Coronavirus update 28 April 2022
|
|
A message from Cllr Kevin Guy, Leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council
Hello,
It is great to see our area spring back into life. Good Friday to Easter Monday were our busiest four days at the Roman Baths since before the pandemic and the week leading up to Easter was also a very busy one for our fantastic libraries, which is great to hear.
In addition, for the second year in a row, Bath has been ranked the best place to live in a league table ranking nearly 1400 cities, towns and villages across England and Wales, which is a real boost.
We need to keep supporting and investing in our area to ensure it continues to thrive.
That’s why the announcement that the new Bath World Heritage Centre will open to the public on Monday 9 May is so important. Supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the World Heritage Centre is expected to attract 100,000 visitors per year once established, providing yet another boost to our economy.
The World Heritage Centre will provide something we’ve never had before in the city: a central place for visitors and residents to find out about Bath’s World Heritage Site status, and provide an insight into what makes the city so special.
Another thing which makes our area special, and contributes so much to our vibrancy and economy, is our student population. Earlier this week I spent some time with the representatives at the Students’ Union at the University of Bath to discuss how we can strengthen still further the invaluable ties between the University and city.
I am also very pleased that our cultural and economic importance is increasingly being reflected in our work with our partners in the West of England, including attracting new investment, such as funding to secure a new home for the Fashion Museum. This, in addition to the substantial investment into transport that is already planned, will benefit both our area and the wider region.
Our next cabinet meeting to be held on 5th May will be in person. There is a full agenda, with transport very much to the fore, but there is also a report updating on the work we have been doing to deliver our council priorities ‒ such as tacking the climate emergency and progressing the first new council homes for rent in a generation. We have achieved this while responding effectively to the many challenges of the last year; responding to the pandemic (particularly supporting the fantastic vaccine rollout); and, most recently, providing support and welcome to Ukrainian refugees. My thanks go to everyone who has made this happen.
For everyone who is observing Ramadan I wish you a happy weekend with Eid al-Fitr celebrations.
Have a good weekend.
|
|
| We are no longer be publishing the Covid-19 update as the government moves to the next phase of managing the pandemic. However, you can find the latest Government data on coronavirus here. |
|
Current guidance for coronavirus
Free testing for Covid-19 has now ended for most people. However, you may still be able to get free rapid lateral flow tests if you work for the NHS or in social care, if you are going into hospital, or you’re at high risk of getting seriously ill from Covid-19.
From this month, care home residents, people aged 75+, and those with a weakened immune system aged 12+ will be invited to get a spring Covid-19 booster. The NHS will contact you and invite you to book your spring booster when it’s due.
Covid-19 is still with us, so it's important we all consider how we can continue stay safe and help prevent the spread of coronavirus. |
|
Boosters and vaccinations: who can get what?
Not sure what vaccinations you and your family members should have received? To find out the latest information on which doses are available for each age group, visit the BSW CCG website and click on the question 'Am I eligible for a booster vaccine?'.
Meanwhile, the Spring Booster will only be available until the end of June. Those over 75 years of age or those aged 12 and over who have a weakened immune system, should not wait for a NHS letter, instead they should go ahead and arrange their vaccination if there has been 182 days (6 months) since their last booster.
Covid 19 vaccinations can also be booked for children aged 5-11 through the National Booking System. There are more clinics being added to the NBS each day with availability currently up until May half term. |
|
Vaccination clinics
There's still time to grab your first, second or booster doses at the following upcoming clinics.
Bath City Football Club, Twerton
- Wednesday 4 May, 11am-6pm
- Wednesday 18 May, 11am-6pm
These clinics will offer
- First and second doses for 12-years-old in Year 8 and above
- Boosters for people aged 16 years old and over, plus at-risk children aged over 12 years old
- Spring boosters for people aged 75 years old and over, plus people aged over 12 years old with a weakened immune system
- Additional primary doses for people with a severely weakened immune system aged over 12 years old
If you’ve had a positive Covid-19 test, you need to wait before getting any dose of the vaccine. You need to wait:
- 4 weeks, or 28 days if you're aged 18+ and or if you're an at risk 12-17 year old
- 12 weeks, or 84 days if you're aged 12-17
This starts from the date you had symptoms, or the date of the positive test if you did not have any symptoms.
If you or your child have had symptoms of COVID-19, but have not had a test, you should wait until your symptoms are better to get a COVID-19 vaccine. You can talk to a healthcare professional at the site about this.
You can book your vaccination appointment online; you need to be registered with a GP (or call 119) to book online. Or you can visit a vaccination walk-in clinic; no need to book or be registered with a GP. To find one near you, go to the NHS website.
If you are planning to attend a walk-in clinic, please check the 'grab a jab' website to make sure the site is open that day.
