Coronavirus update 1 July 2021
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A message from Kevin Guy, leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council
Hello,
The rate of Covid infection in Bath and North East Somerset has continued to rise and I urge you all to protect yourself and others from getting, and spreading, Covid-19. Advice from our Director of Public Health, Becky Reynolds, is in this newsletter.
Throughout the pandemic care workers have played a critical role in supporting and protecting the most vulnerable. They have been real heroes. Right now, the need for high quality care workers has never been greater and currently there are hundreds of jobs available across the care sector locally.
To help with this we launched a series of minute-long films this week to encourage people to consider a career in adult social care. In the films care workers talk about their jobs and the benefits of their chosen career. If you go onto our youtube channel you can see what they have to say about caring.
This is part of our proudtocare.bathnes.gov.uk,campaign which includes a website that lists up-to-date caring vacancies across a wide range of roles.
At the start of this week I was particularly pleased to visit a development of new homes at St Josephs’ Court in Sladebrook Road. These are being delivered by the council’s construction and development company, Aequus Construction Limited.
This is an exemplar site for sustainable housing and the council has agreed to acquire two energy-efficient three-bed homes on a shared ownership basis. The houses lead the way in sustainability by incorporating energy efficiency measures such as air source heat pumps and solar panels, which will save homeowners more than 50% on energy bills. The properties will also have electric vehicle charging points.
With further investment we can do much more and the West of England Combined Authority (WECA) has a role to play here. I have called on WECA to demonstrate how a forward-looking combined authority can deliver the climate action our area and our planet need.
Support is available for businesses in Bath and North East Somerset which want to make faster progress with their carbon neutrality. We are joining with Bristol-based Future Economy Network to bring climate and carbon-focused events to businesses across the district.
The events aim to enable organisations to share information with each other and explore solutions for making their businesses carbon neutral more quickly. The first event on July 22 at 6pm-8.30pm is How to Take Part in a Greener Future and businesses can sign up here.
Alongside the climate emergency, supporting business out of the pandemic is a priority for the council and this week I announced an extension to the dates of the Bath Christmas Market. This is to help both the stall holders and traders as they recover from the economic impact of Covid.
Have a good weekend. |
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A message from Becky Reynolds, Director of Public Health at Bath & North East Somerset Council
Hello,
I want to say a huge thank you for all you have been doing to follow the Covid-19 guidance to protect the ones you love and make our communities safer. I know that it’s been very difficult for many people, especially for school communities with families dealing with difficult challenges of their children self-isolating, schools and pupils getting to grips with remote learning, and school staff taking on contact tracing in addition to their day jobs.
Over the last few weeks, we’ve seen Covid-19 take on quite a different pattern. From the beginning of June our infection rates have climbed from a rate of 10 per 100,000 to a current level of 135 per 100,000. This rapid increase is caused by the Delta variant which is largely spreading amongst younger people, particularly in the 15-24 age group where we have highest rates.
Fortunately, hospital numbers have not increased at the same speed, although they have increased slightly. The lower rate shows how good getting a vaccine is at protecting against severe disease and needing to be admitted to hospital. This is great news but we are still in a race to get all adults vaccinated to protect those around us who are vulnerable or have only had one dose of the vaccine.
Our best defence against the virus is for everyone over the age of 18 years to get two doses of the vaccine. You can book a vaccine through the National Booking System here, or by phoning 119. So far, 129,675 of our population have had one dose of the vaccine already – that’s about 77% of over 18 year olds. 54% have had both doses. You can also download a free NHS app which will give you a record of your vaccination which you could use as proof of your Covid-19 status if you ever need this for travel or for any other reason.
Even when you are vaccinated, please make testing part of your regular weekly routine.
As we begin to look forward to summer, it’s important for us to remember that the virus hasn’t gone away. To protect ourselves and others we need to keep our guard up and practice the simple but powerful prevention messages of hands, face, space, and good ventilation. Thank you again for all you are doing – your extra care is making a big difference. |
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| These are the latest Covid case figures for B&NES – please play your part to drive the number down. |
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Covid-19 vaccinations now available to all adults
The NHS is now offering the COVID-19 vaccine to all adults 18 and over, or who turn 18 before 1 July 2021.
Find out more about who can get a COVID-19 vaccine.
For local information go to the BSW CCG website.
This leaflet tells you what to expect after you have had your vaccination. If you need a second dose of vaccine, make sure you arrange your next appointment.
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COVID-19 vaccination: worried about having your second dose of AstraZeneca?
