Coronavirus update 24 June 2021
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A message from Kevin Guy, leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council
Hello,
As you can see from the figures, the rate of Covid infection in Bath and North East Somerset is rising rapidly with 109.2 cases per 100,000, which is higher than the England rate of 97.5 per 100,000.
At present, we have one of the highest rates among 15 to 19 year-olds in the South West and we still have a proportion of our adult population that isn’t fully vaccinated yet. There are still many people who are not immune to Covid and are at risk of becoming seriously ill.
To help protect those people and to stop the rate of infection from increasing further, please get your vaccine if you are over 18 ‒ and if you have had one dose, please get your second.
The other practical steps we can all take is to get tested twice a week and when we are out in the community and practice hands, face, space and fresh air. Doing this does make a difference.
Our public protection officers have been working really hard targeting high risk venues and reminding hospitality businesses to be vigilant – something we all need to be.
It may be the middle of summer, but I am pleased to say plans for The Bath Christmas Market were approved by cabinet last night. We know the market will be a vital support this year to businesses that are recovering from the impact of the pandemic.
Cabinet also approved three Active Travel schemes to improve walking and cycling, and it gave the go ahead for the next steps on our Liveable Neighbourhoods. We are committed to working with communities to help create fairer access to residential neighbourhoods so everyone can benefit from healthier outdoor spaces while maintaining vibrant local high streets. You can watch the meeting here.
The next meeting we are webcasting is the corporate policy development scrutiny panel on Monday 28 June. You can watch on PC, tablet or smartphone here.
And if you miss a meeting, you can find older webcasts in the Webcast library or on the council’s Youtube channel.
Please be aware that on Monday 28 June, Cleveland Bridge will close to traffic for essential repair works and this closure will take up to three months. Motorists will not be able to use the bridge during the closure, but access will remain for pedestrians, cyclists and emergency services.
It is less than a month to go until the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games, and this week I was honoured to meet the Bath athletes going for gold in Tokyo. These amazing athletes have all reached the pinnacle of their sport and have coped remarkably well with the challenges posed by Covid and the year long delay of the Games.
On behalf of Bath and North East Somerset, I’d like to wish Team GB the very best of luck in Tokyo and I’ve no doubt our local athletes will do themselves proud.
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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Vaccine bus visits area next week
The Covid-19 vaccination bus will be visiting parts of Bath and North East Somerset next week, offering jabs to those people who have so far found it difficult to get vaccinated ‒ such as those who are less sure about the vaccine, have found it difficult to get to an alternative vaccination site or who don’t currently have a first or second dose appointment booked elsewhere.
The mobile clinic will be offering a drop-in service between 10am and 6:30pm, at:
- Radco car park (Monday 28 June)
- Stanton Court Nursing Home car park (Tuesday 29 June)
- Bath City Football Club car park (Wednesday 30 June)
- Somer Centre (Thursday 1 July)
Due to the availability of vaccines the Monday and Tuesday clinics are strictly open to people aged 40 and above, or clinically vulnerable and we cannot vaccinate pregnant women. On Wednesday and Thursday, the bus will be able to offer jabs to all adults over 18 years old.
Patients don’t need to book or be registered with a GP to receive the vaccine on the bus. And if anyone has transport needs, they can call: 0300 247 0050. |
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Current restrictions to stay in place
This week the Government announced that coronavirus restrictions would remain in place across the country, including for people who have been vaccinated, until the 19 July. This means:
- You can meet indoors in a group of up to 6 people or a group of any size from 2 households
- You can meet outside in a group of up to 30 people
- Work from home if you can and travel safely
- If you have symptoms get a test and stay at home
More information on how COVID-19 restrictions will be eased in England, read the full list of changes here.
The main change is around weddings and civil partnerships. Below is some guidance for anyone planning a wedding this summer. |
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Covid-19 vaccinations now available to all adults
The NHS is now offering the COVID-19 vaccine to all adults 18 and over, or who turn 18 before 1 July 2021.
Find out more about who can get a COVID-19 vaccine.
For local information go to the BSW CCG website.
This leaflet tells you what to expect after you have had your vaccination. If you need a second dose of vaccine, make sure you arrange your next appointment.
