Coronavirus update 27 January 2022
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A message from Cllr Kevin Guy, Leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council
Hello,
From today the Government’s Plan B restrictions will be eased further and this includes rules on face masks which are no longer compulsory. Covid cases however, are still high in Bath and North East Somerset and we are continuing to remind people to look out for each other, test regularly and to get vaccinated. This helps keep us all safe.
Thank you to Bath City Football Club, which today and yesterday hosted a pop-up vaccination site for people to just walk-in and get their first, second and booster jabs. Huge thanks also need to go to the dedicated staff and volunteers at the Bath Racecourse vaccination site which marked its one-year anniversary this week.
One of our core policies is to give people a bigger say and I am proud of our track record on consultation and engagement with residents, business and partners. Last year cabinet agreed to commission a citizens’ jury to determine the most appropriate safe, strategic cycle route to improve between the city centre, the University of Bath and the large employment and education sites in the Claverton Down.
Working with the university we have now commissioned Britain Thinks, who have significant experience in running independent community engagement panels, to establish a Citizens’ Panel. An independent jury of 24 people will deliberate on how to improve active travel between Bath city centre and outer areas of the city where we know we need to improve walking and cycling facilities. We want to stress the independence of the panel because we also recognise that reallocating road space from current uses to active travel such as walking and cycling is challenging.
Investing in sustainable transport improvements will help us meet our climate emergency target and cabinet met yesterday and agreed £129.39m of local transport schemes, matched by a £17.2m council contribution.
This funding follows a successful bid, led by the West of England Combined Authority (WECA), to the government’s City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS) fund. WECA’s Joint Committee will meet tomorrow in the Guildhall to consider the package of schemes across the region, ahead of a submission to the government and I will report back on this.
Today is Holocaust Memorial Day where we are able to come together to remember and to learn about the Holocaust. Together with Bath Interfaith Group we are holding a special virtual ceremony to mark the 77th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau in Poland. If you are not able to attend you can find the webinar on our Youtube channel.
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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Drive-thru boosters coming to University of Bath
Adults over the age of 18 in need of their booster vaccine will soon be able to visit a new drive-thru clinic at the University of Bath’s Claverton Down campus.
Opening this Sunday 30 January, and then again each Sunday afterwards, the new site will be the first of its kind in the region.
No appointments will be needed to visit the site, which will be open between 10am and 4pm, but people must only attend in a vehicle, as those who arrive on foot will be turned away. People will not need to have pre-booked an appointment, nor be registered with a GP.
Visit here for the latest vaccine information. |
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Plan B measures
From this week, the final Plan B measures have been removed. People are no longer required to wear a face covering in places such as shops, cinemas, public transport and places of worship. However, the government suggests we continue to wear one in crowded and indoor spaces where we may come into contact with people we do not normally meet.
For all the latest guidance, check the website. |
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Getting boosted
Everyone aged 16 and over is now eligible for a Covid-19 booster jab if it's been 3 months (91 days) since the second dose. Booster doses are also available to those 12 to 15-years-old who are at higher risk from Covid-19 or who live with someone who has a severely weakened immune system. First and second doses are available for all other 12 to 15-year-olds, second doses can be given 12 weeks after the first dose.
You can get your vaccine in the following ways:
- Book an appointment on the National Booking System (You need to be registered with a GP surgery in England to use this service. You can register with a GP if you do not have one.)
- If you cannot book appointments online, you can call 119 free of charge (lines are open 7am to 11pm). You can speak to a translator if you need to. If you have difficulties communicating or hearing, or are a British Sign Language (BSL) user, you can use textphone 18001 119 or the NHS 119 BSL interpreter service
- Get your vaccination at a walk-in clinic (no need to book or be registered with a GP). To find a walk-in clinic near you, please go to the NHS website. Bath Racecourse are currently offering walk-ins to those 12 and over, please visit the NHS website for more details, or check their Twitter feed to find out when they're being held.
- The school aged immunisation service have also arranged further dates with most schools in B&NES to vaccinate eligible children, where they have a positive consent.
If you’ve had a positive Covid-19 test, you need to wait before getting any dose of the vaccine. You need to:
- Aged 18 years-old or over: wait 4 weeks (28 days)
- Aged 12 to 17-years-old: wait 12 weeks (84 days)
- Aged 12 to 17-years-old and at high-risk from Covid-19: wait 4 weeks (28 days)
This starts from the date you had symptoms, or the date of the positive test if you did not have any symptoms.
