Update from the Leader of Southampton City Council
As students across the country get ready to begin or continue their higher education, Southampton’s two universities have released a joint student commitment to underline the important role they can play to ensure the safety of themselves and others during the COVID-19 pandemic.
This week, the Leader of the Council, Councillor Christopher Hammond met with the Vice Chancellor of Solent University, Karen Stanton, and the Director of Student Experience at University of Southampton, Keiron Broadhead. In this short video they explain the preparations they've made to reduce the spread of Covid-19 to protect students, staff and our wider community.
You can find out more from Southampton Solent University and the University of Southampton on their websites.
The latest COVID-19 data for Southampton
 Here is the latest data on cases of COVID-19 in Southampton. The situation in Southampton over the last few weeks suggests that infections may be beginning to increase – as we’re seeing in other parts of the country -- so it is very important we all follow new Government rules as they come into effect.
Downloading the new, free NHS COVID-19 NHS app is one way to protect those you love and help keep our local infection rate down. More information, including frequently asked questions, can be found on covid19.nhs.uk.
It is critical that we all follow guidance to protect ourselves, our families and others and help prevent the spread of COVID-19 transmission:
HANDS – Wash your hands regularly and for 20 seconds, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser that contains at least 60% alcohol.
FACE – Wear a face covering in indoor settings like shops and public transport, where it is required, where social distancing may be difficult, and where you will come into contact with people you do not normally meet.
SPACE – Stay 2 metres apart from people you do not live with where possible, or 1 metre where this is not possible with extra precautions in place.
If you have symptoms or a positive test result for coronavirus (COVID-19), it is very important that you self-isolate immediately for 10 days (14 days for those you live with). Visit the NHS website to book a free test, or where you can’t use the online website portal, call NHS 111 for advice. In addition to accessing NHS testing for COVID-19 through a home testing kit or attending a drive-through testing site (appointment required), those that have COVID-19 symptoms can now also access a test by attending a Southampton local testing site, open 7 days a week (appointment required).
Read about all the latest changes to guidance that have taken place this week on the UK Government coronavirus web pages. You can see the full dashboard we use to track the virus in Southampton on our website.
Please note that Public Health England do make small revisions to their data retrospectively after publication day. This means that if comparing with previous weeks, the numbers may not correspond precisely.
Help fight the virus - download the new NHS Covid app
 Help keep your loved ones safe by downloading the new, free NHS COVID-19 App today. It's the simplest way to help protect those we love.
The app has a number of tools to protect people, including contact tracing, checking into venues through an in-built QR code scanner, risk alerts by postcode, a symptom checker and test booking.
The app is part of the NHS Test and Trace service and NHS Wales Test, Trace, Protect service. It alerts people at risk of coronavirus, asking them to isolate before they potentially pass the virus on to others. It will be vital new pillar to enhance the English NHS Test and Trace service.
Certain hospitality and leisure venues are now required by law to collect personal details when people enter the premises. These venues are now required by law to display an official NHS QR code poster at their venue linked to a new test and trace app for coronavirus (COVID-19).
By scanning the QR code when they enter a venue, customers with the app can easily check-in and allow NHS Test and Trace to provide them with public health advice in the event of a coronavirus outbreak linked to a venue, as well as alerting other users.
The more people that do the right thing - by downloading and using the app, and self-isolating when alerted - the more we keep each other safe and stop infection rates rising. More information, including frequently asked questions, can be found on covid19.nhs.uk.
Translations explaining the app in several other languages are also available.
Colds and coronavirus - when can my child go to school?
 At this time of year, respiratory viruses circulate more easily and it can be difficult for parents and carers to separate the symptoms of the common cold and coronavirus.
If children have cold symptoms such as a runny nose or sneezing then they can attend school if they are otherwise well enough to do so.
However, if they have one or more coronavirus symptoms - a temperature, new continuous cough, or loss of taste or smell - then they should not attend school and you should book a test via the NHS website
You can visit the NHS website for more advice about children's health visit.
