Category Archives: News
Leeds – Stop Removing Accessible Hackney Carriage Taxi Ranks
Leeds – Stop Removing Accessible Hackney Carriage Taxi Ranks Campaign
Gathering of people with disabilities, Unite the Union and Leeds taxi drivers.
Plan and Timelines for Tuesday 14th September 2021 – 11:30hrs to 15:00hrs
STAGE ONE:
At 11:30hrs, all those who are able to attend and support on the day (Disabled Community peers, Unite the Union Reps, Hackney Carriage taxi drivers) should plan to arrive at the car park to the rear of the Civic Hall (opposite the Rose Bowl) to gather and collect leaflets/placards. We can then disperse to the two entrances to the Civic Hall to engage and distribute information to Councillors. This action can continue up to the Council meeting starting at 13:00hrs.
Prior to the start of the meeting all present may go into the Civic Hall to enter the public area within the Council Chamber. We understand and appreciate the protocol is not to cheer or pass comments whilst any Deputation is being given. We understand there are other Deputations being made on the day and the exact time of our Deputation is to be confirmed.
Please note: Around 12:30hrs, prior to the start of the Council meeting, the group of six members who are making the Deputation (Mary, Hilary, Eileen, Emma, Phil and Tim) will enter the Civic Hall to report to the Ushers and receive instructions.
Following our Deputation to the Lord Mayor, we will leave the Council Chamber and assemble in the outer chamber to speak with any Councillors who may wish to discuss our Deputation. (Possibly 10 to 20 minutes)
STAGE TWO: (Attending the Justice and Equality March to Millennium Square)
At 13:30hrs (approximately) those who can remain, should then head outside from the Civic Hall and reassemble in the public space at the Portland Crescent Area, near to the Civic Hall reception entrance. Around this time we hope to also be joined by night and day drivers and representatives from the Hackney Carriage Taxi Trade to join the March to Millennium Square.
At 14:00hrs (approximately) we will set off and march together in an orderly procession from Portland Crescent, heading towards Millennium Square. Several members will be carrying placards, banners and distributing information to members to help raise public awareness of the related equality issues. We will have an appropriate chant i.e. “Don`t move – the Taxi Rank” on our way to Millennium Square. In view of diversity and disability access, mobility, support and personal adjustment needs we will move at a safe, very leisurely and unhurried pace. The procession may take around 10 minutes.
When all are assembled on Millennium Square we hope that assembled press and news media will take comments, interviews and video. Also, speakers from Unite the Union, Hackney Carriage Taxi Drivers and members of the peer-led disability community will highlight why action is needed to stop this intolerable attack on the equality and social inclusion of many older and disabled taxi passengers who rely on the door-to-door public transport service.
At 14:45hrs, a small deputation will deliver the findings of the Unite the Union Passenger Survey and a letter for the Council Leader, Cllr James Lewis that sets out why urgent action is required to resolve this socially damaging and unjust situation.
By 15:00hrs our `Gathering` will end and disperse for some well-earned `refreshments` (and we can start to organise our next Millennium Square ` Justice and Equality Gathering`.
It is truly appreciated that as a result of age, disability, carer and support needs that many older and disabled members will be unable to join us on the day, but all their expertise and support is very much appreciated and please circulate this information to all community peers for information and invite. If you are able to attend any part of the event, we look forward to seeing you.
Further Details text or call 078 4747 5942. Thank You. (Locations Map Copied Below)
BSL Guide for NHS COVID-19 Post-vaccination
This BSL guide is for people who have received an NHS COVID-19 post-vaccination letter. Find out more about demonstrating your COVID-19 vaccination status: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/nhs-covid… Find out more about the COVID Pass: https://www.nhsx.nhs.uk/covid-19-resp…
International Day Of Disabled People – 2020
International Day of Disabled People 2020
#LeedsForAll
The Covid-19 Pandemic has brought unprecedented challenges. For some, it has given us the chance to become more connected, for others we’ve never felt more isolated.
So join us between the 1st and 4th of December 2020 to celebrate International Day of Disabled People in Leeds 2020. A series of accessible, inclusive performances, stories, exhibitions, discussions, information and activities will be available digitally and some off-line content too.
A space for celebration, reflection, connection, acceptance and challenge.
All Events are FREE to Attend
Please visit idodp.eventbrite.co.uk to register for our LIVE Events or contact us on info@wmdlc.org or 0113 242 1321 for assistance with booking.
Further information about all Events:
https://www.wmdlc.org/idodp
Braille copy or Audio Description on CD available upon request. Please contact fwarwick@wmdlc.org
Please find the event plan below, All these events will be hosted on Zoom with Captions
Tuesday, 1st December
9:30 – 10:30 – Opening & Welcome – BSL
Cllr kevin Ritchie, Geoff Turnbull and Phil Gleeson will open and welcome.
