Coronavirus update 7 April 2022
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A message from Cllr Kevin Guy, Leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council
Hello,
This week we launched a series of videos featuring foster carers who are sharing their stories. As a council we are responsible for finding foster placements and supported lodgings for around 100 young people.
We have some amazing foster carers and supported lodgings providers in Bath and North East Somerset, but every year we are faced with increasing numbers of children and young people requiring placements, and demand may increase due to refugees arriving from Ukraine, so we need to recruit more people.
Thanks must go to our amazing foster carers who took time to help us make the videos, which I’d encourage you to watch on our Youtube channel – and if you are interested to find out more you can get in touch through the B&NES fostering website.
As you may be aware, there are currently two schemes that the government is running to support the arrival of refugees fleeing the war in Ukraine. We are providing a significant amount of support for the Homes for Ukraine scheme, which ‘matches’ refugees from Ukraine with sponsors in the UK. There are currently 53 sponsors in Bath and North East Somerset. Subject to central government visa and other checks we currently expect that these sponsors will host around 100 Ukrainian refugees. The council has a key role in providing DBS, accommodation and welfare checks to ensure the scheme runs smoothly. A number of services across the council have been working very hard in recent weeks to deliver what’s needed under this scheme. Our thanks go to the Family Placement Team who have been undertaking the DBS checks, and to Housing who are doing the accommodation checks.
Our Community Wellbeing Hub is also gearing up to provide support, and we have been working closely with our education team on school places and with Bath, Swindon and Wiltshire Clinical Commissioning Group on health services. More details and information on other ways we can all help alleviate the suffering in Ukraine can be found on our dedicated Support Ukraine web pages, including the new Government-sponsored matching service via Reset.
Following the reopening of Keynsham High Street we have received reports of trip and falls and I want to reassure you that we are addressing these issues as a priority.
We have put in additional temporary signage to help draw people’s attention to the new layout and we are reviewing whether any further measures are needed. New public realm designs can take time for us all to get used to, but we don’t want to see people hurting themselves. We will continue to monitor the way the High Street is being used. Please report any issues to us.
At the end of last week I had the real pleasure of joining pupils at Swainswick Church School to plant one of the many trees we have donated to Bath & North East Somerset schools as part of the UK-wide scheme to ‘Plant a Tree for the Jubilee’.
At the ceremony we were awarded the prestigious Champion City status under The Queen’s Green Canopy (QGC) initiative which highlights our outstanding efforts to make sure trees are a central part of our plans for green spaces. Thank you to all the schools and teams who have been planting trees as part of Plant at Tree for the Jubilee scheme since it launched back in October.
And finally, with Her Majesty the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations fast approaching we are reminding communities who want to hold a street party on the historic jubilee weekend they have until April 22 to apply to the council for a road closure.
Have a good weekend.
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A message from Becky Reynolds, Director of Public Health at Bath & North East Somerset Council
Hello,
I wanted to take a couple of minutes to update you on the latest with Covid-19, and to say thank you to everyone that has followed the guidance over the last two years.
First of all, as of the first of April, the government has now lifted all of the remaining restrictions on coronavirus. This means you’re no longer legally required to self-isolate if you have symptoms or test positive for Covid-19. Instead, the guidance recommends that you stay home until you are well enough to return to work.
Covid-19 is still with us, though, and case rates in Bath and North East Somerset remain high compared to the wider UK. So, it’s important that we all consider what actions we should take to look after ourselves and to others.
There are simple things we can all do in our daily lives that will help reduce the spread of Covid and other respiratory infections, and that will protect those at the highest risk of serious illness if they get Covid-19.
Firstly: get vaccinated. This is still our best defence against the virus – and as immunisations wane, it’s important we remember to get boosted.
Secondly, let fresh air in if we are meeting others indoors.
Thirdly, continue to practice good hygiene such as washing our hands, covering our coughs and sneezes, and cleaning our surroundings frequently.
And finally, wearing a face covering or a face mask when we are in a public place.