Don't forget, you can take the Park and Ride bus service (no. 31) from Milsom St (Bath City Centre) to Bath Racecourse. A free shuttle service continues to run from the Park & Ride on the hour and on the half hour to Bath Racecourse, returning from the Racecourse to the Park & Ride at quarter past and quarter to the hour. Most shuttles are wheelchair accessible, but we cannot guarantee this. Please check the Bath Racecourse shuttle timetable.
If you find it difficult to get to a Covid-19 vaccination site due to accessibility, please call the Community Wellbeing Hub on 0300 247 0050. Lines are open Monday to Friday 9am until 5pm. The Hub will be able to arrange for a community transport provider to pick you up, take you to the vaccination site, and drop you home afterwards. There may be a charge for this service.
If you have any questions about the booster, watch this helpful video featuring Uzo Ibechukwu, Chief Pharmacist at the RUH Bath, who explains the difference getting the booster will make to you. |
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Vaccines for 12 to 15-year-olds
Children aged 12-15 are now eligible to receive two doses of the Covid-19 vaccination. If your child needs a first dose you can still book an appointment through the National Booking Service. Second dose appointments are also now available, and this appointment needs to be 12 weeks after the first vaccine or 12 weeks after a positive Covid-19 test.
The school aged immunisation service will be attending most schools in Bath and North East Somerset between February and April to vaccinate eligible children, where they have a positive consent. They will be offering both first and second doses.
In the meantime, if your child is due a first dose, or is already eligible for their second dose and would like to access this via your local vaccine centres, there is currently plenty of capacity outside of school hours. This can be booked via the National Booking System or by calling 119. Alternatively, all centres are offering a walk-in service when their centres are open, including weekends.
The full guidance is here.
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 Need to take a rapid test?
The testing van continues to provide test kits to residents across the district. There is continued high demand for tests, so please check our website before visiting to find out if the van is on the road, and where it will be.
You can still order lateral flow tests through the government website. Test availability on the site is refreshed throughout the day, so if there's none available please try again later. You can also take an assisted test at 19 New Bond Street in the centre of Bath.
Remember to register your test results. |
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Low-cost loans for energy-related home improvements
Homeowners may be eligible for grant-funded loft/cavity wall insulation or solar PV panels. Owner-occupier households can apply if they have a joint household income under £30,000 a year, or are in receipt of income related benefits. Homes must have an energy certificate rating (EPC) of E, F or G. |
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Independent B&NES citizens’ panel on active travel
Plans for an independent citizens’ voice on how best to boost walking and cycling in Bath and North East Somerset have taken a step forward with the appointment of a national organisation to recruit, establish and support an independent panel of local residents. |
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Recycling & rubbish collections
Our service is under pressure, please help our crews by sorting your recycling to help speed up collections. Keep missed boxes out and we’ll get to them as soon as we can. Please be patient – our crews will get to you. Updates can be found here. |
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New Opportunities event
Residents seeking work, training courses, upskilling, moving careers or business support, are invited to a New Opportunities event on 17 February 2022 from 10.30am-1pm at Bath Central Library, 19-23 The Podium, Bath BA1 5AN.
You will be able to speak to individuals who could provide you with practical support towards your employment, training and business goals. Institutions taking part include: Bath College, Cool Ventures, Future Bright, Job Centre, National Careers Service, We Work for Everyone, Women’s Work Lab and Youth Connect.
You can book a free place today. |
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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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Eight Highway Code changes you need to know
Rules for all types of road users will be updated in The Highway Code to improve the safety of people walking, cycling and riding horses. |
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Face coverings: when to wear one, exemptions and what makes a good one
Face coverings: when to wear one, exemptions and what makes a good one. |
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Coronavirus (COVID-19) testing for anyone working in adult social care who are not part of regular testing at work and unpaid carers
Guidance on entry testing for admission to state-funded selective schools during the COVID-19 pandemic. |
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Test and Trace Support Payment scheme: claiming financial support
Who can claim the support and how to apply. |
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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 70 B&NES residents have been helped with their job, business and training goals. Here is what some of them said about our services:
- “People who work there are professionals and always do their best to help!”
- “Straight to the point of the problem.”
- “My recent experience with BATHNES Employment & Skills pod was very helpful, it opened my heart to what I would love to do and opened some doors to keep me progressing with my finances end career. 10 out of 10.”
- “I thought it was very helpful, staff were clear, practical and very fast with support.”
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: information for all
A 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 9am-1pm, 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.
A collaboration between Bath & North East Somerset Council; HCRG Care Group; 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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