Coronavirus update 28 October 2021
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A message from Cllr Kevin Guy, Leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council
Covid rates in Bath & North East Somerset remain very high and the virus is circulating in our communities. We need everyone’s help to bring the rate of infection down and this week I called on people to voluntarily resume wearing masks in public places such as shops and entertainment venues, and on public transport, unless they are exempt. Wearing face coverings helps to provide a level of protection both to the wearer and others from transmission of the Covid virus.
Getting a vaccine, whether that’s a first, second or booster dose for Covid-19, or the annual winter flu jab, is the most important thing we can all do. Both viruses have the potential to cause serious illness and hospitalisation.
The National Booking System remains open to arrange a first or second vaccination, or a third booster dose and this includes doses for 12-15-year-olds. Locally you can also find details of vaccination centres and an extensive list of frequently asked questions at www.bswccg.nhs.uk.
And please don’t forget those simple day-to-day measures that are still hugely effective, such as:
- regular hand washing,
- keeping windows open when meeting people indoors,
- wearing face coverings in busy indoor environments,
- taking regular lateral flow tests to break transmission,
- and isolating and booking a PCR test if showing any coronavirus symptoms
It has been Care Leavers Week and our teams, who support young people, have been holding a series of fun events to mark the achievement of our care leavers. I want to thank them for their continued and valued work to make young people feel safe and confident for their future. We are also grateful to others in our community who create training and job opportunities and in doing so improve the lives of care leavers.
'Bath at Christmas' launched this week with a festive programme packed with outdoor events and attractions which I’m sure will help the city sparkle over the festive season. We will still have to be mindful of Covid and the measures we can all take to help prevent the spread while out and about. Thank you to our city partners Bath Business Improvement District, Visit West, SouthGate Bath and Milsom Place for their great work on Bath at Christmas.
Have a good weekend - and don’t forget the clocks go back
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A message from Becky Reynolds, Director of Public Health at Bath & North East Somerset Council
Since my last message when B&NES had the highest Covid-19 rates in England, our rates have stopped increasing and there may possibly be early signs of them falling slightly, although it’s early days to know whether that downward trend will continue. However, still at more than 1000 cases per 100,000 people over seven days, our cases remain extremely high.
Given our continuing very high Covid-19 rates, I’m focusing on the importance of testing in this message.
Lateral Flow Device tests (rapid tests) and PCR tests play a hugely important role in reducing the spread of Covid-19. Testing identifies people who have Covid-19, whether or not we have symptoms, giving us the opportunity to self-isolate and not unwittingly pass the virus on to others.
The national isolated incident with the one laboratory issuing inaccurate PCR test results has been resolved by NHS Test and Trace. There is no evidence of any faults with LFD or PCR test kits themselves, so please remain confident in using them.
We are all advised to test ourselves once or twice a week with a Lateral Flow Device (rapid) test to check if we have the virus. If anyone has a positive Lateral Flow Device test result, then please stay at home and book a free PCR test as soon as possible to confirm this. This helps break the chain of transmission.
If you have had either one or two Covid-19 vaccinations, you will still need to test yourself regularly with LFDs as vaccinated people can still catch the virus and pass it on to others.
If you have symptoms of Covid-19, please stay at home and arrange to have the PCR test. You are also advised to have a PCR test if you’ve been in close contact with someone who’s tested positive.
Thank you for the precautionary actions you are already taking – please do continue and increase them. Vaccinations, reducing the level of contact you have with others, face masks, ventilation if indoors, and hand washing are so important. We are all in this together and need to support one another and our NHS, education, public services and businesses through what is likely to be another tough 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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Royal United Hospitals update
As of today (Thursday 28 October) the RUH has 53 COVID inpatients, with seven in its Intensive Care Unit.
There is also high demand on other hospital services with 222 patients arriving at the Emergency Department yesterday. Weekends are particularly busy. If you have an urgent medical problem and you’re not sure what to do please call 111 or visit 111.nhs.uk for advice on where you can get the care you need.
The RUH is encouraging everyone, who is eligible, to take up the offer of a Covid booster jab. And, if you’re eligible, it’s vital to get your flu jab too. If you're pregnant, talk to your midwife about getting your flu jab while you’re at the hospital for an appointment.
Thank you for helping keep our community safe. |
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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 at www.bswccg.nhs.uk |
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Flu and Covid booster jabs
This autumn and winter, it’s more important than ever to get vaccinated to protect yourself against flu and Covid-19. This is because:
- more people are likely to get flu this winter as fewer people will have built up natural immunity to it during the Covid-19 pandemic
- if you get flu and Covid-19 at the same time, research shows you're more likely to be seriously ill
- getting vaccinated against flu and Covid-19 will provide protection for you and those around you for both these serious illnesses
Information for people awaiting a booster vaccine invitation
Find out if you’re eligible this autumn/winter. |
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Additional Covid-19 vaccination walk-in clinics
New Covid-19 vaccination clinics started today at the University of Bath, Sports Training Village, Tennis Balcony, in Claverton Down, Bath, BA2 7AY.
The next walk-in clinic is on Thursday November 4 from 11am – 4pm. It is open to anyone aged 16 and over who needs a first, second or third booster dose. Please visit the NHS website for more information on eligibility of Covid-19 vaccinations.
The clinic only has Pfizer vaccine, so if someone needs a second dose of Astra Zeneca for example, as they had Astra Zeneca for their first dose, they will need to go to an alternative vaccination centre instead.
Three more dates are being considered depending on take-up.
Visit our website for how to find the University of Bath walk-in clinics.
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 Asymptomatic Covid-19 testing
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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Rise in Covid rates among older people
People aged 50 and over in Bath & North East Somerset are strongly encouraged to get their COVID booster vaccine, if they are eligible. |
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Bath at Christmas – bringing sparkle to the city
A packed package of traditional fun and seasonal experiences, including details of a spectacular city light trail, have been launched as part of 'Bath at Christmas'. |
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Family donation to Home Library Service in memory of a keen booklover
A resident from the Chew Valley has left a legacy inspiring others to gain as much pleasure from books as she did thanks to a generous donation from her family and friends to Bath & North East Somerset Council’s Home Library Service. |
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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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Hardship arrangements for those unable to pay for managed quarantine or testing
Details of financial support if you can’t afford the managed quarantine and testing fees associated with travel. Find out who is eligible 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 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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Take a Stand for active health and a greener community
Life Cycle UK provides free, secure cycle stands to small businesses and community organisations thanks to funding from the council.
Installing cycle parking is a great way to enable your staff, your customers and your community to unlock the active health and environmental benefits of cycling.
To apply for up to two FREE quality ‘Sheffield stand’ stands (parking for up to four bikes), for all the details, to check your eligibility and make sure your premises are suitable for cycle stands, visit Life Cycle's 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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