Information for people eligible for COVID-19 vaccination who have had their first dose of AstraZeneca vaccine and have concerns about having the second dose. |
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Any Covid-19 symptoms ‒ you must take a PCR test
Please do not take a rapid flow test if you have Covid-19 symptoms. If you have symptoms, you must take a PCR test and then isolate until you receive your test result. Call 119 or visit here to book a test. Find out about Covid-19 symptoms here.
If you are identified as a contact of someone who has tested positive, you are now also advised to take a PCR test, even if you don’t have any symptoms. This is to help quickly identify additional cases and help identify variants. You must continue to self-isolate for 10 days even if your test is negative – as you could still be incubating the virus.
There's more information about claiming financial support if you've been asked to self-isolate here.
Around one in three people with Covid-19 have no symptoms. That's why it's important we all get into the habit of regular, twice-weekly rapid testing.
Taking a rapid test is easy. You can collect a test kit from most local pharmacies or you can order a test kit for delivery to your home. You can also visit one of our rapid test and collect hubs in Bath, Keynsham or Midsomer Norton:
- 3 Burton Street, Bath, BA1 1BN
- Ashton Way car park, Ashton Way Keynsham, BS31 2UF
- South Road car park, South Road, Midsomer Norton, BA3 2DB
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Hospitality venues urged to follow the guidance
We have written to hospitality venues across the district to offer support – and to remind them of the current guidance in relation to coronavirus. |
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Changes to Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
From 1 July, the level of grant has been reduced and businesses will be asked to contribute towards the cost of their furloughed employees’ wages. |
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Christmas market dates extended for week
Bath Christmas Market will be extended for an additional week as part of our commitment to support stall holders and traders as they recover from the impact of Covid 19. |
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Council delivering more affordable, sustainable homes
We are delivering on our commitment to build more affordable and sustainable housing with two properties nearing completion. |
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Council success in urging “much more ambition” from WECA approach to climate emergency
The council has secured a radical rethink of WECA’s approach to tacking the climate emergency, calling for “much more ambition” in its plans for delivering net zero. |
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Care workers share experiences in recruitment
A campaign to recruit care workers across Bath and North East Somerset has been boosted by a series of films which reveal the real-life experiences of people working in the sector. |
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Support for businesses on sustainability journey
Businesses in Bath and North East Somerset who want to make faster progress with their carbon neutrality are invited to join a series of events beginning in July. |
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Rare ancient Roman sarcophagus discovered
A stone sarcophagus dating from Roman times and containing two burials has been unearthed by archaeologists at Sydney Gardens in Bath. |
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Changes to volunteer shopping and medication offer
After more than a year of delivering emergency support to residents across Bath and North East Somerset during the Covid-19 pandemic, third sector organisation 3SG is stepping down from providing volunteer support for the Community Wellbeing Hub. |
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Stories and poems of Somerset
Bath Record Office has worked with local people in association with the St John’s Foundation to create a selection of poems, stories and essays based on its extensive collection of historic documents relating to the local area. |
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Summer railway work in the Bristol area
Travellers are being advised to check before they travel this summer with major upgrades planned for a rail junction near Bristol Temple Meads.
The work will take place over a solid eight-week period from Saturday 10 July until Friday 3 September and will mean varying changes to some train services throughout that period.
The work to a junction will increase capacity, making it easier to get trains in and out of the station and will mean fewer delays. The upgrade also includes adding an additional line, paving the way for new suburban services.
You can check what's happening at:
You can also follow the work on Twitter: #BristolRailRegen. |
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Council meeting calendar
Do you want to know about decisions being taken by the council and have your say? Please follow this link to the council’s calendar of meetings. |
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Latest Government guidance
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Wedding and civil partnership ceremonies, receptions and celebrations
Guidance for couples planning to get married or form a civil partnership in England, as well as managers of venues that host ceremonies and receptions, and individuals hosting these events in other venues, including a garden of a private home, on private land, or in a public outdoor place. |
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Coronavirus (COVID-19): jobs that qualify for travel exemptions
Jobs that qualify for exemptions from quarantine, passenger locator form or COVID testing requirements. |
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Follow us online
You can follow us on twitter, facebook and instagram; subscribe to us on YouTube, read the latest releases on our newsroom and if you sign up on nextdoor we are there too.
For updates on our services visit our website. |
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Domestic abuse
Southside provides help to people who live in Bath & North East Somerset who are at risk of domestic violence and abuse. The working hours are 9-5pm Monday-Thursday, and 9-4pm Fridays. Local support services can be found here. |
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Future Bright
Future Bright offers free careers coaching, training and support to help residents develop the skills and confidence needed to take the next step, with careers coaches helping you develop a personalised action plan and make it a reality. You can access the service if you are:
- aged 18 and over
- in paid work (this includes zero hours and self-employed) and are receiving benefits or tax credits
- or they are earning less than £9.50 an hour
- live in Bath & North East Somerset, South Gloucestershire or Bristol
To find out more and get in touch: www.futurebright.org.uk or call 01225 395555 for a chat with a member of the team. |
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Live Well B&NES adults
If you need mental health and wellbeing support go to Every Mind Matters and there’s also information on these pages:
Bathnes 1BD provides information, activities and support for families and children, including mental health and emotional wellbeing. We also have a similar page for adults needing support or care, on Live Well adults.