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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 do have symptoms, you must visit a test site and take a PCR test, and then isolate until you receive your test result. Call 119 or visit here to book a test.
If you are 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.
There's more information about claiming financial support if you've been asked to self-isolate here.
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
- South Road car park, South Road, Midsomer Norton, BA3 2DB
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SAFE Summer
As lockdown eases and people are allowed close contact again with people outside of their household or support bubble, it's important to make sure individuals look after their sexual health.
SAFE is a confidential, young-person friendly network of sexual health services across BANES. Visit the website for information and advice and use our interactive map to help find your nearest services.
Did you know if you are under 25 you can pick up condoms for FREE with a C-card? Visit the website for more information on where you can register. |
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Update on waste collection delays
Thank you for your patience with delays to your bin collections caused by the national shortage of drivers and the effects of the pandemic. |
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Keynsham High Street temporary closure
Keynsham High Street will be closed to all traffic from June 28 for an estimated three weeks for excavation works, as part of the major town centre improvement scheme being carried out by the council. |
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Businesses welcome council support emerging from lockdown
Outdoor pavement licences brought in to help pubs, restaurants and cafés continue trading during the Covid pandemic have been welcomed by local businesses. |
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100 days of Clean Air Zone
After 100 days of operation, the council has revealed that the number of polluting vehicles seen driving in Bath’s Clean Air Zone is gradually falling, as vehicles are replaced with cleaner, compliant ones not subject to charges. |
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Next steps for Local Plan Partial Update
Proposals for consulting in August and September this year on the future planning policies needed to address the climate and ecological emergencies are being recommended in a new report. |
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Cleveland Bridge June 28 closure reminder
Residents and drivers are being reminded that Bath’s historic Cleveland Bridge closes on Monday 28 June for essential repairs. |
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Marking Windrush Day: capturing memories
A place to share and celebrate living memories of the local Windrush generation and their descendants could soon be created in Bath if government funding for the project is approved. |
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Summer railway work in the Bristol area
Travellers are being advised to check before they travel this summer with major upgrades planned for a rail junction near Bristol Temple Meads.
The work will take place over a solid eight-week period from Saturday 10 July until Friday 3 September and will mean varying changes to some train services throughout that period.
The work to a junction will increase capacity, making it easier to get trains in and out of the station and will mean fewer delays. The upgrade also includes adding an additional line, paving the way for new suburban services.
You can check what's happening at:
You can also follow the work on Twitter: #BristolRailRegen. |
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Boundary Commission review
The independent Boundary Commission for England (BCE) is redrawing the map of Parliamentary constituency boundaries.
The changes will make the number of electors in each constituency more equal, thus ensuring individual votes are of broadly equal weight, and in doing so increase the number of constituencies from 533 to 543.
Go online to view and comment on the proposals. Don’t miss out – contribute your local knowledge and have your say on what the new constituencies should be by 2 August 2021. |
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EU Settlement Scheme: Deadline looming
EU, EEA and Swiss citizens living in Bath & North East Somerset are being reminded about the deadline to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme to continue living in the UK after June 30 2021.
If you’re an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen, you and your family can apply to the EU Settlement Scheme. You can also apply if you’re the family member of an eligible person of Northern Ireland.
The EEA includes the EU countries and also Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway.
If your application is successful, you’ll get either settled or pre-settled status. The EU Settlement Scheme is open. You can apply now if you meet the criteria.
The deadline for applying is 30 June 2021. You must usually have started living in the UK by 31 December 2020.
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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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Coronavirus (COVID-19): How to safely plan a wedding or civil partnership, or funeral, wake or commemoration
What you need to do if you're planning a wedding or civil partnership ceremony or reception, wake or commemorative event in venues such as gardens or marquees on private land, excluding indoors inside private homes. |
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Visiting arrangements in care homes
Sets out how care homes can support families and visitors to visit residents. |
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Apply for a Kickstart Scheme grant
If you're an employer looking to create jobs for young people, you can apply for funding as part of the Kickstart Scheme. |
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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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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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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.
A collaboration between Bath & North East Somerset Council, Virgin Care, the 3SG 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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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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