While universal free access to testing has ended for most, certain groups may still be eligible for free tests – these include those who work for the NHS or in social care, or are going into hospital, or are at high risk of getting seriously ill from Covid-19.
If you’re an adult with the symptoms of a respiratory infection, stay at home and avoid contact with others until you feel well enough to resume normal activities and no longer have a high temperature.
If you have a positive Covid-19 test result, the recommendation is to try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people for 5 days after the day you took your test. (For those under 18, the advice is three days). At the end of this period, if you have a high temperature or feel unwell, try to follow this advice until you feel well enough to resume normal activities and you no longer have a high temperature if you had one.
We recognise many are still worried about Covid. So, it’s important that we all consider what measures we should take to help stop the spread.
In the meantime, a huge thank you to the whole community for helping to keep us all safe and for following the guidance over the last two years.
And let’s learn to live safely with Covid.
Thank you.
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| Becky Reynolds with an update on coronavirus. Let's learn to live safely with Covid. |
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| We are no longer be publishing the Covid-19 update as the government moves to the next phase of managing the pandemic. However, you can find the latest Government data on coronavirus here. |
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Current guidance for coronavirus
Free testing for Covid-19 has now ended for most people. However, you may still be able to get free rapid lateral flow tests if you work for the NHS or in social care, if you are going into hospital, or you’re at high risk of getting seriously ill from Covid-19.
From this month, care home residents, people aged 75+, and those with a weakened immune system aged 12+ will be invited to get a spring Covid-19 booster. The NHS will contact you and invite you to book your spring booster when it’s due.
Covid-19 is still with us, so it's important we all consider how we can continue stay safe and help prevent the spread of coronavirus. |
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Vaccination clinics coming up
There's still time to grab your first, second or booster doses at the following upcoming clinics:
Fairfield Park Health Centre, 47 Tyning Lane, Bath, BA1 6EA
- Friday 8 April, 9.30am-5.30pm
Bath City Football Club, Twerton
- Wednesday 13 April, 11am-6pm
- Wednesday 4 May, 11am-6pm
- Wednesday 18 May, 11am-6pm
Keynsham Scout Hut, Ashton Way, Keynsham, BS31 2UF
- Thursday 14 April, 10am-6pm
- Thursday 21 April, 10am-6pm
All these clinics will offer
- First and second doses for people aged 12 years old and over
- Boosters for people aged 16 years old and over, plus at-risk children aged 12-15 years old
- Spring boosters for people aged 75 years old and over, plus people aged 12-years-old and over with a weakened immune system
- Additional primary doses for people with a severely weakened immune system aged 12-years-old and over
Individuals with suspected COVID-19 infection should not attend vaccination sessions to avoid infecting others.
If you or your child has tested positive for COVID-19, you need to wait a number of weeks before having the vaccine. You need to wait:
- 4 weeks (28 days) if you're aged 18 years old or over
- 12 weeks (84 days) if you or your child are aged 5 to 17 years old
- 4 weeks (28 days) if you or your child are aged 5 to 17 years old and at high risk from COVID-19, or live with someone who has a weakened immune system
This starts from the date that symptoms started, or the date of the positive test result, whichever was earlier.
You can book your vaccination appointment online; you need to be registered with a GP (or call 119) to book online. Or you can visit a vaccination walk-in clinic; no need to book or be registered with a GP. To find one near you, go to the NHS website.
If you need a translator, have difficulties communicating or hearing, or are a British Sign Language (BSL) user, use textphone 18001 119 or the NHS 119 BSL interpreter service. |
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Bath Racecourse clinics
Bath Racecourse are currently offering walk-ins to those 12 and over, please visit the NHS website for more details.
