Thursday 1 April 2021
Residents Bulletin
Due to the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19), we are providing regular email updates to let you know about the latest information we have on local and national measures to contain the virus, any changes to local services and support that’s available.
If you do not wish to receive these updates please click on “unsubscribe” at the bottom of the page.
Further information is available from www.rotherham.gov.uk/coronavirus
Please approach easing of restrictions responsibly this Bank Holiday weekend
With the weather getting warmer, you may be planning meeting with family and friends over the Bank Holiday weekend.
We are urging residents to follow to social distancing guidelines and only meet in groups of up to six people or two household outdoors as cases of COVID-19 have increased in Rotherham.
This increase of cases now means that the infection rate in Rotherham is the highest in the UK.
The infection rate on 1 April 2021 for all ages in the borough is 168.4 which is an increase from 144.7 for the week before. The current national average for infections rates per 100,000 for all ages is 55.4.
There has also been an increase of cases within the 60+ age range from 32.2 to 54.2.
From Monday 29 March, the Government lifted some of the Lockdown restrictions which means people in England can now:
- meet with 6 people or 2 households in an outdoor setting, such as a park, a beach or a private garden – however, social distancing must still be followed.
- go to outdoor sports facilities such as tennis and basketball courts, and open-air swimming pools as long as they follow social distancing guidelines.
- take part in formally organised outdoor sports, e.g. sports games organised by a recognised club, charity, or public body.
Number of COVID patients in hospitals has increased
The number of hospital inpatients has increased slightly this week.
The Hospital’s regular weekly update on Wednesday reported that there were 24 inpatients who have tested positive for Covid-19. This is an increase of two from last week.
Just one Covid patient was in critical care at the time of the update.
Since the start of the pandemic the Hospital has now treated more than 2,531 Covid inpatients. The hospital has safely discharged a total of 1,832 patients.
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Rotherham’s first community test centre will be opening to the public on Friday 9 April at the Unity Centre, Saint Leonard’s Road, Rotherham S65 1PD.
The test centre will be offering Lateral Flow Device tests for anyone who is not displaying symptoms of COVID 19.
The test centre will be open every Tuesday and Friday from the 9 April 2021, from 8:45am – 3:15pm, for anyone over the age of 16.
The Council is encouraging people who cannot work from home to come and get tested regularly in order to protect family and friends and keep the community safe. This is particularly important as Rotherham continues to re-open in line with the Government’s Roadmap.
No booking is required, but you may be asked to queue at busy times. The test centre will also be closed between 12:30pm and 1:00pm for lunch break.
Those with COVID-19 symptoms, including a high temperature, a new continuous cough, and changes to the sense of smell or taste, must book a test through one of the local test centres or via the home test option. To book a test for someone with symptoms, call 119 or go to www.nhs.uk/coronavirus.
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Workplace testing deadline has been extended
Businesses now have until 12 April 2021to apply for workplace testing kits for those who are not able to work from home.
If you have 10 or more employees, from early April you’ll be able to order tests for your employees to collect from their workplace and use at home twice a week. You can do this if you cannot provide testing in the workplace.
You must register by 11:59pm on 12 April 2021. If your business is closed or you cannot provide tests now, you should still register so you can order tests in the future.
Travel Safely this Bank Holiday
If you are planning to travel over the Bank Holiday, you can help stay safe by following the Government’s guidance on how to travel safely.
Here are a few easy tips to help you travel safe:
- No matter how you travel, you should plan ahead, and avoid busy times and routes where possible.
- Walk or cycle where possible.
- If using public transport, you should regularly sanitise your hands, wear a face covering unless you are exempt, and keep your distance where possible.
- It is a legal requirement that, unless exempt, you must wear a face covering on public transport and inside transport hubs, e.g. train stations. You could be fined £200 minimum if you do not comply.
- If travelling by car, you should avoid sharing a car with anyone outside of your household or support bubble. If this isn’t possible, you should open the windows, wear a face covering unless exempt, and leave seats free to social distance.
Help reduce the risk of COVID-19 in Rotherham.
Find out more about public transport services on South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive’s website.
A popular physical activity game that has been played by more than 1.2m people is coming to Rotherham.
The COVID friendly, contactless game includes players taking part in their family groups or support bubbles, either walking, cycling, running, wheeling or scooting as far as possible within the local area, with prizes for the teams that clock up the highest number of miles.
Lockdown has impacted many people’s activity levels and Beat the Street gives a safe and stimulating way for residents to get out and get active, less car-dependent and fitter which is vital in the fight against COVID-19.
Beat the street starts on 14 April and will run for six weeks.
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