Coronavirus - Support for people and communities - July 31, 2020

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Coronavirus - Support for people and communities - July 31, 2020


Dear resident,

We hope you’re keeping safe and well.

This week’s update covers new restrictions in West Yorkshire, changes to the self-isolation period, and information on how you can support people who have been shielding.


New restrictions in West Yorkshire

Last night (Thursday 30 July) it was announced that Kirklees, Bradford and Calderdale have some additional restrictions in place.

People living within these districts must not meet with people they do not live with inside a private home or garden (unless they are part of a support bubble) or visit someone else’s home or garden even if they live outside of the affected areas. Further details are on the government’s website.

The new restrictions are not in place in Leeds (for those who pay council tax or vote in Leeds), where the number of positive COVID-19 tests is low in comparison to the Yorkshire and Humber region (4.8 positive tests in Leeds per 100,000 people, compared to 13.1 positive tests across Yorkshire and Humber per 100,000 people).

We thank residents for their efforts so far in helping to keep our rate of infection at a relatively low level, but we must not be complacent and we are encouraging everyone to continue to follow the guidance. This includes maintaining social distancing, wearing face coverings, washing your hands regularly, and getting a test if you have symptoms.

Because Leeds is close to Kirklees, Bradford and Calderdale, we are urging everyone to stay safe by not visiting family or friends living in these areas unless they are part of your support bubble.

Victoria Eaton

Director of Public Health 


Easing of national restrictions postponed

Today (Friday 31 July) the government has announced that restrictions which were due to be lifted in England tomorrow (Saturday 1 August) have been postponed by at least two weeks.

This means venues such as casinos, bowling alleys, and skating rinks must remain closed until at least 15 August.

Indoor performances will also not resume, pilots of larger gatherings in sports venues and conference centres will not take place, and the planned expansion of wedding receptions to allow up to 30 people will not be permitted.

Face coverings will also be compulsory in more indoor settings where people are likely to come into contact with people they do not know, such as museums and places of worship, from Saturday 8 August.

We will be sharing more information about how these latest announcements will affect our services on our website and social media pages.


Changes to the self-isolation period

The government has announced that the self-isolation period has been extended to 10 days for those who have coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms or a positive test result.

The most important symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) are recent onset of any of the following:

  • a new continuous cough
  • a high temperature
  • a loss of, or change in, your normal sense of taste or smell (anosmia)

If you have any of the symptoms above you must stay at home and arrange to have a test. After 10 days, or longer, if you still have symptoms other than cough or loss of sense of smell/taste, you must continue to self-isolate until you feel better.

If you live with others, all other household members must stay at home and not leave the house for 14 days.

Read the full guidance here.


Shielding update - help keep us all safe

Tomorrow (Saturday 1 August) marks the first time that people who have been advised to shield at home can now return to more of community life.

There are around 45,000 people in Leeds who have been advised to shield, meaning they are at the highest risk of serious harm should they contract COVID-19 – that’s 1 in every 20 people in our city.

Since March and for the past four months they have been advised to adhere to strict guidelines, and put their lives on hold by not going out, avoiding physical contact with loved ones, and even distancing themselves from people living in their own home. We’re urging all residents to now work together to keep them safe, and everybody else safe, by following the latest advice.  

Coronavirus is still in general circulation, and only if we all follow the guidance can we keep infection rates low and protect those who are particularly at risk. We can all do this by:

Many people who have been shielding are extremely anxious about returning to community life, but we can all do our bit to keep them safe.

Those who have been shielding can find information and support on our website: www.leeds.gov.uk/shielding.


Celebrating Eid-Al-Adha

In normal circumstances, Muslims would celebrate Eid-Al-Adha - the festival of sacrifice - on the 31st of July 2020 (moon sighting dependent) in the customary way.

Gatherings in venues like places of worship still present a risk for the potential to spread the virus. Following the relaxation of lockdown measures, places of worship have re-opened for services and Eid prayers are allowed in COVID-19 secure mosques, with the appropriate risk assessments and safeguards in place and with worshippers following social distancing guidelines.

For further guidance on what to do to pray Eid prayer in accordance with your school of thought in a COVID-19 secure place of worship, please do contact your local mosque for advice. You can also find more information on our website.

On behalf of Leeds City Council - Eid Mubarak!


As the lockdown eases we are preparing to open more of our services. To keep up-to-date with which services have re-opened, visit our website