You can call:
- Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership Trust 0300 303 1320
- Community Wellbeing Hub 0300 247 0050
Bath Mind Breathing Space 01225 983130 breathingspace@bathmind.org.uk |
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Do you look after someone else?
If you support someone who has a disability, illness, mental health condition, addiction or who needs extra help as they grow older, Bath and North East Somerset Carers’ Centre is here for you.
Their friendly team will listen to any concerns you have, offer practical advice and access to free wellbeing activities to ensure you’re happy and healthy in your caring role. Contact our freephone support line: 0800 038 8885 or email us. We’re available 8:15am-12pm, every weekday. |
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Support available from the Community Wellbeing Hub
Anybody who is a resident of Bath and North East Somerset can benefit from support from the Community Wellbeing Hub, including those people who are isolating due to testing positive for Covid-19 or being in contact with someone who has Covid-19.
Originally a collaboration between Bath & North East Somerset Council; Virgin Care; the 3SG; Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Clinical Commissioning Group; and other third sector organisation representatives, the team can offer a range of support services such as mental health, returning home from hospital, income, housing and benefits advice, emergency food, as well as lifestyle services for help with stopping smoking, getting active or losing weight.
Residents who want to get back to work or change career can now get tailored advice on training and upskilling from a new Employment and Skills Pod. The Pod has been set up by the council and its partners to help people identify the type of job they could do, refer them to training opportunities and gain work experience.
To contact the Hub:
Phone: 0300 247 0050.
Email: CWHBanes@virgincare.co.uk
Website: http://communitywellbeinghub.co.uk
Text: 07870 868368
Opening hours: Monday–Friday, 9am until 5pm
If you need to contact the council about its services please ring Council Connect on 01225 394041 or email Council_connect@bathnes.gov.uk |
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Sight loss support
Sight Support West of England provides emotional and practical support to help people adjust to living with sight loss. Since lockdown this has been either online or over the phone. Now following careful planning, some covid-secure face-to-face support sessions are resuming on an appointment only basis.
Your Community Sight Loss Adviser will be available at Manvers Street Baptist Church, Bath on the first Wednesday each month and at Midsomer Norton Town Hall on the 4th Thursday each month.
To find out more, or make an appointment please call 0117 3224885 or email For more information on the full range of services visit www.sightsupportwest.org.uk
For more useful information visit the RNIB website: www.rnib.org.uk/ |
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Local agencies and useful links
We have been working closely with local agencies and if you would like to find out more about their work please look on their website: RUH, Avon and Somerset Police, Curo, and Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire CCG.
- Public Health England updates a daily dashboard: https://coronavirus.data.gov.uk/ It includes deaths that have occurred in all settings where there has been a positive COVID-19 test, including hospitals, care homes and the wider community.
- Latest information on coronavirus: www.gov.uk/coronavirus
NHS information on coronavirus: www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/ |
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Tune in
Local radio is a great way of keeping up to date with essential information, if you don’t already you should tune into BBC Radio Bristol, BBC Radio Somerset or BBC Radio Wiltshire. |
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Somer Valley FM covers Midsomer Norton, Radstock, Westfield and surrounding villages including Farrington, Paulton, Peasedown, Coleford and Stratton.
Broadcast online and on 97.5fm you can contact at studio@somervalleyfm.co.uk or call 01761 411 755 |
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| Bath Radio is a community radio station which has been operating as a hospital radio station for the past 50 years. It now broadcasts to the wider Bath community. Listen online. |
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| Radio Bath provides local news and information, promotes the city and supports its businesses, charities and community organisations. |
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Keynsham’s KTCRfm 105.8FM is now broadcasting 24/7.
KTCRfm covers Keynsham, Saltford, Hanham, Bitton, Warmley, Clutton, Timsbury, the Chew Valley and as far south as Temple Cloud. East to the eastern edge of Bath. North across South Gloucestershire to the M4 corridor and west into many parts of Bristol. |
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BA1 Radio have been established for a year in Bath and operate from a studio in Southside Youth Hub, broadcasting twelve hours of shows every weekday, focusing on Bath and the local community, including hourly news reports.
website: www.BA1Radio.org
call: 01225 941 080
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