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Dear resident,
We hope you’re keeping well.
This week we are bringing you important updates to some of our services and advice on how to stay safe as lockdown restrictions are further eased.
Updates on restrictions
On Tuesday, the government sent out new guidelines on lockdown restrictions. It is important to remember that although some restrictions have been eased, this is not seen as the end of social distancing.
To stay safe and slow the spread of the virus, here are three key things to remember:
• The two-metre rule still applies wherever possible
• If you can’t stay two metres away, you must try to maintain a distance of one-metre plus.
• Where neither of these are possible, you must take other measures to reduce the risk of spreading the infection. This includes wearing face coverings, standing side-by-side instead of facing people, and using Perspex screens and other barriers.
You must also wear face coverings on public transport and if you have been invited to a face-to-face NHS appointment in Leeds, unless you are under 3 years old or have medical condition that prevents you from doing so.
More information on keeping safe during this time can be found on the government website.
Updated advice for people shielding
From 6th July to 31st July – some changes to shielding
It has also been announced that the guidance for people who are shielding is set to change from 6th July. You can find out more about this at the government’s website.
People who are shielding remain vulnerable and should continue to take precautions and maintain strict social distancing. For now, this means only spending time outdoors with members of their own household. If a shielded person lives alone, they can spend time outdoors with one person from another household. Ideally, this should be the same person each time.
The latest information about shielding in Leeds, including help and support that is available, and tips protecting your physical and mental wellbeing, can be found on our website.
Businesses reopening
The new guidelines mean more businesses will be able to re-open, providing they can do so safely.
During the last two weeks businesses have been gradually reopening across the city centre, with new measures in place to keep people safe. These include hand sanitising stations so shoppers can wash their hands regularly widened pathways to keep people moving safely, and signage reminding visitors of how they can keep themselves safe such as by using contactless payment.
We are working with the retail and hospitality sector and the Leeds BID to support businesses to reopen in the safest way possible. Part of this includes looking at how we grant street licences for premises to help them to reopen in a way which does not prevent people following social distancing guidance so they can get around the city safely.
Charges for council-run car parks and on-street parking will resume from 4 July. Our website contains all you need to know about the important changes we are making.
We are still assessing what the recent changes will mean for opening some of our Leeds City Council facilities. This includes our museums, galleries, parks and other attractions. Check out our website and social media channels for the latest information.
In the meantime, there is still time for small businesses and local charities to apply for discretionary grant funding before the scheme closes on Sunday.
Covid-19 and hayfever symptoms
During the recent warmer weather we’ve been experiencing, GPs are warning people not to confuse hay fever symptoms with COVID-19, and make sure you know the difference between the two before you go out and about.
And finally… Celebrate Armed Forces Day at home this Saturday
People of all ages across Leeds are encouraged to celebrate the courage, dedication and commitment of the British Armed Forces, as part of Leeds Armed Forces Day this Saturday (27 June).
Armed Forces Day is usually marked by hundreds of events across the UK, however due to Covid-19 people are now being encouraged to celebrate from their own homes.
Find out how you can get involved and pay tribute to our Armed Forces.
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