BOOK HERE:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/idodp-leeds-for-all-opening-welcome-tickets-128490274871
11:30 – 12:00 William Merritt Centre, Technology and Toys – BSL
Introduction and Q&A to WMC Technology and toys services.
BOOK HERE:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/william-merritt-centre-technology-and-toys-tickets-128599952921
14:00 – 15:00 People in Action, Stay Active
Online accessible fitness session.
BOOK HERE:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/people-in-action-stay-active-tickets-128611966855
15:30 – 16:30 Forum Central, Accessibility of Public Spaces – BSL
A round table discussion focusing on Public Spaces, Feeling Connected and the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on disabled people in Leeds.
BOOK HERE:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/forum-central-accessibility-of-public-spaces-tickets-128614265731
Wednesday, 2nd December
9:30 – 11:00 – Age Proud, I am Still here – BSL
A workshop bringing together disabled people to talk about getting older and dealing with discrimination and ageism.
BOOK HERE:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/age-proud-i-am-still-here-tickets-128623304767
11:30 – 13:00 Mindfulness Cooperation, Being with the Monkey Mind, NO CAPTIONS
An experiential session including short meditations and an exploration of how meeting our monkey mind in a non-judgmental way can help us.
BOOK HERE:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/mindfulness-cooperation-being-with-the-monkey-mind-tickets-128626616673
14:00 – 15:00 People in Action, Stay Active, 60 mins, BSL
Online accessible fitness session.
BOOK HERE:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/people-in-action-stay-active-tickets-128629178335
15:30 – 16:30 Carers Connections: An Introduction to Autobiographical Writing
Including discussion, shared experiences formally or creatively; encouraging disability awareness helping people feel seen and valued.
BOOK HERE:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/carers-connections-an-introduction-to-autobiographical-writing-tickets-128644221329
Thursday, 3rd December
10:00 – 11:15 Age Proud, Wise up to Ageism
The new Wise Up To Ageism online awareness session is an opportunity to find out more about ageism and how you can help the Age Proud Leeds campaign.
BOOK HERE:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/age-proud-wise-up-to-ageism-tickets-128646514187
10:45 – 11:30 Sense, Boxing Fitness, NO CAPTIONS
Fundamentals of Boxing, mixed with a cardiovascular workout routine.
BOOK HERE:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/sense-boxing-fitness-tickets-128649350671
14:00 – 15:00 MESMAC, Sing – a – long with Sage
Tessa Smith from the Sing It Out Project will be hosting a wellbeing singing session that allows participants the opportunity to sing some age old classics with Jo from Age UK Leeds joining us to Sing and sign (not BSL) to celebrate with Sage IDoDP on Zoom.
BOOK HERE:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/mesmac-sing-a-long-with-sage-tickets-128652355659
16:00 – 17:00 DeafBlind UK, Sensory Loss, Accessibility Workshop
Session aimed at encouraging providers to increase accessibility, empowering individuals to access services and social opportunities with success and confidence (Covid & beyond)
BOOK HERE:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/deaf-blind-uk-sensory-loss-accessibility-workshop-tickets-128653984531
19:00 – 20:30 Purple Patch Arts, Disco
A fabulous Disco, playing upbeat classics that will be sure to get you moving and grooving! Contact info@purplepatcharts.org or 07725 041801 to Book
Friday, 4th December
9:30 – 11:00 Forum Central, Employment, Discussion, BSL
A round table discussion focusing on Employment, Feeling Connected and the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on disabled people in Leeds.
BOOK HERE:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/forum-central-employment-discussion-tickets-128656630445
11:30 – 12:30 Advonet, Friendships Relationships and Sexuality Quiz
Accessible Quiz to give a taster session of workshops.
BOOK HERE:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/advonet-friendships-relationships-and-sexuality-quiz-tickets-128746222417
14:00 – 15:00 People in Action, Stay Active
Online accessible fitness session.
BOOK HERE:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/people-in-action-stay-active-tickets-128658798931
15:30 – 16:30 Jointly hosted by Space and SAGE, Poetry Event, BSL
LGBT Women’s Space and Sage hold poetry evenings. Participants can choose to read their own poetry, to read poetry that inspires them or they find of relevance, or to listen to others and contribute.
BOOK HERE:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/jointly-hosted-by-space-and-sage-poetry-event-tickets-128660092801
19:00 – 21:00 Leeds Disabled People Organisation, Strategies For Disability Activism in the Post-COVID World, BSL –
A panel discussion about what strategies for activism can the disabled people’s movement develop going into a post-COVID world and how can we work with other activist groups such as Black Lives Matterrs.
