Our community continues to face this serious, disturbing and fast moving crisis. Fortunately in our village it is times like these that bring out the best in us. It continues to be heartwarming to see the reaction on the part of our residents, and to receive so many offers of help in supporting the most vulnerable during the Covid-19 outbreak.
Update 14: 9th January 2021 – New Lockdown
The rules relating to the current lockdown may be similar to those which applied in the first lockdown starting March 2020, but they are not exactly the same. There are some significant differences. For full guidance on the latest rules please visit the Govenment Coronavirus web site at: https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus
For full details of how the lockdown will affect local services across the board, from schools to social services, please see the Leeds City Council web site at: https://www.leeds.gov.uk/coronavirus Note that waste sites will remain open this time, subject to prearranged online appointments, and Leeds City Council advise that keeping an appointment at one of their waste sites constitutes a legitimate reason to leave home.
The new lockdown also sees the reintroduction of shielding, and is creating new demands for volunteers to assist the vulnerable at this difficult time. There are also many other ways in which you can help. If you would like to volunteer, please visit the ‘Doing Good Leeds’ web site at: https://doinggoodleeds.org.uk/
Childrens playgrounds will also remain open, including the playground in Bardsey, but please adhere to Covid 19 procedures to avoid risk of transmission of the virus to yourselves or others.
Attention is also drawn to a number of scams which have followed the introduction of Covid 19 vaccination programmes. Please note that Covid 19 vaccinations are offered completely free of charge by the NHS, in accordance with well publicised priorities designed to protect the most vulnerable first. Scammers have started to approach members of the public offering to circumvent the priority list in return for payment. Worse, some even claim they are calling from the NHS. They then ask for credit card details etc. to take payment, before defrauding their victims of the contents of their bank accounts. Please remain vigilant against these heartless criminals. If approached in this way, or any other, do not respond. Only the NHS can offer vaccinations, and the NHS will never ask for payment over the phone – indeed at all. You have been warned!
Update 13: 2nd October 2020 – Sources of Information
Developments since the relaxation of lockdown on 4th July have progressed apace, and, with new partial lockdown regulations now being reintroduced and extended, have become increasingly more frequent and more complex.
For this reason please note that Bardsey Parish Council is no longer attempting to post latest information on this web site, because it is difficult to ensure that such posts continue to represent the latest position in real time.
Residents seeking latest information and advice on Covid 19 related issues, both locally and nationally, are advised to visit the appropriate pages on the Government web site, the Leeds City Council web site, and the NHS web site using the links provided below:
Government: https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus
Leeds City Council: https://www.leeds.gov.uk/coronavirus
NHS: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/?dclid=CIbPvO3vlewCFYHRwAodhJkCiw
Update 12: 6th July 2020 – New Rules for Social Distancing, Waste Services and Latest Scams
New Social Distancing Rules: Social distancing rules have been relaxed with effect from 4th July 2020, and new guidance for those shielding and clinically vulnerable will also apply from 6th July 2020. Answers to frequently asked questions about what you can and can’t do under the new rules may be found by clicking on this link: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-outbreak-faqs-what-you-can-and-cant-do/coronavirus-outbreak-faqs-what-you-can-and-cant-do-after-4-july
More details on the new rules may be accessed by clicking on the following links:
a) Guidance on social distancing from 4 July: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/staying-alert-and-safe-social-distancing/staying-alert-and-safe-social-distancing-after-4-july
b) Guidance on seeing people outside from 4 July: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/meeting-people-from-outside-your-household-from-4-july
c) Guidance for those shielding and clinically vulnerable from 6th July: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19
Leeds City Council Refuse Collections: The amount of kerbside waste presented by residents remains consistently higher than normal, and about 10% of operational staff are still off work self-isolating or shielding. Nevertheless a high level of service is being achieved.
Priority will continue to be given to black/green bin collections. All black and green bin routes are completing with any missed streets being revisited within 48 hours as per the normal service commitment.
Gardens waste collections are also now completing most days and missed streets being recovered within 48 hours where at all possible, but LCC cannot guarantee brown bins will be revisited if streets are missed as black and green bins take priority.
Residents are encouraged to recycle and compost more, which is very helpful in maintaining the service. For tips and recommendations on how to do so please see
www.zerowasteleeds.org.uk/tag/recycling/ www.zerowasteleeds.org.uk/tag/garden-waste/
Litter Bins: Leeds City Council is now in the process of removing all covering and taping up of litter bins. They will operate an increased team of litter bin crews citywide that will focus mainly on the known streets/locations where the litter bins are being filled most often, and will respond as promptly as possible to any reports they get. The message to the public remains please take your litter home with you if at all possible, but LCC will empty bins as required, and Bardsey Parish Council will continue to report full or taped up bins to LCC.