If you need a translator, have difficulties communicating or hearing, or are a British Sign Language (BSL) user, use textphone 18001 119 or the NHS 119 BSL interpreter service |
|
Timetable announced for decision on HCRG contract
The council and Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Clinical Commissioning Group have now set out the timetable for a decision on extending a contract for adult community health and social care services, children’s health services and some public health services in the area. |
|
Cleveland Bridge next phase
Traffic management is set to remain on Bath’s Cleveland Bridge as investigations continue into what is possible to solve the complex engineering issues discovered during the agreed repairs to the Grade II* listed structure. |
|
Council improving people’s lives in challenging year
The council has continued to deliver its commitments to improve people’s lives against the backdrop of Covid-19 and the council’s work to help welcome refugees fleeing the war in Ukraine |
|
Bath World Heritage Centre to open on 9 May
The new Bath World Heritage Centre will open to the public on Monday 9 May, celebrating Bath’s unique cultural offering as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and giving an insight into what makes the city so special. |
|
Make the most of the Bath Festival
Having entertained audiences for more than 70 years, this year’s festival – Friday 13 to Saturday 21 May – builds on its reputation for excellence in music and literature. Tickets are on sale now (with a discount for under 26s, students, pension credit receivers and deaf and disabled people) for a range of events which take in classical music, jazz and folk music, comedy and literature.
Highlights include the Concert for the People of Bath with the Band of the Royal Marines School of Music and Bath Philharmonia, including a performance by a choir made up of young people from 11 local secondary schools, a series of free pop-up jazz performances from Empirical, staged in a city centre shop, and a concert by Public Service Broadcasting at The Forum.
There will also be appearances from comedians Marcus Brigstocke, Phil Wang and Rachel Parris and authors Ali Smith, Julia Samuel, Harriet Evans, Elizabeth Day and Monica Ali.
The Bath Festival, which is supported by the council, among other local organisations, opens on Friday 13 May with Party in the City, an evening of free music of all genres taking place in city centre venues.
For the full programme visit the website, or pick up a festival programme from The Forum. To book call Bath Box Office, 01225 463362. |
|
New upcoming dates for family courses
New, upcoming courses dates for COOK IT, HENRY and LEAP are starting in the next few weeks.
COOK IT is a free five-week cookery course for parents and children. You can discover how to make easy, healthy budget friendly recipes.
HENRY is a free programme for parents and carers of children aged 0 to 5 years old. It covers: feeling more confident as a parent; physical activities for little ones; what children and the whole family eats; family lifestyle habits; and enjoying life as a family. The programme provides everything you need to help your little one get off to a great start.
LEAP is a free programme for families of children and young people who are above a healthy weight, and offers face-to-face, group support for 5-10 year olds and a combination of face to face & virtual, 1:1 support for 10-17 year olds.
To find out more or book a place on any of these courses, call 0300 2470050 or email bathnes.thehub@hcrgcaregroup.com. |
|
Haycombe remembrance service
Haycombe Cemetery and Crematorium is hosting a service on Saturday 7 May at 2.30pm to remember babies lost before, during or after birth. The service has been organised by the RUH Chaplaincy and the stillbirth and neonatal death charity SANDS. Anyone who has been affected by the loss of a baby is welcome. Refreshments will be served afterwards in the Top Chapel. |
|
Helping to ease the cost-of-living crisis
With many people facing pressure on their household budgets as the cost of living rises, the council is reminding residents about the support that’s available. |
|
Last chance to complete Keynsham Park survey
A survey asking for your opinions on improvements to Keynsham Park closes tomorrow.
The council is working with Keynsham Town Council to make improvements to Keynsham Memorial Park, Abbey Park and Chew Park, collectively known as Keynsham Park.
Funds are available to make initial improvements, but we also want to plan effectively for the future. We want to understand the main issues and investment priorities in these parks, and your responses to this survey will help us to build our improvement plan. |
|
Recycling & rubbish collections
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. |
|
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. |
|
Latest Government guidance
|
|
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. |
|
The Library at Home service
If you, or someone you know is unable to visit the library, why not try the Library at Home service. This is a great way to connect with new friends and volunteers through a love of reading. You can access books, audiobooks and DVDs, regardless of your situation.
To find out more visit the website, or email HomeLibraryService@bathnes.gov.uk. |
|
Employment and Skills Drop In at Bath Library
If you need help looking for work, training or even starting your own business, why not pop along to the employment and skills drop in sessions at Bath Central Library, from 11am to 1pm, Monday to Friday. |
|
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.
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. |
|
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 |
|
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.
For more information go to www.futurebright.org.uk or give us a call 01225 395555. |
|
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. |
|
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. |
|
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@hcrgcaregroup.com
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 |
|
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. |
|
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 fourth 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/ |
|
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/ |
|
|
|
