Leeds is expected to be added to Public Health England’s weekly watch list
Leeds is expected to be added to Public Health England’s weekly watch list of areas of concern due to our city’s rising COVID-19 infection rate (as of 04.09.2020, the 7 day average infection rate is 32.4 per 100,000 with a 3.5% positivity rate).
Although this does not mean any further restrictions for Leeds at this stage, local lockdowns could be imposed if the city’s infection rate does not fall. Ongoing efforts to manage the increasing infection rates include targeted community work, mobile testing units and public awareness campaigns.
Everyone has a part to play in continuing to follow the guidance to help prevent further cases and reduce the rising infection rate:
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Wearing a face covering on public transport, and in indoor areas such as shops, places of worship, hairdressers, libraries and healthcare settings.
- Wearing a face covering is crucial for helping to stop the spread of Covid-19 to others.
- You can find further guidance on wearing a face covering below.
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If you have symptoms, stay at home and book a free test on the NHS website or ring 119. For information on how long you will need to self-isolate, please visit the NHS website.
- If you're told to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace, self-isolate for 14 days from the day you were last in contact with the person – as it can take up to 14 days for symptoms to appear.
- If you need to stay at home and have no family or friends for support, ring 0113 378 1877 where you will be re-directed to Leeds Welfare Support Service.
- No one in your household should leave home if any one person has symptoms.
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Keeping a safe distance from others, even if wearing a face covering.
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Washing your hands regularly, for 20 seconds.
Outbreaks amongst young people
Around 50% of recent cases in Leeds are among people aged 18-30.
The latest data suggests that a lot of the cases are in different areas of the city, meaning they may be linked to social interaction and leisure activities. The spread is broad and changeable across wards and cases have also been increasingly detected in younger people aged 18-34, with some concern over activities like house parties and gatherings. Visitors to pubs, bars, restaurants and social gatherings in Leeds are being urged to do their bit to keep the city safe.
We are asking parents and carers of young people to remind them of the risks of Covid-19 and reinforce the guidance we currently have in place to stay safe.
This is crucial to help reduce and stop the spread of the virus and particularly, protecting those residents and family members who are most vulnerable.
New measures are now in place to tackle large gatherings, which increase the risk of spreading coronavirus and are a particular concern for the city. It is now a criminal offence to organise or facilitate any gathering of 30 people or more, and anyone who does may face a £10,000 fine. Fines of £100 will continue to be issued to those who take part in or attend illegal gatherings, and those who have already received a fine will see these doubled on each offence. Read more on the government’s website.
Back to school/ Returning to school safely
From 7 September 2020, Leeds schools and colleges will reopen for all pupils.
If you live two miles or less from your school or college, the government is encouraging students and staff to walk, cycle or scoot where possible.
This will help to:
- maintain social distancing
- reduce pressure on the public transport network for those who need it
- improve fitness and health
- look after the environment
New school transport timetables and safety guidance are available on the WYMetro website 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. Detailed FAQs to help advise families are available here on their website. You can also find detailed information and support on Leeds City Council’s dedicated back to school website.
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