Coronavirus - Support for people and communities - August 21, 2020

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Dear resident,

We hope that you’re well

Update on local clusters of spread and a reminder of our local outbreak plan

As of Thursday 20 August the Leeds 7 day average infection rate is 19.4 per 100,000. This follows similar patterns to what we are seeing across the region where the 7-day rate per 100,000 has increased in all local authority areas apart from Rotherham and York over the past week.

We are continuing with the measures we have in place and would like to thank everyone for their part in keeping themselves and others safe.

We are also continuing to closely monitor cases and take targeted preventative steps in Kirkstall, Harehills and the surrounding areas. There has been some increase in cases in the broader LS8 area, which may be a reflection of increased testing.

By continuing to follow the guidance we can help prevent further cases and stay on top of community transmission.

These include:

• Keeping a safe distance from others.
• Washing your hands regularly, for 20 seconds.
• You must wear a face covering on public transport, and in indoor areas such as shops, places of worship, hairdressers, libraries and healthcare settings. Your face covering must safely cover your nose and mouth and must securely fit around the side of the face. Further guidance about when and how to wear a face covering can be found here.
• No one in your household should leave home if any one person has symptoms.
• If you have symptoms, stay at home and book a free test on the NHS website external link or ring 119.
• If you need to stay at home and have no family or friends for support, ring 0113 378 1877 (please see below changes to the Covid-19 helpline from Monday 24^th August).

We’ve already put measures in place in area where have previously identified clusters of cases. These include additional support for families who are self-isolating, and working with nurseries, care homes and places of worship to promote important messages about testing, symptoms and preventative measures.

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.

Transport network prepared for the return of West Yorkshire’s students 

The West Yorkshire Combined Authority has been working with local councils and transport operators to ensure students can travel safely and observe social distancing when schools and colleges reopen in September.  

New school transport timetables and safety guidance will be available on the WYMetro website from Monday 24 August and families are reminded that face coverings are mandatory on public transport and dedicated school buses for 11s and over.  It is also recommended to pay in advance for safer travel and to consider cycling and walking for shorter journeys.  Detailed FAQs to help advise families are available here on their website.

Changes to our COVID-19 helpline

From Monday 24 August, callers to Leeds City Council’s COVID-19 helpline will be re-directed to Leeds Welfare Support Service (LWSS). This arrangement will remain in place until 30 November, after which residents will need contact LWSS directly on 0113 376 0330.

Shielding information in different languages

For those people who have been advised to shield, Forum Central - the city’s network for health and social care third sector organisations - has developed some updated messages in a range of different languages. You can find these on Forum Central’s website.

Staying safe on holiday

If you’re planning on travelling within the UK, remember that England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland may have different guidance and restrictions. Make sure you check these five tips to help you travel safely.

If you plan to travel overseas, Public Health England have some tips on staying safe. The government’s website also offers information on countries and territories from where you can travel to England and may not have to self-isolate.

Celebrating GCSE results

This week students across Leeds received their GCSE results in incredibly challenging circumstances. Well done to all who have been keeping up with school work and if you are planning any celebrations for your children please ensure these are in line with government guidelines and social distancing is observed.

Please be kind to our parks and green spaces

We have joined Keep Britain Tidy’s Love Parks campaign to encourage everyone to please be kind to our parks this summer.

The campaign follows an increase in littering and anti-social behaviour seen in parks across Britain since lockdown eased, including here in Leeds.

So let’s keep our parks looking great this summer. If the bins are full, please take your rubbish home with you. #LoveParks #KeepBritainTidy

Find out more at our website.