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Dear resident,
I write to you with an update on the current number of cases in Leeds, the actions we all need to take to stop the spread and prevent further rises; and the announcement we are expecting from government next week around further restrictions.
As you may be aware, an IT issue in the national system led to a delay in pillar 2 positive cases being reported last week. The technical issue is now resolved and the cases were included in the weekend’s figures, leading to a substantial rise in the reported cases and infection rate. Leeds had almost 2000 cases affected by this IT issue.
The latest figures for the 7 day infection rate is 367.6 per 100,000 and the positivity rate is 20.7%. This is another steep and serious rise that we continue to be very concerned about. Almost all wards in the city have rates of over 100 per 100,000, meaning that cases and transmission are city-wide. Our student areas have significantly higher rates. Hospital admissions are rising in Leeds, which has an impact on planned surgery if it continues. This reflects the national picture, with rates across most of the country rising, with really significant rises in northern university cities.
I am therefore asking everyone to do their keep playing their part to keep themselves and others safe, to minimise contact to stop the spread through:
- Making space and stay 2m away from people you do not live with;
- Washing your hands regularly and for 20 seconds;
- Covering your face in enclosed spaces; and
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Isolating when you need to/are advised to, and getting a test if you have symptoms.
To find out more about the current government restrictions for Leeds please and any further questions, visit: https://www.leeds.gov.uk/coronavirus/local-rules. This website is regularly updated with new information and frequently asked questions.
You may also have read that the government is planning to introduce a tiered approach to local restrictions. We have been asking for clarity on what these proposals will mean for the city, and are pushing for greater local powers that we know will help to stop the spread and for additional support for businesses affected by the pandemic. We are continuing to have conversations with government, but must prepare you for what we anticipate being greater local restrictions being imposed on Leeds by the government alongside other areas of the North next week. As soon as we know what the government decision is, and are clear on the implications, we will let you know what that means for us.
In the meantime, I strongly encourage you to do what you can now to minimise contact between households, and follow the guidance to keep yourselves and others safe.
Councillor Judith Blake
Leader, Leeds City Council
Local Restrictions
As it currently stands, the government placed Leeds into the category of ‘area of intervention’. If you live in Leeds it is against the law to:
- have guests in your home or garden
- go to someone else's home or garden (in or outside of Leeds)
Fines for those who break these rules start at £200 and double on each offence to a maximum of £6,400.
Please also remember, you must stay 2m away from people who do not live in the same household with you.
In addition to these legal restrictions, the government is also advising against households mixing in settings such as hospitality – check here for further information.
Self-isolation guidelines and support
Self-isolation is about protecting others and stopping the spread of Covid-19.
You must self-isolate immediately if:
- you have any symptoms of coronavirus (a high temperature, a new continuous cough, or a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste)
- you’ve tested positive for coronavirus
- you live with someone who has symptoms or tested positive
- you’re told to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace or the NHS Covid-19 app
- you arrive in the UK from a country with a high coronavirus risk
If you experience symptoms of Coronavirus, you must self-isolate at home and book a free test on the NHS website, by ringing 911, or by accessing the NHS Test and Trace app.
To find out for how long you must self-isolate, visit the NHS website.
If you’ve been asked to self-isolate by the NHS Test and Trace service, you may be entitled to a support payment of £500. More information is available here.
Support bubble and childcare support bubble
A support bubble is a close support network between a household with only one adult in the home (known as a single-adult household) and one other household of any size. Once you make a support bubble, you should not change who is in your bubble.
You can form a childcare support bubble if you:
- have a child who is 13 or under;
- you need help with childcare; and
- you are not in another childcare support bubble.
You can have one support bubble and one childcare support bubble.
To find out more about these new measures across Leeds and any further questions, visit: https://www.leeds.gov.uk/coronavirus/local-rules *
*This webpage is being regularly updated with new information and frequently asked questions.
World Mental Health Day
This Saturday 10th October is World Mental Health Day. One in four people experience a mental health problem every year, and this year in particular has demonstrated the importance of looking after our own mental health.
MindWell (@MindWellLeeds) have launched a #LetsTalkLeeds campaign to examine how the pandemic has affected people’s mental health, share support information and advice, and celebrate how Leeds organisations have creatively supported people’s mental wellbeing.
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