Coronavirus update 3 March 2022
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A message from Cllr Kevin Guy, Leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council
Hello,
The question I have been asked most this week is how people here in Bath and North East Somerset can help alleviate the appalling suffering unleashed by Russia’s horrifying invasion of Ukraine.
As well as sharing messages of support and solidarity (as the council did when we lit up our Roman Baths in blue and yellow on Friday evening), I know that local residents above all want to provide practical support.
For example, some people have been asking if the council is co-ordinating the collection of donated items. Working with Bath Welcomes Refugees, we think that the effective on-the-ground support is best provided by established organisations, such as the Red Cross, who are experienced in working in such situations – see details below. Initially there are likely to be enough supplies more easily accessible in Poland and surrounding countries, rather than being brought from the UK. Needs will become clearer as more people leave Ukraine and move to different areas.
So, please, donate what you can to the British Red Cross, which has launched an emergency appeal to help Ukraine, as has UNICEF. Both charities will be updating their web pages with news on the work their teams are doing, and how support will be used to help people. In addition, the government will be matching pound for pound up to £20 million for the Disasters Emergency Committee.
On Tuesday I wrote to the government to say that the council stands ready to resettle refugees via the government’s Humanitarian sponsorship route. We need to redouble our efforts to find suitable housing.
So please, offer accommodation if possible. As yet, it is unclear how many people will need to be offered a place of sanctuary. If you can offer self-contained accommodation with a private entrance and its own bathroom and kitchen facilities, that is available for at least a year, at the Local Housing Allowance level, please email Equality@bathnes.gov.uk and we will keep your offer on file for when the requests start to come in.
This must be a desperately worrying time for residents who have friends and family in Ukraine. I am committed to the council doing whatever it can to respond to this unprecedented and heart-breaking situation. We are very fortunate in having so many excellent local partners, such as Bath Welcomes Refugees and Julian House, who we have worked with on previous humanitarian crises, and we have strong and generous communities that rally round and give help and support.
The unfolding events in Ukraine have placed some of the other local events this week into perspective. However, I was delighted to see the landscaping work being undertaken and the nearing of completion of our work on Keynsham High Street. Investment into the town will mean better footpaths, cycling and bus stop facilities, and better street furniture, streetlights, and landscaping. The scheme will allow traffic to flow more smoothly with a new bus stop layby allowing cars to pass waiting buses.
It’s an exciting time in the regeneration of the town as all the investment is providing better amenities for Keynsham. We are grateful for people’s patience throughout the works. It is unfortunate that sewer works for a housing development in Rock Road will mean another road closure however we have been assured by the developer their work will be completed in three weeks.
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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Upcoming vaccination clinics
Several more drop-in Covid-19 vaccination clinics are being held over the next few weeks.
If you've not been vaccinated yet, or haven't had all your doses, pop along to one of these clinics and grab your first, second or booster dose.
Bath City FC will be hosting three of these clinics, where first and second doses will be available for those aged 12+, as well as booster doses for those aged 16+:
- Wednesday 9 March, 11am-6pm – Bath City Football Club, Twerton
- Tuesday 22 March, 11am-6pm – Bath City Football Club, Twerton
- Wednesday 6 April, 11am-6pm – Bath City Football Club, Twerton
And Bath Spa University will be hosting a further five clinics this month. These will all be offering first, second and booster doses for those aged 16+:
- Monday 7 March, 10am-4pm – Bath Spa University, Newton Park
- Thursday 10 March, 10am-4pm – Bath Spa University, Locksbrook Campus
- Monday 21 March, 10am-4pm – Bath Spa University, Newton Park
- Thursday 24 March, 10am-4pm – Bath Spa University, Locksbrook Campus
- Monday 28 March, 10am-4pm – Bath Spa University, Newton Park
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 Last day of operation for testing site
The last day of operation for the testing site on New Bond Street in Bath is Saturday 5 March. The closure comes following last week's announcement from the government about changes in national policy relating to Covid-19.
The community testing programme will finish by the end of March, and the last day of operation for the testing van will be Sunday 20 March. Please check the website for further details.
Up until Friday 1 April, free-of-charge home test kits can still be accessed through the national route and can be ordered online, or by calling 119 (lines are open 7am–11pm).
Don't forget to register your test results online. |
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Vaccines for children
The government has announced that children aged 5-11 will be offered a low-dose of the Covid-19 vaccine. Details of when this will be rolled out have yet to be confirmed, but there is more information on the BSW CCG website.
Children aged 12-15 are already 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 dose or 12 weeks after a positive Covid-19 test.
Booster doses are also available to those 12 to 15-year-olds who are at higher risk from Covid-19 or who live with someone who has a severely weakened immune system.
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.
In the meantime, if you would like to access vaccinations for 12 to 15-year-olds 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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Everyone aged 16 and over is now eligible for a Covid-19 booster jab. Boosters can be given if you had your second dose at least 3 months ago.
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.
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.
In March, the Bath Racecourse Vaccination Centre will now be closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. The site will remain open between 8am and 8pm on all other days, and community pop-ups will continue.
The shuttle service from Lansdown Park & Ride to Bath Racecourse has now stopped running.
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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Next steps in Keynsham town centre regeneration
Keynsham High Street will reopen on March 18 for all road users now that the public realm enhancement scheme is reaching the final stages of completion. |
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The Roman Baths and Pump Room heated by spa
An innovative scheme to harvest heat from the naturally hot spa water at the Roman Baths and use it to heat surrounding buildings is entering its final phase. |
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Secondary school admissions in Bath and North East Somerset
Nearly nine out of ten families in Bath and North East Somerset have been offered a place at their first choice of secondary school for admissions this September. |
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Consultation on moving traffic enforcement powers
Along with a number of local authorities across the country, the council is applying to the Government for powers to enforce moving traffic offences with Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras. |
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Next steps for Liveable Neighbourhoods
Plans to improve neighbourhoods and create healthier communities in Bath and North East Somerset are taking shape following the first stage of public engagement on 15 priority schemes. |
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Funding for Bath community projects: Have your say
Residents in Bath are being asked to help decide which neighbourhood projects should receive a new round of community funding. |
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Share your stories and memories for the Jubilee
As part of the council's celebrations to mark The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, our libraries are gathering stories and memories from residents about royal visits to Bath and North East Somerset over the years.
We’ll be sharing these on our library social media channels and blog over the Jubilee weekend and at the end of the project all the stories will be stored with Bath Record Office as part of their Platinum Jubilee project. Memories can be written, recorded or photographic.
Please email us at: library_events@bathnes.gov.uk or drop into one of our libraries. |
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Our Best Prints at Victoria Art Gallery
From Hogarth to Hodgkin: Our Best Prints will open at the Victoria Art Gallery, Bath, on 5 March and run until 4 May. This wonderful exhibition will showcase the best of the Gallery’s diverse print collection, with works on display spanning 700 years. |
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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. |
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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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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.
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.
Look out for Young Carers Action Day on March 16 a national awareness day raising awareness of children who provide care to someone in their family. The theme this year is about ‘tackling isolation’ ‒ read here for more information. |
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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@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 |
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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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