 patients and participants are to begin being vaccinated from early June.
The initial findings, expected in September, will help inform decisions by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) on plans for a booster programme from autumn this year, ensuring the country’s most vulnerable are given the strongest possible protection over the winter period.
Volunteers can find out more about the study and sign-up at www.covboost.org.uk and www.nhs.uk/researchcontact.
Protect yourself against new variants of COVID-19
Local health chiefs are concerned about the new variant that has caused devastating scenes in India, and is now spreading in some parts of the UK.
Sarah Muckle, Bradford Council’s Director of Public Health, said: “So far we have identified fewer than 10 cases of this variant in the Bradford District and our local public health teams are working hard to detect and isolate these cases.
“It’s vital that Bradford learns from other areas. What we see in Bolton and Blackburn is that the variant spreads really quickly among populations where there are lower rates of vaccination.
“We need to act now, to protect ourselves against the new variant of COVID-19 and I’d urge people to please get vaccinated – even if you’ve said no in the past, it’s not too late to change your mind and get protected.”
Following updated advice from the government and Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), people aged 50 and over and the clinically vulnerable are having their second doses brought forward to counter the spread of the Indian variant.
Last week, the Government and the JCVI announced that second dose appointments will be brought forward from 12 to 8 weeks for those aged 50 and over who have yet to receive theirs.
People who should have their second dose brought forward do not need to contact the NHS. The NHS will let them know when they can rebook.
Anyone aged over 34, or over 18 and clinically vulnerable or a carer, can book an appointment at one of the vaccination centres at Jacobs Well, Airedale Hospital or Bradford College or at one of the pharmacy centres available through the national booking service.
Book at www.NHS.uk/CovidVaccine or by calling 119.
GPs in the district are also continuing to work together to provide vaccinations at local centres and are busy contacting eligible patients to book appointments.
People under 39 and pregnant women will be offered the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine in line with recently updated JCVI guidance.
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
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