BOOK HERE:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7p8TfCuepMeeUTd5yrdQ7nsroGpnYOh3
Please find content below which will be available on YouTube from Tuesday 1st December, Youtube Link: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7p8TfCuepMeeUTd5yrdQ7nsroGpnYOh3
Ascendance, Dance with Parkinson’s, 5 mins
This wonderful film is about Leeds based dance company, Ascendance and their work with Dancers with Parkinson’s during lockdown; featuring dancers on zoom and interviews with its members and volunteers. The work culminates with pieces of choreography performed by all the Yorkshire groups, united together on screen to inspire.
Cranmer Scheme, Cooking Guidance, 10 mins
Step by step cooking instructions on how to make traditional doughnuts and Latkes for Channukah.
Driving Mobility, 20 mins, BSL
Introduction to Driving Mobility Services
Forum Central, Aladdin Film, 8 mins, BSL
Video of the Autism and Learning Disability Digital Inclusion Network.
Leeds Autism AIM – The Advonet Group, Coronavirus: Autistic Stories, 60 mins, CAPTIONS
A series of short videos and blog posts from autistic adults in Leeds, talking about their experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Leeds Directory, Introduction, 5 mins
Introduction to Leeds Directory Services
Leeds Hearing & Sight Loss Service, Yoga session, 20 mins, Audio Description
Accessible Yoga session
Leeds Hearing & Sight Loss Service, Yoga session, 20 mins, BSL & Subtitles,
Accessible Yoga session
Leeds Mencap, Imagine if, 5 mins, BSL –
Leeds Mencap has produced a number of short videos which shows our service user families, young people and staff talking about having a learning disability and some of the issues that they face and their relationship with Leeds Mencap.
Leeds Mencap, The Great Big Sing Along, 5 mins
The Singalong is a fun, inclusive fundraising event that Leeds Mencap are organising this year. It’s easy to take part. Just learn the Makaton signs for ‘We Wish You a Merry Christmas’ and then get together and sing it and post it on social media.
Leeds Powerchair Football Club, Introduction, 7 mins –
Introduction to Leeds Powerchair Football Club and football for disabled people.
People in Action, PiA Presents.., 20 mins –
A video of talented performers with learning disabilities and autism performing music, dance, comedy..
Purple Patch, Dance Move Workshop, 10 mins –
Join Tricia from Purple Patch Arts to get active, have a dance and learn some cool moves to ‘Celebration’ by Kool and the Gang to perform at the disco on Thursday 3rd December! (see timetable for Disco information)
School of Rock and Media, Britain’s Got Talent, 45 mins
School of Rock and Media very own Britain’s got Talent.
Sense Arts, Ink Blowing, 20 mins –
Have a go at ink blowing, Alex shows you how to create colourful abstract artworks using either ink, diluted paint, or kitchen cupboard items, with her simple but fun technique. This video is British Sign Language interpreted with fixed captions throughout. It also includes, ‘auto-description’ where Alex describes her actions whilst delivering her session!
Sense Arts, Making Sounds at Home Session, 30 mins, BSL & CAPTIONS –
Artist, Tom Peel guides you through an inclusive session exploring sounds with objects around your home. This video is British Sign Language (BSL) interpreted alongside including fixed captions throughout. It also includes, ‘Auto-Description’ where Tom describes his actions, environment and equipment used whilst delivering his session!
Sense Arts, Poetry Workshop, 15 mins, BSL & CAPTIONS
Spoken word artist, Miss Jacqui guides you through an inclusive poetry workshop with words, sign and movement. This video is British Sign Language (BSL) interpreted alongside including fixed captions throughout. It also includes, ‘Auto-Description’ where Miss Jacqui describes her actions, environment and equipment used whilst delivering her session!
Sense Arts, Seated Inclusive Dance Workshop, 17 mins, BSL & CAPTIONS –
Becca from InterACTION takes you through a seated inclusive dance workshop which explores both movement in the arms and legs (but options are provided throughout). This video is British Sign Language (BSL) interpreted with fixed captions throughout. It also includes ‘auto-description’ where Becca describes her actions whilst delivering her session!
Sense Arts, Sound Bath, 21 mins
Chris Richardson leads a relaxing inclusive sound bath. Either sit back and enjoy the session, or use his video to guide you through delivering your own session. This video is British Sign Language (BSL) interpreted with fixed captions throughout. It also includes, ‘auto-description’ where Chris describes his actions whilst delivering his session!