New Scams: Unfortunately, yet more new scams have been reported, this time relating to NHS Track and Trace, so please continue to be vigilant. Please, please note that there are NO CHARGES related to Covid 19 tests or HNS Track and Trace. NHS Test and Trace services will never ask for bank details or payments, will never ask for details of any other accounts, will never ask people to set up a password or PIN over the phone, and will never ask you to call a premium rate phone number!! NHS Test and Trace will only call from 0300 0135000.
If anyone ever calls you claiming to be from NHS Testing or NHS Track and Trace, and asks for this kind of information you can be certain it is a fraudster aiming to steal what they can. Don’t give them any information and just hang up!
Update 11: 9th June 2020 – New Rules for the New Stage of Lockdown
Government has announced that the five key tests for further easing lockdown have now been met, allowing further relaxation of lockdown and a move into the next phase of the exit roadmap. With this comes new rules and advice, and these are some of the key changes:
Staying Alert, and Staying Safe Ouside Your Home: There are now more opportunities to go out, to exercise, to travel, and to go to work. All of this is possible because the presence of the Covid 19 virus is declining steadily, which is good news. But it is therefore of even greater importance that we maintain our guard against infection. Updated advice has been issued on how to stay alert, minimise the risk, and stay safe outside our homes. Details are available by clicking on these links: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/staying-alert-and-safe-socieal-distancing/staying-alert-and-safe-social-distancing
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/staying-safe-outside-your-home/staying-safe-outside-your-home
Meeting Outside: With effect from 1st June it is now permitted to meet with small groups of up to 6 people from different households, including at private addresses, but only outside in the open air and provided the 2M social distancing rule is maintained at all times. There have been a lot of questions about the detail, and more information is available by clicking on this link: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/pm-six-people-can-meet-outside-under-new-measures-to-ease-lockdown?utm_source=f2f5c8f0-bfa5-47a9-af8f-ad6fd469ac62&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=govuk-notifications&utm_content=daily
Test and Trace: A vital element in the further relaxation of lockdown is the ability to control the spread of the virus by means other than imposing a strict ‘stay at home’ regime. This has been established through the test and trace programme, which will alert those who have been exposed to someone else who subsequently tests positive for the virus, allowing them to self isolate and so stop the further spread of the virus. It is most important we all understand both the vital nature of the programme, and indeed how it works. For details please click on this link: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/nhs-test-and-trace-how-it-works
Face Coverings on Public Transport: Face coverings on public transport will be compulsory in England from 15 June. Details of the rules, and the consequences for non-compliance, may be found by clicking on the following link: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/face-coverings-to-become-mandatory-on-public-transport?utm_source=40ae1908-c5b3-458a-9077-52bee4d260ea&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=govuk-notifications&utm_content=daily
Advice for Vulnerable People who are Shielding: Guidance for those currently shielding was updated on 31st May, allowing shielding individuals to spend some time outdoors, subject to conditions set out in the guidance. The advice to shield remains in place until at least 30th June, but a number of people have recently had their risk reassessed and been told that they are no longer advised to shield, but instead adhere to stringent physical distancing. The advice was updated again on 5th June, and for the latest information please click on the following link: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19
Update 10: 22nd May 2020 – Travelling Safely, Testing, and More Scams!
Travel and Transport – Staying Safe: In the light of lock down restrictions on travel and going to work being cautiously relaxed in some areas, Government has issued updated advice on safe travel by whatever means. Advice is still to use alternatives to public transport if possible, but safe use of public transport is also well covered in the advice. For details please click on the following link: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-safer-travel-guidance-for-passengers
Covid 19 Tests: There has been much publicity recently around the increasing availability of Covid 19 tests, and this is just a quick reminder that a test is now available to anyone over the age of 5 with Covid 19 symptoms. For full details and to book a test please click on the following link: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-getting-tested
Latest Scams Warnings – West Yorkshire Trading Standards: Regrettably there is still no shortage of criminals prepared to take advantage of the pandemic. For the latest warnings from WYTS please click on the following link:https://bardseyvillage.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/COVID-19-Scam-Update.pdf
A new council tax based scam has also appeared in Leeds, and residents are warned to be very aware of this plausible looking ‘phishing’ scam intended to gain personal details, especially bank account and payment card data, which would allow serious theft and fraud to be perpetrated on victims. It starts with a text offering attractive council tax rebates and leads into instructions to enter account or card details to allow payment. Once in possession of the data fraudsters could empty your bank accounts or shop on line at your expense, so be warned! Clicking on the following link allows you to view an example of such a text. If you receive anything resembling it, don’t under any circumstances respond to it. It is not from HM Government, nor from Leeds City Council! https://bardseyvillage.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Sample-Council-Tax-Scam-Text003.png
