Coronavirus update 18 November 2021
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A message from Cllr Kevin Guy, Leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council
Supporting business in Bath is a priority for the council and earlier this week I visited the council’s new property hub which is also being used for start-up businesses as a pop-up space.
15 New Bond Street is open for our commercial property letting services during the week and for seven consecutive weekends it is being used by local traders as a pop-up shop. It is a fantastic space where we are able to promote the assets we are fortunate to have in Bath and to attract new business to our city and our high streets.
While COP26 has ended work continues at all levels to meet ambitious targets to get to net zero and limit global warming to below 2C. In September we held Bath and North East Somerset’s first Climate and Biodiversity Festival and our Youtube Playlist demonstrates what’s happening locally and the great work being done by our teams and Councillor Sarah Warren, deputy leader and cabinet member for Climate Emergency and Sustainable Travel.
Last year the council was instrumental in setting up a B&NES Race Panel following the murder of George Floyd in the USA, as public outrage was felt across the world about Black Lives Matter and racial discrimination.
The collective aim of the panel is to build a fairer community and champion those in our communities who experience inequality because of their ethnic background. As leader of the council I was pleased last night’s full Council supported the panel’s work and that it continues, in order to strengthen the voices of people from ethnic minorities. Council also received a report on safety for women and girls in public places, led by a cross party of women elected members who are focusing on women’s safety. Women should not have to face violence or harassment in public places, at work or in their own homes and I will be updating you as this work progresses.
For many the offer of free concert tickets will be music to people’s ears. I was delighted to meet members of Bath Philharmonia to learn more about its work and their very generous offer of free tickets to residents of Bath and North East Somerset. After the restrictions of the past 20 months it’s good to see the cultural life of the city come back to life. You can find out more about the ticket offer here.
Finally, as we go out more and meet up, please remember Covid has not gone away and we need to continue to look out for each other. Simple steps such as regular testing and getting jabbed can help prevent the spread. These steps also help avoid pressures on the NHS, on our council services and on local businesses, as we go into winter.
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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Getting your Covid-19 vaccine
Parents across Bath and North East Somerset can now arrange for their children aged 12 to 15 to receive a coronavirus vaccine using the online National Booking Service.
Out-of-school vaccinations have been introduced to supplement what is already happening in schools and will continue to be available throughout November.
The National Booking Service can be accessed online by visiting www.nhs.uk or over the phone by calling 119.
Information about the local rollout of the coronavirus vaccine, including details of vaccination centres and an extensive list of frequently asked questions, is available here. |
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Book your booster jabs now
If it's been five months since your second Covid-19 vaccination, you can now access the National Booking System to book your booster appointment. Booster vaccines can still only be given six months after your second dose, but you can access the booking system sooner so you can get the jab as soon as you are ready. You can book or manage your appointment via the nHS website, or by calling the 119 number (lines open every day 7am to 11pm).
As well as Covid-19, it's worth remembering that other winter viruses are on the rise, including flu. As fewer people have built up a natural immunity to flu during the pandemic, more people are likely to get the it this winter. Research shows that you're more likely to be seriously ill if you get flu and Covid-19 at the same time.
Getting vaccinated against both flu and Covid-19 will provide protection for you and those around you against both of these serious illnesses. Find out if you’re eligible this autumn/winter. |
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Bath Racecourse bus service changes
A walk-in vaccination clinic is still running at Bath Racecourse on non-race days. For those travelling to the racecourse by bus, the shuttle from the Park and Ride at Lansdown is no longer available on Saturdays, due to driver shortages. It is still running Mon-Fri, and the full timetable can be viewed here.
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 Asymptomatic Covid-19 testing
With case rates high in school-age children, it's also really important that families in particular take a regular LFD test to help identify asymptomatic cases and help protect those older family members.
Remember to look out for our mobile test and collect van. Locations are published on our website, and you can pick up test kits or have a supervised test. Trained outreach workers will also answer questions about Covid-19 vaccinations.
Please do not attend the van or the test and collect hub in New Bond Street if you have any of the symptoms of Covid-19. Take a PCR test instead.
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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Help those in need to have a happy Christmas
Organisations across the area helping people who are struggling to make ends meet, are sharing details about the best way to donate and volunteer this Christmas for anyone who wishes to spread some festive cheer. |
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Area forums to focus on local preparations for winter
Organisations, groups and residents are being invited to attend a series of local meetings to find out how the council and its partners are planning for winter. |
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Work starts on Workhouse Burial Ground
Residents and volunteers have been working together to improve the site of the Bath Union Workhouse Burial Ground in Odd Down with the aim of acknowledging its past and making it more wildlife friendly for the future. |
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Statement from Councillor Manda Rigby
Councillor Manda Rigby, cabinet member for Transport, said: “We need to set the record straight following a cabinet meeting last Wednesday where Councillor Vic Pritchard confused two different Anti-Terrorism Traffic Regulation Orders (ATTRO) when he spoke at the meeting. |
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Raising awareness of the impact of alcohol
People across Bath and North East Somerset are being urged to talk about the impact alcohol can have on their relationships and consider changing their drinking habits for a happier, healthier life. |
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Council helps Care Review improve services
A team from the children’s care review visited Bath & North East Somerset this week, to meet with partners involved in children’s social care. |
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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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Checklist for parents of children aged 12 to 15 years
Pre COVID-19 vaccination checklist for parents of children aged 12 to 15 years. |
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Domestic abuse: how to get help
Find out how to get help if you or someone you know is a victim of domestic abuse. New translated guidance is now available. |
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Check if you can claim back Statutory Sick Pay paid to employees due to coronavirus
If you're an employer, find out if you can use the Coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme to claim back employees' coronavirus-related Statutory Sick Pay (SSP). |
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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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Employment and Skills Pod
Are you returning to work after a short or long break? Perhaps you are already in work and planning to change the direction of your career? The Employment & Skills Pod can help you find the right opportunities.
Since launching in March, more than 50 B&NES residents have been helped with their job, business and training goals. Here is what some of them said about our services:
- “Friendly professionals giving helpful and spot on advice. Really appreciate your help.”
- “Great help during the uncertain process of attempting to change careers.”
- “Great communication. They have endeavoured to seek out potential possibilities to push my career in the right direction. I would highly recommend this free careers service.”
- “The service was very professional and thorough.”
Call us now on 0300 247 0050 or email us on EmploymentSkills_Pod@bathnes.gov.uk. You can also find out more on the website. |
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Live Well B&NES adults
A brand-new, web-based resource providing information, signposting and support to residents in Bath & North East Somerset has launched.
Live Well B&NES provides a wealth of useful information, signposting and resources for families, including Ofsted registered childcare, children and young people with additional needs (our SEND Local Offer) and adults needing care or support to live independently.
Information, services and groups are regularly added to Live Well B&NES. If you work with, support, provide services or run groups for children and young people or for adults needing care or support (such as older people, adults with physical disabilities and/or sensory impairments, people living with mental ill health), and haven’t already registered - make sure you’re included! It’s free and takes less than five minutes to register.
Find out more:
https://livewell.bathnes.gov.uk/
www.facebook.com/livewellbathnes
www.instagram.com/Youth_Info_Bathnes |
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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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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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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.
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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