Dear resident,
We hope you’re staying safe and keeping well.
This week we are bringing you important information on how lockdown measures will be eased safely in Leeds.
Leeds city centre reopening
Following the Government’s announcement that businesses and non-essential shops can open from 15 June, we are working hard to ensure the safety of those who will be returning to the city centre.
New signage, hand sanitiser points and enhanced cleaning are just some of the changes that will be introduced to limit the spread of the virus. Businesses have been provided with guidance to support them to operate safely. You can read more about the changes here.
Connecting Leeds is also working to temporarily widen footpaths across the city to allow walkers to keep a safe distance when passing. Residents are being encouraged to suggest areas that need more cycling or walking space to enable social distancing and encourage active travel. Have your say here.
In addition, Leeds Kirkgate Market will re-open its outdoor market from 1 June, with additional safety measures in place for the safety of staff, traders and customers. The indoor market has remained open for fresh food and essential produce throughout the ‘lockdown’ period.
Information on track and trace
Yesterday the government announced the launch of its new NHS track and trace service.
The scheme is designed so that anyone who develops symptoms of coronavirus can be quickly tested and alert people who they’ve had contact with. This will help to control the rate of reproduction (R), reduce the spread of the infection and save lives.
We are working with partners locally to ensure the scheme is launched as smoothly as possible for people in Leeds and we will update people on this as soon as we have more information.
Find out more here.
Discretionary business support scheme opens 1 June
The new support scheme will be open to small and micro businesses and local charities who:
- have not already received Covid-19 grant assistance;
- can demonstrate the impact of the pandemic on their business; and
- have relatively high ongoing fixed property costs.
Find out more here.
Money advice
If you are worried about money, debt, struggling with bills or thinking of taking out a loan, please check Leeds Money Information Centre. It includes details of organisations in Leeds that offer free help and advice on money, debt, budgeting, reducing bills and affordable loans.
Primary school return from 1 June
Although 1 June is the earliest date a school can begin a phased return of children in Reception and Years 1 and 6, this may not be the date that your child’s school begins theirs. School leaders have a significant range of factors to take into account when deciding how much face-to-face support they can offer pupils. Every school is unique, with individual circumstances and challenges to consider. This is why we have asked head teachers to make decisions on what their school can offer whilst keeping your child as safe as possible. We appreciate this may be frustrating to some families. However, please respect the decision made by the head teacher of your child’s school, in the knowledge that the safety of all children and staff is at its heart.
If it is possible for your child to return to school, at this stage is not compulsory for them to do so, and you will not be fined if you decide to keep them at home.
We will also be introducing our first ‘school streets’ pilot scheme on Monday 1 June with up to 6 schools taking part. The pilot schemes will use a temporary traffic regulation order, restricting traffic to help with phased and staggered returns for those children who are going back to school. Find out more here.
Stay safe
Last night the government announced some easing of the lockdown restrictions. Groups of up to six people from different households will be able to meet outside from Monday including in gardens and other outdoor spaces, provided strict social distancing guidelines are followed. It still remains the case that people shouldn’t spend time inside the homes of their friends and families, other than to access the garden or use the toilet.
And finally...
A national sewing campaign – The Big Community Sew - has been launched to help ensure that every person in every community in Britain has the face protection they need to be safe outside their homes.
Find out how you can get involved.
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