Update 9: 24th April 2020 – Latest Advice:
Healthcare – Non Covid 19 Conditions: Since the present social distancing measures were introduced, Health Authorities have become very concerned by a significant reduction in patients seeking medical help for serious conditions other than Covid 19. All are reminded that the NHS is still available to treat other urgent cases in a safe environment, isolated from Covid 19 patients. Those experiencing symptoms are urged to make contact with the NHS urgently. Delay could have serious consequences and even be life-threatening. For more detailed advice on what to do during lockdown, please click on the links below:
1) Comprehensive advice from the NHS: https://bardseyvillage.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/NHS-Booklet-Non-Covid-19-Conditions-During-the-Pandemic.pdf
2) Leeds Cancer Programme, Doctors’ Appeal: https://bardseyvillage.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Doctors-Appeal-to-Patients-with-Cancer-Symptoms.pdf
3) For parents of young children: https://www.leedsccg.nhs.uk/news/nhs-plea-dont-let-lockdown-delay-medical-attention-for-unwell-children-parents-urged/
Latest Covid 19 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Leeds City Council is updating its list of FAQs regularly as the crisis unfolds. If you have a concern, or question you need answering, you may not be alone and there may already be an answer on this list. Before contacting LCC, why not take a look by clicking on the link below and save some time: https://bardseyvillage.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/COVID-19-FAQs-v2.pdf
Latest Scams Warning – West Yorkshire Trading Standards: Unfortunately the multitude of Covid 19 related scams in our area continues to grow. For advance warning of the latest developments please click on the following link. Stay safe – don’t be taken in! https://bardseyvillage.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Updated-Scams-Alert-17.04.2020.pdf
Update 8: 16th April 2020 – Staying Healthy Under Lockdown
With an extension to the lockdown period now in prospect, more advice is available on the essential subject of how best to stay fit and well, both physically and mentally, under the present social distancing rules. Please click on the following links for more information and links to available services:
Physical fitness: https://active.leeds.gov.uk/healthy-at-home
Mental health and wellbeing: http://www.mindwell-leeds.org.uk/coronavirus
Update 7: 8th April 2020 – Latest Leeds City Council Contact Numbers
In response to the evolving situation Leeds City Council has made some changes to its list of contact numbers with which to access various Council services. For the latest numbers please click on the following link: https://bardseyvillage.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/LCC-Contact-numbers-7th-April-2020.pdf
Update 6: 3rd April 2020 – Further Advice and Information
After the introduction of the more stringent social distancing rules, a number of specific issues have come to light. In response, further advice and guidance is being issued on an ongoing basis. We believe the following may be of particular interest to our own residents:
Child Care: All Early Years and childcare settings in Leeds are continuing to receive the Free Early Entitlement funding for the children that would normally attend. The majority of settings remain open to cater for the keyworkers in both the private sector and the public sector who are continuing to attend their workplace. We currently have 240 of our childminders, nurseries and Early settings providing essential childcare. Youth workers are being deployed into Children’s homes and 20 staff are working in LTHT to provide child care provision for NHS staff. For older children 219 schools remain open Schools will be open over Easter holidays for key workers and vulnerable families. For further information and help with childcare click on this link: https://www.leeds.gov.uk/coronavirus#childcare
Pets: Many people are worried about caring for their pets, particularly dogs and cats. This is especially so for those more vulnerable and unable to leave their homes.
1) Is it OK for another person to walk your dog? Current Government guidance says a person may leave their home to provide care or help a vulnerable person – and this does include walking their dog if they are unable to do so. However, the dog walk should, wherever possible, count as the daily exercise for the dog walker (whether they are paid or volunteering) and should be given from the dog walker’s home. The person walking the dog must not have any symptoms of COVID-19 and must follow advice about social distancing and hand hygiene.
2) Can I catch Covid 19 from my dog or cat? Dogs and cats cannot catch the virus, but if they have been petted by someone infectious with Covid 19 it is possible that they could carry it on their fur. If your furry friend has been out on his or her own, the advice is to wash your hands thoroughly before and after having contact with them.
3) What about larger animals like horses and ponies? For wider information on caring for animals during the Covid 19 crisis, the Government has established a web site. For more detailed information click on this link: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-advice-for-people-with-animals
Refuse Collection: Collections of household waste and recyclable waste (black bins and green bins) is continuing in accordance with the normal schedule. Collections of garden waste (brown bins) is suspended until further notice, to protect the higher priority collections in the event that staff are off, due to illness or because they have to self isolate.