The Vaccination Centre is now open from 10am-6pm on Saturdays, and from 8am-7pm Monday to Friday. However, it will also be closed on occasional odd days. If you are planning to attend a walk-in clinic, please check the 'grab a jab' website to make sure the site is open that day. |
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‘Don’t miss your shot’ urge Bath City footballers
Footballers from Bath City FC have told fans: ‘Don’t miss your shot’, in a new film from Bath & North East Somerset Council. |
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| Don't miss your shot. |
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Share of £5m for violent crime reduction initiatives
Initiatives to help children and young people in Bath and North East Somerset at risk of becoming involved in violent crime have been given a three-year funding boost from the Home Office. |
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£835k for environmental standards at school
Keynsham’s new Two Rivers C of E Primary School will be built to high sustainable standards thanks to additional funding from the council. |
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York Street Traffic Regulation Order Public Inquiry
Council officer, Counter-Terrorism Policing South West Inspector and Avon & Somerset Chief Inspector statements have been published ahead of a public inquiry into a Traffic Regulation Order for anti-terrorism purposes to close York Street, as part of Bath’s city centre security scheme. |
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New play area opens ahead of Easter
An extra-high swing, double slides and a castle for imaginative play are among exciting new facilities for families to enjoy at the new Sydney Gardens play area in Bath which opened yesterday. |
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Bath declared a Champion City for tree planting
Bath has been awarded prestigious Champion City status under The Queen’s Green Canopy (QGC) initiative. |
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Foster carers and council staff tell their stories
Foster carers from across Bath and North East Somerset have come together to tell their stories of fostering and encourage more local people to open their homes to support children and young people in the area. |
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| What would you say to someone thinking of becoming a foster carer? |
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Council statement on Bath Half Marathon 2022
The council has registered an application from the organisers of Bath Half for Sunday 16 October and we will once again do everything we can to support this going ahead. |
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Haycombe Crematorium delivering excellent service
Staff at Haycombe Crematorium have been praised for delivering excellent services in an inspection which highlighted their exceptional environmental awareness. |
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April is Bowel Cancer Awareness Month
Every 15 minutes somebody is diagnosed with bowel cancer in the UK. That's nearly 43,000 people every year. Early diagnosis for Bowel Cancer and any other type of cancer saves lives. Everyone aged 60-74, who's registered with a GP and lives in England, is automatically sent a bowel cancer screening kit every 2 years. The programme also includes 56 year olds. Visit the website to find out more about the symptoms and detection of this disease.
Join us in a new challenge run by Bowel Cancer UK and Step up for 30. It's simple, just get active every day and ask people to sponsor you. To take part, sign up here.
There’s plenty of opportunity to get talking about this too:
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Still time to have your say on libraries
There are still a few days left to take part in a short online survey that the library service is currently running. The survey, which runs until 10 April, aims to find out what young people think about and want from their library services.
Please share this with 11–18-year-olds you know and encourage them to take part. We want to hear from everyone, particularly if they haven’t used the library services before. The service will use the feedback to understand how library services are used and to identify any improvements. |
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Looking for employment and training?
Keynsham Library is holding an event which may help anyone looking for employment or training. The New Opportunities event is a chance for residents to meet experts in employment, skills development, training and business coaching.
Keynsham Library
Wednesday 6 April
11am-2pm
Residents can book a place on Eventbrite or just turn up on the day. If you have any questions, please email us at futurebright@bathnes.gov.uk |
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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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Reducing the spread of respiratory infections, including Covid-19, in the workplace
Public health principles for reducing the spread of respiratory infections, including Covid-19, in the workplace. |
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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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Advice for UK visa applicants and temporary UK residents
This is advice for visa customers and applicants in the UK, visa customers outside of the UK and British nationals overseas who need to apply for a passport affected by travel restrictions associated with coronavirus. |
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Help and support if your business is affected by coronavirus (Covid-19)
Watch a webinar and sign up for email alerts to learn more about the support available if your business is affected by Covid-19. |
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Visiting someone in prison
Information and guidance about visiting prisons in England and Wales. |
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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.
Earlier this week it was Young Carers Action Day, a national awareness day raising awareness of children who provide care to someone in their family. The theme this year was 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 fourth 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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