I have received the latest Covid Update and news from the Council:
"Good afternoon
This week’s update provides the latest Covid position and the usual update on national and local developments. It has been great to have more than 4,000 visitors to the city this week for the UKREiiF event, which is proving to be a great event so far including our approach to innovation, and great profile for the city. The feedback from delegates has been overwhelmingly positive, especially those who haven’t been to the city for a few years. The event will be returning to Leeds next year.
Covid position (as usual, rates reflect a significantly reduced testing regime)
- The latest data from the ONS infection survey covering the period 1st - 7th May 2022 estimates that 2.7% of the Leeds population tested positive for Covid 19. In Yorkshire and Humber the percentage infected is 3% and 2.21% in England (1 in 45 people) would test positive for Covid-19. These are both reductions from the previous week.
- In line with the Covid rate, there has been a reduction in the number of settings reporting cases, on the number of patients in hospital with Covid, and on the number of deaths (total of covid-related deaths registered is now 2,128).
- Vaccination continues to the most important thing you can do, along with handwashing and general good hygiene measures. Here are details of where you can get your vaccination.
- Vaccination uptake as of the 16th May – latest available report
- Over 610K people have had a 1st vaccination (77.7% of eligible GP registered).
- Over 579k people have had a 2nd vaccination (73.8% of those currently eligible).
- Over 413k people have had a 3rd / booster vaccination (72.2% of those currently eligible).
- As of 9th May, 58.6% of those eligible have had a 4th dose / 2nd booster vaccination
National developments
- Following discussions with the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain, Barnardo’s has set up the Ukrainian Support Helpline (0800 148 8586) staffed by English, Ukrainian and Russian speakers to provide a holistic support service. A dedicated email address ukrainiansupport@barnardos.org.uk and webpage have also been set up for those assisting with the Ukraine response. Details of what support is available in Leeds can be found in the Together Leeds for Ukraine website here.
Local developments
- This week, Newmarket House was opened, providing a modern, future proofed base for the city’s refuse and street cleaning service. Newmarket House is located by the RERF and has provision for electric vehicle charging with the option for further renewable and low carbon options including hydrogen and biofuel.
- Next week is Dementia Action week. We’re encouraging everyone to take action by starting a conversation, whether it’s calling a relative with dementia or visiting a neighbour, it’s time to start talking. The Alzheimer’s Society has more information here.
- From week commencing 23 May, Bishopgate Street and Neville Street will both be reduced to one lane for traffic travelling in towards the city centre. Motorists are being advised to plan their journeys in advance.
- Leeds has received £2.8 million of additional grant funding this year, as the first stage of providing increased drug and alcohol treatment services over the next three years. It will primarily be invested in services provided by Forward Leeds. There is no threshold for residents across Leeds to seek support from Forward Leeds and anyone who is struggling with the impact of drug or alcohol use is encouraged to seek assistance. To find out more about the service, or to get help, visit Forward Leeds.