Other issues: If you have other questions concerning Covid 19, social distancing, or what the new rules mean you can do, the Cabinet Office have established a web page covering frequently asked questions (FAQs). It is subject to continuous update, and is a useful source of information. If you have encountered a problem, it may very well be that others share it and an answer is already there to be found. Click on this link: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-outbreak-faqs-what-you-can-and-cant-do/coronavirus-outbreak-faqs-what-you-can-and-cant-do
Update 5: 25th March 2020 – Government information
The Government web site has been updated with much new information and advice following the latest measures to slow the spread of the virus. For details about the new social distancing rules, as well as many other aspects, click on the following link: https://www.gov.uk/government/topical-events/coronavirus-covid-19-uk-government-response
Please note, the importance of observing the new guidelines cannot be overemphasised. To succeed in slowing the spread of the virus we must all play our part. If we do not slow the spread of the virus, our NHS and other services run a high risk of being overwhelmed within very few weeks. We can do it, but only if we all pull together together.
Update 4: 25th March 2020 – Leeds City Council Contact Points
Coronavirus contact details: Leeds has just issued an updated set of council contact numbers Likewise, there is a dedicated webpage to refer to if you have queries: Leeds coronavirus In each case click on the link.
Volunteering: In each case click on the link. For general information see volunteering. Anyone who feels they are able can volunteer for a range of different roles dependant on availability and preference can do so by visiting doinggoodleeds or emailing info@val.org.uk or calling 0113 2977920. Once signed-up volunteers will receive training and then be matched with opportunities locally to help.
Shielding: Government guidance has been updated to provide advice for households with possible infection, staying at home and away from others, and protecting vulnerable people (shielding). In each case click on the link.
Update 3: 25th March 2020 – Leeds City Council Services
Not surprisingly the current social distancing rules are having a profound impact on the range of services which are normally provided by Leeds City Council. Here is a summary of key measures taken in the light of the crisis. Further updates are expected from LCC very shortly:
- Garden waste collection (brown bins) have been stood down until further notice.
- Household waste sites are now closed until further notice. Public litter bins not being collected after today.
- Golf courses, tennis courts, bowling greens and park cafes have been closed. Parking has been stood down and should be used for NHS & key workers.
- Numbers at funerals are being limited
- All community hubs are closed, apart from four COVID-19 co-ordination hubs in Merrion, Dewsbury Road, Armley, Compton Centre. More information coming soon about soon about these.
- Additional support for Street Support teams today to support rough sleepers and those with drug dependency
- Taxi/private hire licencing renewals under review, and may be delayed
- Non urgent housing repairs have been suspended from today and are under review as to what can be maintained longer term to ensure safety of tenants beyond normal emergency repairs
- Travellers groups across the city are being supported where possible to stay but need to recognise potential for disruption
- CEL remains operating well and supporting Free School meals, but communications are under review to ensure take-up
- Good communications in place across schools, clusters and early help staff to support vulnerable children. Schools coping under “key worker” regime
- Social workers actively visiting especially those discharged from hospital to help free up beds. Home care supply a concern for longer term.
- Pressure on Public Health capacity to provide guidance and support in addition to the high volume of traffic from individuals and members needing PH advice. Team have brought in wider capacity to manage this.
Update 2: 24th March 2020 – Claiming Benefits
The Government has announced a raft of measures to support employees, the self employed and businesses through the present difficult times. Here are some useful links for those that need information and advice during the COVID -19 crisis:
Coronavirus and claiming benefits
https://www.understandinguniversalcredit.gov.uk/coronavirus
self Employment and Universal Credit – 1 https://www.understandinguniversalcredit.gov.uk/coronavirus/Self
Self Employment & Universal Credit – 2
https://www.gov.uk/self-employment-and-universal-credit
Employment & Support Allowance
https://www.gov.uk/employment-support-allowance
Covid-19 Small Business Government Grant
https://smallbusiness.co.uk/how-do-i-get-the-government-3000-coronavirus-grant-2549866/
Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan
https://smallbusiness.co.uk/how-do-i-apply-for-a-coronavirus-business-interruption-loan-2549863/
Citizen’s Advice
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/help-if-on-a-low-income/if-youre-struggling-with-living-costs/
Emergency Funding
https://www.stepchange.org/debt-info/emergency-funding.aspx
Update 1: 19th March 2020 – Community Volunteering
Phase 1 has seen the rapid establishment of the Outer North East Neighbourhood Network. For more information please click on the link below.
https://bardseyvillage.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Covid-19-Community-Care-Volunteer-Call.pdf
If you would like to join the volunteer force, you can sign up right now at:
Whether or not you join the organised response, perhaps one of the most important things any of us can contribute is good neighbourliness. Social distancing is going to be hard for any of us, but especially so for the frail, the vulnerable and those who live alone. Popping round might not be a good idea, but a welcome telephone call from a concerned and caring neighbour, or a little support from someone familiar, might make someone else’s day. We all need to look out for each other in the weeks to come.
Finally, keep checking in with this web page, which will be updated as events unfold. If you are in need of general information regarding Covid 19, and the very latest Government advice, please also keep checking the official government web site at:
https://www.gov.uk/government/topical-events/coronavirus-covid-19-uk-government-response