Coronavirus update 29 July 2021
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A message from Kevin Guy, leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council
Hello,
It has been good to see the Covid infection rate taking a downward turn this week, however it is as yet unclear if this will continue or is a brief respite, and so our message is still please exercise caution and keep yourself and others safe.
While not legally required we are encouraging wearing a face covering, keeping your distance, washing your hands regularly, ventilating spaces or better still meeting outdoors – and getting a test if you have symptoms and isolating if positive.
It’s really important that we stop the spread of Covid and getting vaccinated is the best way to do that. Currently, the uptake of first and second doses in Bath and North East Somerset is lower than both the regional South West average and also the national average.
This Sunday anyone who is yet to have their first or second jabs can get them at a pop-up clinic in the centre of Bath. A vaccination bus will be parked in Milsom Street from 11m to 4pm offering the Pfizer vaccination. We especially want younger people to walk-in and get a jab – it only takes a few minutes. Bath Racecourse is still offering the vaccination and details of all the places you can get a jab locally can be found on the BSW CCG pages.
There is always much to be proud about in Bath & North East Somerset, but this week has been exceptional, with international accolades for the city and for Team Bath Olympic sporting stars.
I joined many others to learn with great delight that Bath, along with ten other historic spa towns, secured much-coveted UNESCO World Heritage status as part of the ‘Great Spa Towns of Europe’ nomination. Thanks must go to all those who helped achieve this.
And of course, huge congratulations go to Team Bath’s Olympians. Tom Dean put in a spectacular performance in the 200m freestyle in Tokyo on Monday and picked up another Gold in the Men’s 4x200 free relay with Bath teammates James Guy and Mat Richards and Stirling’s Duncan Scott.
I was fortunate to meet some of the Modern Pentathlon team before they headed off to Tokyo. They are all credit to Team GB and to Bath and North East Somerset, especially in the unique circumstances they have had to train and compete. They are a great example to us all.
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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What is the current guidance about Covid-19?
Despite case numbers decreasing, coronavirus remains a serious health risk. It’s important that we all stay cautious and help protect yourself and others. Government guidance encourages us to continue doing the following:
- Meet up outside or if you’re indoors open windows or doors if you have visitors.
- If you think you might have COVID-19 symptoms, take a PCR test and stay home.
- Wear face coverings in crowded places to help protect others.
- Check in with the NHS COVID-19 app when you’re out.
- Wash your hands regularly and for at least 20 seconds with soap.
- Get vaccinated if you are 18 or over.
Let's look after each other. COVID-19 hasn't gone away. |
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Pop-up summer walk-in clinic this Sunday
A pop-up walk-in Covid-19 vaccination clinic is being held on Milsom St in Bath this Sunday for anyone yet to have had first or second jabs. The clinic, held on the Vaccination Bus, will run from 11am-4pm (with a break between 1-1:30pm).
Younger adults in Bath and North East Somerset who have yet to have a dose are especially encouraged to pop in and get a jab – getting the jab takes less than 5 minutes and it’s free.
Walk-in clinics are also still available at Bath Racecourse on non-race days – 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.
If you've had a first dose – don’t delay booking or seeking your second dose, as long as there's been an eight-week gap between doses. If you have a second dose appointment already booked that’s more than eight weeks from your first, you can cancel it and either re-book – there is plenty of capacity – or cancel and attend a walk-in clinic.
Visit www.bswccg.nhs.uk for more information on the vaccine rollout, and details of all local health and care services. |
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Any Covid-19 symptoms ‒ you must take a PCR test
Please do not take a rapid flow test if you have Covid-19 symptoms. If you have symptoms, you must take a PCR test and then isolate until you receive your test result. Call 119 or visit here to book a test. Find out about Covid-19 symptoms here.
If you're identified as a contact of someone who has tested positive, you are now also advised to take a PCR test, even if you don’t have any symptoms. This is to help quickly identify additional cases and help identify variants. You must continue to self-isolate for 10 days even if your test is negative – as you could still be incubating the virus.
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 also 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. |
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Regular testing for those without symptoms
Around one in three people with Covid-19 have no symptoms. That's why it's important we all get into the habit of regular, twice-weekly rapid testing.
