Coronavirus update 30 December 2021
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A message from Cllr Kevin Guy, Leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council
Hello,
New Year celebrations are almost upon us, and are a time for us all to look forward to our plans for 2022.
Tackling the climate emergency will remain at the heart of everything we do. A key part of this will be working with the Metro Mayor to make sure money from the Green Recovery Fund is directed at our key priorities, including our Bath Riverline scheme that will bring better walking, cycling and ecology to the area.
We’ll be continuing our drive to recycle more and use landfill as a last resort. This year we were ranked 4th out of 92 unitary local authorities and 15th out of all 338 local authorities in England for our household recycling rates, which wouldn’t have been possible without your commitment to recycle as much as you can. Thank you and keep up the good work.
A great deal of work has been done for the council’s budget planning for 2022/23. It’s true to say we face a significant challenge. You can still take part in our consultation on the spending plans. It ends on January 4.
Don’t forget the engagement for our Liveable Neighbourhoods project has been extended till January 3, so there’s still time to have your say on that too.
Also, a reminder that the access arrangements for blue badge holders as part of our city centre security scheme will start on Saturday (January 1).
As ever, it’s crucial that we all do our bit to help stop the spread of Covid over the New Year period.
Wishing you all a safe and happy 2022.
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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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Who can get a booster?
All adults aged 18 and over can book an appointment for their Covid-19 booster. The national booking system is open to everyone aged 18+ to arrange a booster three months on from their second dose. You can also call 119 to book.
Bath Racecourse Vaccination is also offering occasional walk-in sessions. Keep checking their Twitter feed to find out when they're being held.
For more information, please go to the B&NES, Swindon and Wiltshire CCG website here. Information about the local rollout of the coronavirus vaccine, including details of vaccination centres and an extensive list of frequently asked questions, is available here.
Please remember to be kind and patient when getting your jabs this winter. Staff and volunteers are working as hard as they can to keep you and others safe. |
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Vaccines for 12 to 15-year-olds
Don't forget that if your child is aged 12-15 they are now eligible for a second dose ‒ providing they had their first dose at least 12 weeks ago.
Children who missed out on an in-school vaccination can still receive their coronavirus jab from vaccine centres, including Bath Racecourse. The full guidance is here. |
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Need transport to Bath Racecourse?
A new temporary bus service will continue to operate over the New Year period, running every hour from Bath Abbey bus stop to Bath Racecourse from 09.00. The last bus will leave the Racecourse at 18.20.
The service will run from Tuesday 4 to Friday 7 January.
The shuttle service from the Park and Ride at Lansdown is still running Monday–Friday, however there will be no service on Monday 27 December. View the full timetable here. |
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What if I've tested positive but not had my vaccine?
If you’re 18+ or under 18 and at higher risk from Covid-19, and have tested positive for Covid-19, you need to wait four weeks (28 days) before getting a vaccination.
If you’re under 18, not at higher risk from Covid-19 and have tested positive for Covid-19, you need to wait 12 weeks before getting a first or second dose.
The four or 12 week period starts from the date you had symptoms, or the date of the positive test if you did not have any symptoms. Please cancel and rebook your appointment for a later date if needed. |
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 Lateral flow test kits still available
If you need to pick up a lateral flow test kit, our van will be at McDonald's in Twerton on Friday 31 January, and will then take a break for New Year until Tuesday 4 January. Further locations and dates are available on our website.
You can also order lateral flow tests online for home delivery.
You can also take a supervised lateral flow test at New Bond Street in the centre of Bath on Friday 31, but will also be closed on January 1, 2 and 3.
Remember to test regularly, particularly on days when you're in a busy place, or meeting vulnerable people, because you are more likely to catch or spread Covid-19. |
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PCR testing over New Year
The opening time for local PCR test sites on New Year’s Day are:
Mobile Testing Units
- Paulton Rovers Football Club: 10:00-13:00
- Odd Down Park and Ride: 10:00-13:00
Local Testing Site
- Carpenter House: 10:00-14:00
These sites are all for PCR tests booked through the government website. |
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Job seekers can meet employers at job fair
Job hunters looking for a new role or a change in career can find out about the range of opportunities available in the health and social care sector at a recruitment fair. |
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Bath Quays sewer works to restart
The council is advising residents that Wessex Water sewer works are due to restart in Ambury and Corn Street in Bath on January 4. |
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Changes to B&NES parking
Changes to on-street parking permits and new parking charges come into effect across Bath and North East Somerset on Thursday, January 6. |
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Jane Austen room proves popular wedding venue
Literary lovers planning a marriage or a civil partnership in Bath can now choose to take their vows in a new Jane Austen-themed ceremony room. |
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Active travel consultation extended
A consultation on two schemes to improve walking and cycling routes in Bath to encourage more active ways of travelling has been extended. |
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Christmas tree recycling collections
Don't forget to dispose of real Christmas trees responsibly once the festivities are over. |
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Travel survey deadline extended
The joint West of England Combined Authority and council survey to help put together proposals to improve transport on two key routes between Midsomer Norton, Radstock, Westfield and Bath/Bristol, has been extended.
The survey on the A37 and A367 now closes on Sunday 9 January 2022.
The aim of the work is to encourage people to be less dependent on their cars by improving bus services and walking and cycling infrastructure. Feedback from residents will be key to developing plans for the A37/A367.
To take part and find out more visit here. To request a paper copy or alternate format please call 07436 601889 or email. |
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Christmas & New Year recycling & rubbish collections
Recycling and rubbish collection dates across Bath and North East Somerset will be revised over Christmas and New Year. |
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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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Guidance on protecting people defined on medical grounds as extremely vulnerable
Information for protecting people defined on medical grounds as extremely vulnerable from coronavirus (Covid-19). |
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Guidance for people whose immune system means they are at higher risk
Guidance for people aged 12 and over whose immune system means they are at higher risk of serious illness if they become infected with coronavirus (Covid-19). |
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Coronavirus: how to stay safe and help prevent the spread
Find out how to stay safe and help prevent the spread of coronavirus. |
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PCR home testing for people eligible for new Covid-19 treatments
If you're eligible for a new Covid-19 treatment, follow this guide on how to do a PCR test at home and register your test kit. |
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Guidance for households with possible coronavirus infection
Stay at home guidance for households with possible coronavirus (Covid-19) infection. |
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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 70 B&NES residents have been helped with their job, business and training goals. Here is what some of them said about our services:
- “People who work there are professionals and always do their best to help!”
- “Straight to the point of the problem.”
- “My recent experience with BATHNES Employment & Skills pod was very helpful, it opened my heart to what I would love to do and opened some doors to keep me progressing with my finances end career. 10 out of 10.”
- “I thought it was very helpful, staff were clear, practical and very fast with support.”
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 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; 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@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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