An update on infection rates in Leeds
The latest Leeds infection rates have increased to 89.5 per 100,000, an 82% increase in the last 7 days. The Yorkshire and Humber average is 57.4 per 100,000 and the England average is now 54 per 100,000. Positivity rate has increased to 3.4% in Leeds. The over 60s rate has increased slightly (27% in last 7 days) to 11.8 per 100,000.
Cases in West Yorkshire continue to rise overall – including increases in Leeds – with the Delta variant (originating in India) the most dominant. In Leeds, it is estimated to be between 30-50% of cases, with this variant known to be approximately 40% more transmissible and potentially cause more harm.
Some increases in rates were to be expected given the easing of restrictions, although the Delta variant is making these increases more rapid. It’s even more important now for everyone to remember that people are still vulnerable. We must all do our part to prevent the spread of coronavirus, join the millions of people across the UK who have safely received their COVID-19 vaccination when you are invited and keep working #TogetherLeeds
 We all have a responsibility to stop the spread of coronavirus and keep others safe.
- Wash your hands regularly for 20 seconds
- Wear a face covering in enclosed areas
- Make space from people you don’t live with
- Open windows regularly, letting fresh air circulate
Free rapid Covid-19 testing is available to everyone in England. If you don’t have symptoms, it’s a fast and easy way to find out if you have the virus. Find out how to order tests here.
Keep testing
During the May half-term, eased restrictions have been welcomed and enjoyed by many families, children and young people who will have been able to meet up together.
To ensure we continue moving in the right direction and reduce the risk of COVID-19 entering our schools, families are urged to carry on testing as children have returned to school. Testing remains an important part of the overall strategy to get our lives back to normal.
You can access free home-testing kits in Leeds as follows:
If you test positive you’ll need to book an additional test via any of the city-wide locations. Find out where you can get a test here.
Vaccine update
Residents in Leeds are being reassured about the steps being taken to address a sharp rise in cases of COVID-19 among the city’s young people.
The latest data indicates cases of the virus have been consistently increasing over the past week and, while hospitalisations and deaths remain low, cases among unvaccinated age groups have risen.
The council and partners are also working to ensure vaccine supply chains remain strong and is seeking discussions with the government to ensure there continues to be sufficient quantities of Moderna and Pfizer vaccines to meet needs of younger people.
The vaccine is now being rolled out to the following groups:
- Those aged 25 and over
- Those who will turn 25 before the 1st July 2021
You do not need to wait to be contacted if you're in a group listed above. You may be able to book your COVID-19 vaccination appointments online now at https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/ or you can ring 119. However you can still wait to be contacted by your GP surgery and book your appointments with them.
Join the millions already vaccinated. Vaccination is the most important thing you can do to protect you and your community against serious illness.
Last chance to apply for Discretionary Support Grants
The council is re-opening these grants for Leeds businesses and charities affected by the coronavirus lockdown. This is the final opportunity to apply for these one-off grants - please only apply if you have not applied before.
Discretionary support grant: fixed property costs - open until 5pm on Monday 21 June For businesses and charities with fixed property costs of over £4,000 per year. You will get a maximum of £10,000 towards fixed property costs from rent, commercial mortgage payments, service charges or business rates.
Discretionary support grant: low fixed costs - opens Monday 14 June until 5pm on Monday 28 June For smaller businesses including self-employed people; businesses based at home or other domestic property, such as childminders, wedding services; businesses that operate from a vehicle, such as driving instructors and taxi drivers who live in Leeds; businesses with commercial property costs of less than £4,000 per year; smaller supply chain businesses and ones which are not registered to pay business rates.
You will get £500 if you are a sole trader or limited company or £1,000 if you are a partnership or you employ other people; towards fixed business and property costs such as rent and service charges for business premises, business related insurance such as public liability, commercial vehicle costs, membership fees to a professional body, or essential licence costs.
Check the eligibility criteria for both grants and apply online at https://bit.ly/LeedsGrants
Pride Month
Pride Month is an annual celebration that takes place each June as a tribute to those who were involved in the Stonewall Riots in 1969, when New York City police raided the Stonewall Inn, a gay club located in Greenwich Village.
LGBTQ+ protestors subsequently demanded the establishment of places where they could go without fear of arrest, catalysing the LGBTQ+ rights movement in the US and around the world.
The first official Pride parade took place the following year in 1970 and is an opportunity to embrace, support, remember, and celebrate the LGBTQ+ community.
Leeds Pride over the last 15 years has become one of Yorkshire’s leading events for the LGBT+ community, committed to championing and celebrating the contribution of LGBT+ people in Leeds and beyond.
It is disappointing that the Leeds Pride parade has been cancelled for a second successive year but we need to make sure that everyone is kept safe.
With restrictions still in place we ask that everyone celebrates safely this year continuing to follow the government guidance. For more information go to: http://www.leedspride.com/
Euro 2020
Euro 2020 is finally here! Enjoy the football but if you’re having a few drinks with the game, think about your behaviour and how it impacts others around you.
The warmer weather and easing of restrictions is providing more opportunities for socialising with friends & family. We want everyone to enjoy the summer and stay safe by following government guidelines.
Domestic abuse can increase during football tournaments such as the Euros. If you’re a victim of domestic abuse be aware you may be more at risk, help is available at https://www.leeds.gov.uk/antisocial-behaviour-and-crime/domestic-violence-and-abuse/help-for-victims-of-domestic-violence-and-abuse
If you know you’ve been violent in the past, help is available at https://www.respect.uk.net/
If you’re worried about domestic abuse during #Euro2020 help is available for everyone www.westyorkshire.police.uk/SafeSummer
European Union settlement scheme
Three weeks remain to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme. EU citizens can do this at http://orlo.uk/T8EtA to protect existing rights to live and work in the UK. The deadline for applications is 30 June.
See http://orlo.uk/nruLl for help sessions at the City Centre Hub or The Compton Centre, both by appointment only.
Applicants can book a settled status session on 03333 445 675 or visa@we-are-digital.co.uk. Sessions are Covid-safe.
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