Taking a rapid test is easy. You can collect a test kit from most local pharmacies or you can order a test kit for delivery to your home. You can also visit one of our rapid test and collect hubs in Bath, Keynsham or Midsomer Norton:
- 3 Burton Street, Bath, BA1 1BN
- Ashton Way car park, Ashton Way Keynsham, BS31 2UF (until 6 August)
- South Road car park, South Road, Midsomer Norton, BA3 2DB (until 6 August)
Book at test here. You can turn up without an appointment, but please do check our website for opening times of local rapid test sites.
Test kits are also available at the following locations:
- Timsbury Library
- Radstock Library
- Bishop Sutton library
- Love Weston Library
- Midsomer Norton Library and Information Centre
- Keynsham Library and Information Centre
- Bath One Stop Shop (Lewis house, Manvers Street)
Also, look out for our mobile testing van, which will soon be going round the district. More information in next week's e-connect. |
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Make use of 111 online for medical advice
South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT) is encouraging the public to use NHS 111 online for medical advice, with demand for 999 calls increasing and ambulance staff helping more patients.
The 111 online service offers patients quick advice on the best option for them to get the care they need, including getting a call back from a trained clinician or nurse, booking them an appointment in A&E or providing advice on how to help them recover. |
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Big up Bath & North East Somerset
Council leaders this week encouraged people to ‘big up Bath and North East Somerset’ and celebrate all that’s positive about the area. |
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Bath awarded coveted second UNESCO title
Bath along with ten other historic spa towns has secured much-coveted UNESCO World Heritage status as part of the ‘Great Spa Towns of Europe’ nomination. |
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Have your say on green spaces in Foxhill
Residents are being invited to have their say on how to improve council owned green spaces in the Foxhill area of Bath. |
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Council shortlisted for prestigious award
The council’s property company Aequus Construction Ltd (ADL) has been shortlisted for a prestigious award for its exemplary redevelopment of the council’s former offices in Keynsham. |
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Free summer holiday programme for vulnerable young people
Children and young people can take part in a free summer holiday activity scheme thanks to more than £400,000 of funding secured by the council. |
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Work progresses on Cleveland Bridge
Work on Cleveland Bridge is progressing following a detailed inspection by engineers of the damaged concrete trusses supporting the deck. |
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Improved tennis facilities for Saltford
Community tennis provision in Saltford is set to improve following a partnership agreement between the council and Saltford Lawn Tennis Club, which allows the club to take over a new long lease. |
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Look out for an electoral registration email
Residents are being urged to check their electoral registration details are correct to make sure they retain their right to vote in any future elections. |
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Marshals will continue in B&NES
Council Marshals who have worked during the lockdown will continue to be out and about over the summer as the council encourages caution following the lifting of restrictions. |
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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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NHS COVID Pass
How to get the NHS COVID Pass and demonstrate your coronavirus (COVID-19) status when travelling abroad and domestically at events and venues in England. |
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Coronavirus (COVID-19): what to do if you’re employed and cannot work
Guidance for people who are employed and cannot work due to coronavirus (COVID-19). |
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NHS Test and Trace in the workplace
What to do if you or someone you employ is required to self-isolate. This includes being contacted by NHS Test and Trace, self-isolation rules and financial support. |
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Looking after family or friends after they leave hospital
This leaflet lists useful advice for family and friends of people needing ongoing care or support with day-to-day life. Support may be in the home or remotely (for example, by phone), and might include: |
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Guidance for those who provide unpaid care to friends or family
The guidance may also be helpful for those under 25 (young carers and young adult carers) who provide care for someone. |
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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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Future Bright
Future Bright offers free careers coaching, training and support to help residents develop the skills and confidence needed to take the next step, with careers coaches helping you develop a personalised action plan and make it a reality. You can access the service if you are:
- aged 18 and over
- in paid work (this includes zero hours and self-employed) and are receiving benefits or tax credits
- or they are earning less than £9.50 an hour
- live in Bath & North East Somerset, South Gloucestershire or Bristol
To find out more and get in touch: www.futurebright.org.uk or call 01225 395555 for a chat with a member of the team. |
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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 9-5pm Monday-Thursday, and 9-4pm 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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