Everyone urged to think twice about their COVID actions

Bradford District is in a particularly critical period in the battle to beat COVID-19 and public health experts are calling on everyone to think twice about their daily activities.

Infection rates in the district in the week 5 January rose by 40% - from 199 per 100,000 population to 282 – and it is estimated that between 50 and 70% of new cases are of the new variant strain of the virus.

This is a worrying trend that we need to make sure does not follow London and other parts of the country where the new variant has really taken a hold.

Bradford Council’s Director of Public Health and Council Leader have reinforced the message from England’s Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty, who said today that the country was entering the worst weeks of the pandemic for the NHS and urged people to stay at home and stop all unnecessary contact.

Sarah Muckle, Director of Public Health, said: “The new variant is very virulent - 50% more infectious than the original strain – and we need to do everything we can to minimise its spread. Where possible people should think and act as though they have COVID-19 to reduce potential transmission.

“The virus can be passed on in any place where people from different households meet, so everyone should think twice before they leave the house. Any single unnecessary contact with someone is a possible link in a chain of infection transmission that could lead to a vulnerable person.

“While local infection rates are nowhere near as high as in other places that may just be because there is a lag in the spread of the new variant as it was first detected in the South East.

Council Leader Cllr Susan Hinchcliffe said: “Our health services are at a critical point as they deal with increasing numbers of COVID-related admissions to local hospitals and, at the same time, roll-out more and more vaccinations to our most vulnerable people.

“The next couple of weeks are vitally important in slowing the rapid increase of the new variant, nationally and locally.

“It’s everyone’s responsibility to take all the precautions they can and help to keep our communities and our NHS safe. The more people who Stay at Home, and the more people who think carefully and focus on hands, face, space if they do need to go out, the better in the fight to conquer COVID-19.”

Free COVID-19 test kits

Available to collect from selected pharmacies in Bradford

NHS Test and Trace, working with NHS England and NHS Improvement and Community Pharmacy West Yorkshire, are making free COVID-19 swab tests available for collection from a number of community pharmacies in Bradford as part of the Bradford Community Pharmacy Pilot starting in January 2021.

The aim of the scheme is to make the COVID-19 tests more accessible to the general public and increase the number of tests for symptomatic patients. If the Bradford pilot is successful the scheme will then be rolled out nationally.

Free COVID-19 test kits can be collected from selected pharmacies; there is no need to reserve or book a test.

Just send someone to pick up a free test kit for you if:

• they don’t have symptoms
• they are outside your household and not in your support bubble

You can collect a test kit from these selected pharmacies.

How it works:

1. Send someone without symptoms and not in your household (or support bubble) to pick up the test kit from the pharmacy.
2. Before you take the test register your test kit details online.
3. Take the swab and package it, following instructions provided in the kit.
4. Post the completed test kit at your nearest Royal Mail Priority post box on the same day you take the test.

Check collection times of your nearest priority post box at: https://www.royalmail.com/services-near-you#/

5. You should get the test results by text and email within 2-5 days after returning the kit.

If you have not received your results after 5 days, call 119.

Please do not go to the pharmacy if you have COVID-19 symptoms, ensure that you send someone from outside your household / support bubble who does not have any COVID-19 symptoms.

Coronavirus testing in Bradford District

If you live or work in the Bradford District there are now several different ways you can get a test for COVID-19 including mobile testing units, home testing and lateral flow testing.

Find out more about where you can go to get tested and where are home-testing teams will be visiting in over the next week.

Remember: Hand, Face, Space

• Maintain 2 metres social distancing from people you do not live with
• Wear a face covering over your nose and mouth in public places and where you can’t keep 2 metres apart from others.
• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water when leaving the house and returning and regularly throughout the day. When soap and water is not available outside of your home use hand sanitiser.

Do you need help or support?

If you need help or have a particular need please ring and talk to one of our friendly team who will take some details and pass them onto the relevant service. Call 01274 431000 or for BSL text 07790 347389.

See our website for more information about local support and volunteering to help others.

COVID-19 Vaccine information

The NHS have provided partners with information on the latest COVID-19 vaccines including a list of FAQs. This page will be updated as and when more information is made available.

Are you concerned about someone's safety?

If you have a concern about the safety of a child or a vulnerable adult, do not keep it to yourself. Report your concern on the Safer Bradford website. We’re available 24/7, 365 days a year.

Or call:

• For children 01274 435600 (01274 431010 out of office hours)
• For adults 01274 431077 (01274 431010 out of office hours)
• If someone is at immediate risk of harm call 999

Don’t think, “What if I’m wrong?”. Think, “What if I’m right!”

Use the NHS 111 online coronavirus service

Use the NHS 111 online coronavirus service if:

• you feel you cannot cope with your symptoms at home
• your condition gets worse
• your symptoms do not get better after 7 days

Only call 111 if you cannot get help online.

Helpful links

UK Government guidance and support

NHS coronavirus advice and information

Support for local businesses

Support for keeping your mind healthy

Support for unemployed residents