Coronavirus update 8 July 2021
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A message from Kevin Guy, leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council
Hello,
The rate of Covid infection in Bath and North East Somerset, like the rest of the country, continues to rise. This is set against the Government’s announcements on the lifting of all restrictions on July 19, provided all four tests are met.
For many the lockdown easing is really welcome news, but for others this remains a time of unease and uncertainty. Covid has not gone away and we need to proceed with caution.
The easing of national restrictions will at times lead to tough decisions that will now have to be made locally. This week the University of Bath took the difficult decision to postpone its graduation ceremonies planned for July 19.
We support the university’s decision which was taken, on the basis of public health as the priority, after seeking advice from our Director of Public Health. The advice was to postpone the events as they would have meant thousands more visitors from across the country at a time when cases are rising. Universities in other parts of the country have also postponed their summer graduation events. I know this will have been bitterly disappointing news for all those students who were hoping to celebrate their hard-won achievements.
This week plans for a battery storage scheme in Midsomer Norton, rather than a gas generation plant were announced. I am delighted that after a great deal of work by Conrad Energy and the council this greener solution, which meets our core policy of tackling the climate emergency, has been found.
And we announced the first B&NES Climate and Biodiversity Festival which is taking place from September 13 to 26. The festival which will be a mix of online and in person prevents will showcase individuals, organisations and businesses that have taken action to tackle the climate and ecological emergencies.
Next week I will be taking part in the Net Zero Leaders’ Summit hosted by the West Midlands Combined Authority and UK100. A cross party group of local and regional leaders will be calling on the Government to go much further and faster and to recognise how local and regional government is key to our shared goal of achieving Net Zero.
Along with the rest of the country I’ll be cheering England on when they play Italy on Sunday – it is a great sporting occasion with a team that has demonstrated huge commitment and I am pleased to see the St George's flag flying above the Guildhall for the occasion.
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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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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Vaccine bus walk-in appointments next week
The vaccine bus will be visiting Bath and North East Somerset next week, offering first and second doses of the Astra Zeneca vaccine to those that don’t already have an appointment.
It will be at the following locations from 10am–6.30pm, and will return five weeks later.
- Monday 12 July: Paulton Rovers Football Club, Winterfield Rd, Paulton, Bristol, BS39 7RF (returning 16 August)
- Tuesday 13 July: Keynsham Health Centre, St Clements Rd, Keynsham, Bristol, BS31 1AF (returning 17 August)
The clinics are open to those who are aged 40 and above or those who are clinically vulnerable; who do not already have an appointment for a first or second dose booked (with a minimum eight weeks since their first dose); and are unable to get to a large vaccination site. Unfortunately, the bus is unable to vaccinate pregnant women. Translation services will be available at the bus.
If you want to find out more information about the vaccine, you can come and talk to a medical professional without having to commit to having the vaccine. You do not need to be registered with a GP practice to receive the vaccination at the mobile clinic. |
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Bath Racecourse offering walk-in appointments this week
Bath Racecourse will be offering walk-in Covid-19 vaccination appointments alongside booked appointments this Friday 9, Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 July, to anyone over the age of 18 years. The site is open from 8am until 5.30pm and there is no need to book before attending. You can reach the site with a free bus from Bath Bus Station – the number 32, which runs on the hour every hour up to the Racecourse and every hour at 15 minutes past the hour on the return back to Bath.
The walk-in appointments are available for first and second doses of the vaccine. If you have had a first dose – don’t delay booking or seeking your second dose, as long as there has been an 8-week gap between doses.
Being vaccinated does not just protect the individual, but also everyone around them so please do not delay booking an appointment or attending 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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COVID-19 vaccination: worried about having your second dose of AstraZeneca?
Information for people eligible for COVID-19 vaccination who have had their first dose of AstraZeneca vaccine and have concerns about having the second dose. |
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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 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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Council issues guidance on home burning
The council is raising awareness of how people can use wood-burning stoves and have bonfires responsibly to protect their health and that of others. |
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New battery storage scheme proposed
Plans to build a gas generation plant in Midsomer Norton have been replaced by proposals for a battery storage scheme following discussions between the council and Conrad Energy. |
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Join the B&NES Climate and Biodiversity Festival
A new festival for Bath and North East Somerset is taking place in September to showcase individuals, organisations and businesses that have taken action to tackle the climate and ecological emergencies. |
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Call for volunteers for new World Heritage Centre
A call has gone out for volunteers to welcome visitors to the new City of Bath World Heritage Centre, which will open later this year in York Street. |
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Mead Lane moorings update
Recommendations to defer the closure of the 14-day moorings at a Saltford beauty spot over the winter months are being considered by the council’s cabinet member for Neighbourhood Services. |
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Unfair price increases cost builder more than £16,000
A builder who attempted to overcharge a resident by more than £54,000 and falsely claimed membership of the Federation of Master Builders, has been ordered to pay £16,750 following a prosecution by the council’s Trading Standards team. |
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Council welcomes new business report
A report signalling the first positive indicators for the UK’s economy in four years has been welcomed by the council. |
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Green affordable warmth grants available
If you live in a cold home and your household income is below £30,000, you could receive a grant for green affordable warmth improvements such as insulation or low-carbon heating. It could help reduce your energy bills and make a difference to energy saving across B&NES.
If your home energy performance is rated D, E, F or G, or your home feels cold but you don’t know the rating, apply now at www.energyathome.org.uk or call us on 0800 038 5680. |
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Register now for Park Yoga sessions
Enjoy free yoga sessions in natural surroundings at our beautiful Botanical Gardens in Bath, every Sunday from 10am until 11am until August 29. Register in advance here for the sessions, which are run by Park Yoga. All ages and abilities welcome. |
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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 starting this Saturday 10 July, and run through 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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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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Booking and staying in a quarantine hotel if you’ve been in a red list country
How to book a quarantine hotel and coronavirus (COVID-19) tests if you've been in a red list country in the 10 days before you arrive in England. |
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Check if you can claim a grant through the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme
If you're self-employed or a member of a partnership and have been impacted by coronavirus (COVID-19) find out if you can use this scheme to claim a grant. |
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How your trading conditions affect your eligibility for the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme
Find out how to decide if your business has been impacted by coronavirus (COVID-19) and how this affects your eligibility for a SEISS grant. |
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Demonstrating your COVID-19 vaccination status
How to get the NHS COVID Pass and demonstrate your coronavirus (COVID-19) status when travelling abroad and at Event Research Programme trial events in England. |
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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.
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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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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