7 January 2022
Resident Bulletin
Due to the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19), we are providing regular email updates to let you know about the latest information we have on local and national measures to contain the virus, any changes to local services and support that's available.
If you do not wish to receive these updates please click on "unsubscribe" at the bottom of the page.
Further information is available from www.rotherham.gov.uk/coronavirus
The daily case rate has increased rapidly over the festive period. The current rate in Rotherham is 2,251.1 per 100,000 (7 days data to 1 January 2022), an increase of 105.3 % from last week’s rate of 1096.3 per 100,000. This is the highest the case rate has been in Rotherham during the pandemic.
Unfortunately, there have also been 5 COVID-related deaths (within 28 days of a positive test) in Rotherham between 25 December 2021-1 January 2022.
The rapid rise in case rates demonstrates just how transmissible the Omicron variant is and is being seen across all age groups. Most worrying is the rise in the over 60s case rate which is now at 1282.7 per 100,000 and has doubled within the last week. Based on modelling and what has been seen elsewhere we are expecting these increases to continue for at least another week to 10 days before we reach our peak.
If you are planning to meet up with friends and family, please take care. Remember:
- Take a lateral flow test before meeting people or before going to a busy venue, such as a pub, shopping centre, or live event
- Wear a face covering in most indoor venues and try to keep 2m apart from people you do not live with
- Wash your hands regularly and wipe down surfaces that are used often
- Keep your house well ventilated by opening a window when you have guests
 Currently, council services are running with minimal disruptions.
The Council will continue to monitor the level of staff absences over the next few weeks and teams are ready to implement their business continuity plans. If there are any disruptions to services, the Council will update these on the website and on its social media channels.
From Tuesday 11 January 2022 (next week), there will be changes to when you get a PCR test.
If you test positive using a lateral flow test, you no longer need to get a PCR test to confirm the result. You must record your positive result at GOV.UK and self-isolate right away. If you test negative you should also record your result on the website.
If you have any symptoms of COVID-19, including if you have any cold-like symptoms, you must arrange to get a PCR test and self-isolate.
PCR tests are only available from a Local Test Site, Mobile Testing Unit or through the home testing service. Please do not go out to a library, pharmacy or leisure centre to collect a LFT test kit if you have any symptoms of COVID-19.
Further information is available on the Rotherham Council website
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Track and Trace Payment
Both the Government and Council are still offering financial support to some people who would lose income because they are self-isolating.
If you are wanting to apply for the Track and Trace Payment, you must still get a PCR test to prove your eligibility.
Apply for the track and trace payment here
Help our frontline workers stay safe and healthy by getting a lateral flow test before you are visited by or plan to visit anyone from the Council, health and social care, or GP surgery.
This includes any visits from a carer service, a housing officer, district nurse, or GP home visit.
Please let them know, either by calling them before your planned visit or before they enter your house, if you have symptoms.
If you have recently tested positive for COVID-19, please let any planned visitors know as you may need to reschedule your visit.
Get your tests by calling 119 or by going to www.gov.uk/order-coronavirus-rapid-lateral-flow-tests.
You can also collect lateral flow tests at Rotherham libraries, leisure centres and at pharmacies. Please be aware, these are subject to availability.
 The festive season may be over, but you can still do you bit to protect your loved ones by getting the COVID-19 vaccination.
So far, an amazing 76.7% of Rotherham residents eligible for their booster have had their jab, however, there are still many people who are yet to have their first, second or booster doses.
Appointments and walk-in sessions are happening across the borough for everyone eligible for the vaccine. Keep up to date the latest information by following NHS Rotherham CCG on their Facebook page.
Download session information
Weekend vaccination sessions for 12-15 year olds
 If your son or daughter is aged between 12 - 15 years old and missed their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at school, there are sessions specifically for children at Old Green Oaks, Rotherham Hospital this weekend Saturday 8th January and Sunday 9th January.
Please note, these sessions are for the 1st dose only.
Book an appointment on the National Booking site now
As of 8am on Wednesday 5 January, 87 inpatients in Rotherham Hospital tested positive for COVID-19, of which 5 were in critical care. This brings the total number of inpatients who have tested positive since the start of the pandemic to 3,725. A total of 2,782 patients have been safely discharged to their usual place of residence.
There are currently restrictions in place for visiting the hospital. Visiting for adult inpatient wards is currently suspended, although there are exemptions.
Full information is available on the Rotherham Hospital website
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The isolation period for cases is being changed for most people, however, it is still a legal requirement to self-isolate if you test positive for COVID-19.
If you test positive on either a PCR or lateral flow test, you must self-isolate, whatever your age and even if you have had both vaccinations or your booster.
If you have symptoms of COVID-19 or have tested positive for the virus, it is now possible to end self-isolation after 7 days, following 2 consecutive negative lateral flow tests taken 24 hours apart. The first LFT should not be taken before the sixth day.
Further information is available on the Rotherham Council website
Download the self-isolation graphic
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 Residents and businesses in Rotherham are being invited to have their say on the Council's spending plans in the 2022/23 financial year.
The Council will begin the formal process of setting its budget in February and wants to hear which services local people think should be prioritised for investment.
Rotherham Council manages an annual budget of £236m, which is generated from £116m in Council Tax, £71m in Business Rates and £49m in Government grants.
This money is used to provide a huge range of public services in the borough, including social care for vulnerable adults and children, road maintenance, school places, job creation, support for the homeless, housing, libraries, bin collections, community safety, parks, planning and licensing.
Since March 2020, the Council has also been at the forefront of the local response to the Coronavirus pandemic, providing vital support to families and businesses most in need whilst continually adapting to ensure the vast majority of its services could continue as different restrictions have come and gone.
People can register their views on the Council’s website www.rotherham.gov.uk/budget by the end of Sunday 23 January 2022.
 Click the image above to register for the Rotherham Round-up and receive bulletins direct to your inbox
We send out a free fortnightly e-bulletin, the Rotherham Round-Up to keep you up-to-date with what's happening across the borough.
The email includes a wide variety of news, video and events - you can view the last issue here (issued on 3rd December).
It's free to sign up for the bulletins, which we usually issue on alternate weeks to this COVID update.
Click here if you want to receive the Rotherham Round-Up direct to your inbox.
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