Update on infection rates
The latest figures for the 7-day infection rate is 165.5 per 100,000 and the positivity rate is 8.2%.
It is encouraging to see that our infection rate and positivity rate are reducing, progress that is down to the significant sacrifices that everyone is making. However, our NHS continues to be under pressure and we want the rate to reduce further so we ask that everyone continues to play their part.
The city reached a tragic milestone on 1st December when the overall number of Covid-19 related deaths since March passed 1000. This news comes as a stark reminder of the devastating human cost of the pandemic, and is a timely reminder as we exit national lockdown and move into Tier 3 that we all still need to follow the latest guidance, and participate in local contact tracing where appropriate, if we are to maintain our recent positive progress and keep the infection rate down.
Remember to wash your hands, wear a face covering, and stay 2m apart from people you do not live with.
If you have symptoms, you must protect yourself and others and get tested. Ring 119 or visit the NHS website to book a test. Self-isolate if you are asked to and call 0113 376 0330 if you need support to help you do this.
New Tier 3 restrictions
As of 2 December, Leeds is in Tier 3: the Very High level, according to current government guidelines. The new rules aim to reduce contact between different households and help reduce the spread of Covid-19.
This will mean that:
- You must not meet with anyone outside your household or support bubble in indoor areas and outdoor private places, such as gardens
- The rule of six applies to all tier levels, so you should not meet with more than 5 other people in outdoor public spaces (such as parks)
- Pubs, bars, cafes and restaurants will remain closed, though they are allowed to continue operating a takeaway or delivery service
- Retail and personal care (such as hairdressers) can reopen
- Leisure and sports facilities can reopen, but group exercise classes should not go ahead
- You should avoid travelling outside of the area, unless for work (if you cannot work from home), education, youth services, to receive medical treatment, or for caring responsibilities
- The advice is still to work from home if you can
For full details of restrictions and exemptions, visit:
www.gov.uk/guidance/local-restriction-tiers-what-you-need-to-know
Christmas
The government recently published guidance on forming a ‘Christmas bubble’ with loved ones.
Between 23 and 27 December, you can form a Christmas bubble to include people from up to three different households. When forming your Christmas bubbles it’s important to take account of your current support bubbles as these count as one household, and any childcare bubbles you may have, which are classed as separate households.
You can only be in one Christmas bubble and you cannot change your Christmas bubble during the five days over the Christmas period.
You can travel between tiers and UK nations for the purposes of meeting your Christmas bubble between the 23 and 27 December (anyone travelling to or from Northern Ireland may travel on the 22 and 28 December.)
We all have a part to play in helping ensure everyone can celebrate Christmas safely. The best way to do this is to take care when mixing with people you don’t usually live with, and by continuing to take steps to reduce the spread of the virus, including:
- Washing your hands regularly and for 20 seconds.
- Following rules on self-isolation.
- Opening windows regularly, letting fresh air circulate indoors.
- Trying to limit the number of people you come into contact with in the weeks before you form your bubble, especially if you will be spending time indoors with vulnerable people.
For full guidance on forming Christmas bubbles, visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/making-a-christmas-bubble-with-friends-and-family/making-a-christmas-bubble-with-friends-and-family.
You can continue to meet people who are not in your Christmas bubble outside your home according to the rules in the tier where you are staying
Leeds Covid-19 connect & support service
On Monday 30 November the Leeds Covid-19 connect and support service launched, aimed at reducing and containing the spread of Covid-19 in the city’s communities.
This new service will run as a partnership between Leeds City Council and Public Health England and also work closely with trusted third sector partners and the NHS.
As a local service in Leeds it will work in tandem with the current national tracing system, using local knowledge and information to get in touch with residents who may need to self-isolate and who can’t be contacted by the national service.
The local team will try to trace contacts and give them advice and guidance to help them isolate for the required length of time including support to shop for food or get medication.
Advice for people looking for work, education & training
The pandemic has resulted in large numbers of people being out of work. Employment and Skills Leeds is a council service that can help you find work during Covid-19 and beyond.
We are delivering a programme to support residents into employment, education and training which is available to anyone aged 16 and over who is out of work.
Our team of qualified employment advisors are available to work with you on a one-to-one basis for up to six months. To access support, call 0113 378 4576 or email esleeds@leeds.gov.uk
Welcoming you safely back to the city centre
Leeds City Council and our retailers have worked hard to provide a safe shopping environment for you to enjoy now that we have moved from lockdown into Tier 3.
We’re anticipating an increase in footfall and we’re encouraging people coming in to the city centre to plan their journeys in advance. When you’re thinking about travel, please consider re-timing your journey outside of peak times 3-5pm, wherever possible, so not to get stuck in any of the busy periods.
To help you plan ahead, please see information on our website.
If your journey is short, please consider leaving your car behind, sometimes walking or cycling may be quicker during busy times. The best cycle routes can be found here.
Some shops will be open later, so it’s worth thinking about late night shopping too.
The work around retail areas on the Headrow (between Park Row and Briggate) is almost complete. We’ve worked to widen pavements and crossings and created some new cycle ways. Please bear with us whilst these are completed.
Fancy being in with the chance to win a £20 voucher to spend with our local independent businesses? Snap us a selfie at @ConnectingLeeds using #PlanAheadLeeds with your pictures of you leaving your car at home and trying out a new way to travel (walk, cycle or Park & Ride).
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