Please sanitise bin handles to help stop spread
 Are you a returning Solent University or University of Southampton student, moving in to a shared house? If so, then please help to stop the spread of the virus by washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before and after touching your wheelie bin, and by sanitising the handles.
Also, you might want to check what can go in to your blue lid recycling bin, as it could be different to what you could recycle when you were in Halls of Residence.
Music in the City
 In the mood for a spot of music? Southampton's biggest free music event is online on Facebook and YouTube is online on Saturday 26th September from midday.
It celebrates the wonderful diversity of musical talent from the Solent area.
From Rock to Jazz, Classical to Americana, Folk to Blues - there is something for everyone!
Visit the event website for more information.
Nahem Shoa: Face of Britain exhibition
 Opening this Saturday, 26 September at Southampton City Art Gallery, Face of Britain, curated by Nahem Shoa is an exhibition of portraits by outstanding artists who have painted British individuals from the 17th century to the present day. Amongst highlights from the Southampton City Art Gallery collection is a selection of Shoa’s own striking oil paintings of black and mixed race sitters. Face of Britain asks a question which is especially pertinent now as world events force the widespread reassessment of our history and institutions: What does it mean to be British in 2020? It’s free to visit Discover more at southamptoncityartgallery.com
You must now pre-book your free ticket online before visiting the gallery.
Highlighting the support available this Alzheimer’s Month
 Monday was World Alzheimer’s Day which is part of World Alzheimer’s Month and we’re encouraging people to talk about Dementia. Dementia is one of the main health conditions people face later in life ahead of cancer, cardiovascular disease and stroke.
There is an estimated 2,490 people aged over 65 in Southampton with a diagnosis of Dementia and this is projected to rise to nearly 3,700 by 2030. Of the 32,000 unpaid carers in Southampton it is believed that 10% of those support someone with a diagnosis of Dementia.
For more information about support available locally for people with a diagnosis of Dementia and their families here.
Great British September Clean
 It's not too late to organise or take part in a litter picking event as part of this year's Keep Britain Tidy running until the 27 September.
Visit our website to find out more. If you're interested in organising future community litter picks then contact: contact parksvolunteers@southampton.gov.uk
Please remember to ensure you're socially distancing at any event you attend.
Schools walking challenge – sign up by 30 October
 Our sustainable travel programme, My Journey, is bringing back its walking challenge for schools in October as part of International Walk to School Month.
The annual Walktober challenge is free to enter and is all about encouraging pupils, staff and families to walk as much as possible throughout the month. Participating primary and secondary schools will have the chance to win a range of prizes including Hampshire Outdoor Leader courses for staff, bespoke Mindful Movement courses for pupils and vouchers for family days out in Hampshire.
The deadline for schools to register is Wednesday 30 October – if your school would like to take part, you can sign up in just one minute here.
You can find out more about the Walktober challenge here.
Shirley Junior School creates space for social distancing with a School Street
 Shirley Junior School chose recently to set up a School Street, a temporary, part-time road closure outside the school (on Bellemoor Road) in order to provide space for children and their families to social distance at drop off and pick up times.
During the first week, parents and teachers manning the street closure, at the junctions with St James Road and Wilton Road, were supported by Southampton City Council’s My Journey team. Residents living on the closed section of road and needing to use their car are guided at walking pace through the closure. The School Street at Shirley Junior School was well received by parents, teachers and local residents for creating space for the children and their families as well as reducing noise, making the area outside the school safer and improving air quality around the school.
Watch the video to see the School Street in action and you can find out more about Southampton City Council’s School Streets programme here.
Advice for new or returning students
If you are a new or returning university student in Southampton then we’d like to offer you a very warm welcome to our city.
To help you as a Southampton resident, we've put together a checklist of things you need to do around major life events, such as being a fresher or a returning student living in Southampton.
Southampton is a vibrant and well-connected city, proud of its diverse community and boasting two universities alongside world-class shopping and entertainment, restaurants, a rich history and so much more. We’re here to help you make the most of student life in Southampton.
For more information visit our website.
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