Coronavirus update 16 September 2021
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A message from Cllr Kevin Guy, Leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council
This week the government set out its Covid winter plan to tackle Covid-19 to stop its spread. The plan focuses on encouraging vaccine take-up, the roll out of booster jabs for people aged 50 and over, those aged 16 and over with underlying health conditions plus all frontline health workers.
One vaccine dose for 12-15-year-olds is also being offered. Staff from Virgin Care’s Immunisation Service Team will visit all schools across the region over the coming weeks and will work with both teaching staff and parents to ensure the process of offering the vaccine to as many eligible young people as possible is carried out in a safe and timely manner.
People eligible for a booster vaccination will be contacted directly by the NHS approximately six months after their last Covid-19 vaccine was given, with those who received their second dose early at four weeks being called first.
The plan also sees the continued use of test, trace and isolate as well as reminders to us all about good ventilation and fresh air.
Measures, including re-introducing mandatory mask wearing in some settings and asking people to work from home, if they are able to, will be kept in reserve if the data suggests that overwhelming pressure would be put on the NHS and public health.
Please be aware this weekend we are re-relocating our rapid Covid-19 testing centre at 3 Burton Street to a unit in New Bond Street ( link) and we continue to visit communities across the district with our mobile testing van.
This week I was delighted to help launch Bath & North East Somerset’s first Climate and Biodiversity Festival where we are showing real leadership and showcasing local action towards net zero. The festival runs until September 26.
In addition to championing the real change happening in our communities, I will be meeting other local leaders and mayors next week, to discuss the West of England Combined Authority’s proposed new approach to reducing carbon emissions and protecting the environment at an extraordinary meeting of the West of England Combined Authority Committee and Joint Committee. The meeting will focus solely on issues related to the climate emergency.
We all have a shared responsibility to tackle the challenges of the environmental crisis and as WECA leads on transport, housing, business and skills it has the power to lead change. This is why we put pressure on WECA to declare a climate emergency and why I called the authority out for lacking ambition. However, the paper before us at the meeting is a step in the right direction.
I will also be seconding a motion to the Joint Committee to officially oppose plans to expand Bristol Airport. It was only weeks ago when the climate crisis was described as ‘code red for humanity’. We have to make bold decisions and we stand firm in our opposition to the proposed expansion.
Finally, on behalf of Bath & North East Somerset I want to say how proud we are of Team Bath and the incredible 21-medal haul they produced at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games. We look forward to their continued success next year at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.
Have a good weekend. |
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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 Response: Autumn and Winter Plan 2021
This week, the government announced their Autumn and Winter plan. You can find out more about the plan here. |
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Test and collect hub moving to New Bond Street, Bath
From next Monday 20 September, our test and collect site in the centre of Bath will move from Burton Street, round the corner to 19 New Bond Street. Residents, shoppers and workers in Bath city centre will still be able to pick up their test kits and take supervised tests from the new site. |
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Vaccination walk-in clinics at Bath Racecourse
Walk-in Covid-19 vaccination clinics are still available for everyone aged 16 and over at Bath Racecourse on non-race days. You don't need to book, but please check for when events are being held. Doses of both Pfizer and AstraZeneca are available. And First bus is continuing to offer free journeys for anyone travelling to the Racecourse to get vaccinated.
For other walk-in vaccine clinics, check the Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Clinical Commissioning Group website.
The website also has more information on the vaccine rollout, and details of all local health and care services. |
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Self-isolation removed for double-jabbed close contacts
Adults and children who are double jabbed no longer need to self-isolate if they are identified as a close contact of a positive case. Instead, they are advised to get a free PCR test as soon as possible.
If you have symptoms, you must take a PCR test and isolate until you receive your test result. Call 119 or visit here to book a test. Find out about Covid-19 symptoms here. Appointments at PCR test sites are refreshed throughout the day so please try again if you haven't been successful in booking on your first attempt.
You can order a home test kit to be delivered to your home. There's more information about claiming financial support if you've been asked to self-isolate here.
Covid-19 remains a serious health risk. It’s important that we all stay cautious and help protect yourself and others. Check the latest government guidance here.
Let's look after each other. Covid-19 hasn't gone away. |
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 Check out our mobile testing van
Remember to keep an eye out for our mobile testing van and drop in if it's in your area to pick up your test kits. The van will now continue to run until the end of October.
The van’s locations are published on our website you don’t need an appointment – just turn up and have a supervised test or collect LFTs to take home. Trained outreach workers will be aboard the van, so people can also ask any questions about testing, support to self-isolate, vaccination or other COVID-19 queries.
You can also pick up test kits from our libraries in: Timsbury, Radstock, Bishop Sutton, Weston, Midsomer Norton, Keynsham and also Bath One Stop Shop. |
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More than £43,000 funding for community projects
Residents of Weston Village in Bath are set to enjoy improved outdoor spaces following new community funding awarded by the council. |
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Sustainable new homes in Bath
The first low-energy properties in Bath that are part of the council’s commitment to build more affordable and sustainable housing are now on sale. |
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New neighbourhood planting havens
A call for residents to help increase biodiversity by creating new wildflower meadows and planted green spaces in their neighbourhoods has been made by the council. |
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Community Contribution Fund set to open
Charities, community and voluntary groups will soon be able to apply for grants from the council’s pilot Community Contribution Fund. |
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Climate & Biodiversity Festival opens this week
The first Climate & Biodiversity Festival opened this week with a gathering at the Guildhall for all the Community organisers who have helped to shape the two-week programme of events. |
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Community-led initiative to switch to clean energy
Residents are being offered an easy way to invest in solar panels and battery storage to power their homes with clean energy and support the council’s net zero carbon ambitions. |
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Proud to care recruitment campaign launched
Interested in a new career? Over the summer we launched our Proud to Care campaign and are holding a Proud to Care recruitment fair on Tuesday 21 September. More than 20 employers have signed up to attend alongside jobs and training agencies. Come along and find out more. |
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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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Ventilation of indoor spaces to stop the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19)
What ventilation is and why it is important. |
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Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19). |
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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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Specialised dementia groups in B&NES
Age UK Bath & North East Somerset are starting two new specialised Dementia Groups, which are now running weekly in Midsomer Norton & Bath.
These groups are a safe, fun environment for people to come for activities and friendship. Staff are trained in Maintenance Cognitive Behaviour Therapy which helps concentration, confidence, memory and wellbeing.
You can find out more here or call 01225 466135. |
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Future Bright
Do you know someone who is in work and wants to take the next step in their career? Future Bright offers FREE careers coaching, support and access to training. Future Bright Careers Coaches work with local residents to develop the skills and confidence needed to improve their work and pay. Check out the Future Bright newsletter to read about those who have already benefitted from the project.
For more information go to www.futurebright.org.uk or give us a call 01225 395555. |
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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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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 9am-5pm Monday-Thursday, and 9am-4pm Fridays. Local support services can be found here. |
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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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