Coronavirus - Support for people and communities - January 22, 2021

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COVID BANNER

Coronavirus - Support for people & communities - January 22, 2021


Dear resident,

We hope you are well, staying safe and keeping an eye on the weather. This week’s update focuses on the current infection rates in Leeds as well as highlighting the available support on mental health and general wellbeing throughout the lockdown.


Update on the Leeds infection rate                       

The latest figure for the 7 day infection rate in Leeds is 285.3 per 100,000 people and the positivity rate is 11.7%.

Nearly three weeks into the national lockdown, we’re seeing a steady decline in infections and positivity rates for COVID-19 in Leeds.

While this is positive and encouraging, the infection rate is still very high and the NHS remains under tremendous pressure.  The new more transmissible variant is estimated to account for more than half of Leeds cases, and this figure is rising.

With this in mind, it is crucially important that we all remain vigilant and do everything we can to reduce the spread of the virus by following the basic prevention measures – hand washing, wearing face coverings, keeping a distance from others and to stay at home as much as possible. 

Significant progress is being made with rolling out the vaccination to priority groups in the city, thanks to NHS and partners working together with volunteers. This remains a priority and a reason for optimism moving forwards.  

As of January 18, the UK government has prohibited travelling abroad with the closure of all travel corridors. If you are arriving in the UK from abroad then you need to have proof of a negative COVID-19 test result, with the test taken in the 3 days before travelling. For a full list of the current guidelines, please visit https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus

Alert message

Be kind to our key workers

From doctors to nurses and pharmacists, and from essential retail workers to delivery drivers and security staff, we would like to encourage everyone to be mindful of the extra pressure our key-workers are under and remember that kindness goes a long way.

Be Kind to Our Workers

Physical Activity

During lockdown, it’s important to stay active and support mental wellbeing. If you are struggling to find motivation to exercise indoors, why not try the NHS fitness studio and their numerous instructor-led videos across aerobics, strength & resistance, pilates and yoga categories.

 

Lockdown fitness for the over 60s

The Leeds United Foundation has launched two new health and wellbeing initiatives for the over 60s.

Sporting Memories (via Zoom every Wednesday, 1pm to 2.30pm) features one hour of discussion for participants to share past sporting experiences and share sporting memories, followed by 30 minutes of physical activity.

Fit Generations held via Zoom every Monday has been created for over 60s with dementia or any other mental or physical disabilities. It helps participants socialise whilst encouraging them to stay active and learn new skills. It includes a variety of activities along with 30 minutes’ physical activity.

For further information about the initiatives, please contact Beth.Kerrigan@leedsunited.com

You can also read the current national guidance on exercise during lockdown.

 

Feel Better Inside Campaign

Public Health England has launched the Better Health - Every Mind Matters Campaign to support the nation’s mental wellbeing with the key message “When things aren’t so good out there, make inside feel better” it aims to encourage people to create a free NHS-approved ‘Mind Plan’ to help you deal with stress and anxiety, improve your sleep, boost your mood and feel more in control.  


Debt Support

January is a time where many of us take stock of our finances and tighten the purse strings. The Leeds Money Information Centre website is a Leeds City Council-managed website providing information on where to access free, independent and confidential advice and support on areas including debt and money advice, benefits and Universal Credit, emergency food, low cost loans, reducing utility bills and payment holidays, and employment support.

The government’s website also offers help and advice if you’re struggling to pay your utility bills, credit cards, loans or mortgage.