|
Dear resident,
We hope you’re well and keeping safe.
This week we have some important updates around preventative measures being put in place in areas of Leeds where we have seen small clusters of the virus spread – if we all work together and follow the guidance, we can hopefully prevent further outbreaks and transmission.
Information on local clusters of spread and a reminder of our local outbreak plan
The latest data and monitoring has enabled us to quickly identify clusters of cases in Kirkstall and Harehills, and surrounding areas.
The city’s seven day rolling average has also been gradually increasing from 4.1 cases per 100,000 people early last week, to 13.3 as at 5 August.
As part of the city’s outbreak planning, steps are being taken in priority areas in an effort to stop further increase in cases and to stay on top of community transmission.
These include:
- Additional support for families in the affected areas who are self-isolating;
- Mobile testing units deployed at Fearnville and Kirkstall leisure centres to help people access community testing
- Working with nurseries, care homes and places of worship to promote important messages about testing, symptoms and preventative measures.
Council and Public Health England officials are also calling for people in these communities and across Leeds to continue to play their part in keeping themselves and others safe by following the latest advice.
We can all play a part in preventing further spread and restrictions if we wear face coverings, wash our hands regularly, maintain social distancing and self-isolate and get tested if any symptoms appear.
Information on how to stay safe can be found here.
For more details about outbreak planning in Leeds and steps that can be taken to prevent the spread of Covid-19, please visit our website.
Help us make sure that everyone in Leeds knows how to stay safe and save lives
You can help by sharing our key messages on coronavirus with your friends, family, colleagues and communities —available in the top 12 languages in Leeds here.
Update on what to do if you have symptoms
Last week, the government changed the guidance on self-isolation. You should now self-isolate for at least 10 days if:
- you have symptoms of coronavirus and you tested positive, had an unclear result or did not have a test
- you tested positive but have not had symptoms
If you have symptoms:
- the 10 days starts from when the symptoms started.
If you have not had symptoms:
- the 10 days starts from when you had the test.
If you get symptoms while you're self-isolating:
- the 10 days restarts from when your symptoms started.
Booking a test
If you have symptoms, you must get a test to check if you have coronavirus as soon as possible. The test needs to be done in the first 5 days of having symptoms and can be booked via the NHS website or by calling 119 (translations available).
Local testing using the national system is already in place in Leeds through the Temple Green drive-through site, Bridge Street Community Centre walk-to-site and by the ordering of home testing kits. Both these options are available to anyone aged over 5 with symptoms and bookable through the national testing portal.
Additional Mobile Testing Units (MTUs) are also being deployed across West Yorkshire and are accessible through 119.
If you need medical help, your NHS is still here for you
If you have concerns about your health, contact your GP practice as soon as possible. The way consultations are carried out has changed but you can still get an appointment. If you’re asked to go into the practice, you’ll be seen in a safe and low-risk environment.
Learn more here.
When to call 999 and attend A&E
It’s important to get help quickly if you or a loved one become suddenly unwell. Any delay could lead to disability or even death.
- Choking
- Chest pain
- Blackout
- Severe bleeding
- A serious injury
- If you think you’re having a stroke
Learn more here.
Has your business or charity been affected by Covid-19?
The Discretionary Grant Fund second phase is OPEN until 28 August; to support businesses which DID NOT receive funding in the first round. Check the new eligibility criteria and apply using the online form
Advice for people looking for work
The pandemic has resulted in large numbers of Leeds residents being out of work. Employment and Skills Leeds is a council service that helps you find work during Covid-19 and beyond.
Employment and Skills Leeds have recently launched a new website that supports you searching for jobs, applying for roles and securing work. The site also provides advice and guidance on available apprenticeships and courses in Leeds and offers recruitment support to local businesses.
Find out more by visiting the website.
|