The Advonet Group, Citizen Advocacy Film, 5 mins, BSL
In this film, Advonets Volunteer Citizen Advocates and their Advocacy Partners talk about what they do and what they get out of their roles.
The Advonet Group, People’s Parliament Film, 12 mins, BSL
A film showing an average meeting of the Leeds Learning Disability Peoples Parliament, these meetings are about finding out about services in Leeds and helping make them better.
William Merritt Centre, Introduction, 1 min, CAPTIONS –
Introduction to the services William Merritt Centre offer to improve disabled adults, children and older peoples independence.
Yorkshire Dance, Dance Class, 30 mins –
Join Yorkshire Dance for a fun filled dance video where together we will explore space. From shooting stars to flying comets. A recorded class for anyone that likes to dance!
Leeds Libraries – 100% Digital Leeds, Enable Me: Digital Inclusion for Supporting People with a Sensory Impairment, 60 mins –
This training will give practical hints and tips on how you can motivate and support people to build their digital skills and confidence. Focusing on digital inclusion for people with sensory impairment
Leeds Libraries – 100% Digital Leeds, Digital Inclusion for Supporting People with a Learning Disability, 60 mins-
This training will give practical hints and tips on how you can motivate and support people to build their digital skills and confidence. Focusing on digital inclusion for people with a learning disability
The below activities have individual access instructions. Please find below:
Advonet, Colouring Activity
Images from CHANGE for people to colour in. We would love people to show us what they have done, they can be sent to us by post, email, twitter or however!
Contact info@wmdlc.org for colouring pack.
Healthwatch Leeds and Leeds Museums and Galleries, A Day in the Life –
Healthwatch Leeds and Leeds City Museum have gathered information and pictures from people with a disability about their experiences, both the positive and negative ones, during the coronavirus pandemic .These will be displayed on thei social media platforms as part of International Day of Disable People Day on the 3rd of December for one week. Access via twitter: @LeedsCityMuseum @HWLeeds
Leeds Society for Deaf & Blind, Activity Baking Pack (Limited)
We will be sharing our recipe for Christmas biscuits in audio and BSL, along with a list of ingredients for you to bake along at home! Take some pictures of your creations to share with us! We will be preparing some boxes of pre-weighed ingredients and accessible instructions to share out amongst the community. These will be available to collect from our centre in advance (please contact us to arrange). We are also able to post these direct to members of the blind community. Email zoe.major@leedssocietyfordeafandblind.org.uk / Text 07563 382 618 for more information – please note, numbers are limited!
ted by people in Middleton, Armley and Cross Gates/ Garforth over the last few months. All the projects have encouraged people with mental health issues to make art. ACCESS??
“Possible All Along” Online Exhibition by Disabled Artists in Leeds
Online art exhibition by Leeds-based disabled artists
Email gill.crawshaw@gmail.com for further information
All Events are FREE to Attend
Please visit idodp.eventbrite.co.uk to register for our LIVE Events or contact us on info@wmdlc.org or 0113 242 1321 for assistance with booking.
Further information about all Events:
https://www.wmdlc.org/idodp
Hospital – Patient Befriending Service
Patient Befriending Service
The Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust, working in partnership with The Leeds Society for Deaf and Blind People are providing BSL video befriending calls for all BSL users staying in hospital.
- Feedback tells us hospital stays can be especially isolating for deaf people.
- Befriending calls are available for anyone wishing to access these during a hospital stay.
- Ask the ward staff to arrange to connect you to us via the JusTalk app on the ward ipod.
Due to Covid-19, hospital visiting restrictions are in place. By working together, we can ensure patients stay connected.
Homelife – Supported Living & Accommodation
…Are you or anyone you know looking for supported living accommodation?
We provide supported living support and accommodation for Deaf adults with additional needs.
- Deaf led organisation based in Leeds
- 24 hour wellbeing support
- Tailor made packages of care & support
- Aids and adaptations in all of our properties
- Signing environment
- CQC registered
- Development of skills to enable independence.
Contact us: Faye Dawson—Service Manager
Tel: 0113 443 3543
Mob: 07784 245 631
Email: fdawson.homelife@outlook.com
Or
Edward Pollard—Registered Manager
Mob: 07817 282 826 (TEXT ONLY)
Email: edwardpollard@live.co.uk
NHS 72nd birthday Video & Message from The Chair
Last week the ‘Trust Your Voice’ staff choir at the Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, recorded a special virtual performance of Coldplay’s ‘Fix You’. This was to mark the NHS’ 72nd Birthday yesterday, Sunday 5 July 2020.
You will see our very own Melissa Barker-Simpson, Registered Qualified British Sign Language interpreter, is featured in the video. We are sure you will agree the video is very moving and we were honoured to be a part of such a special video.
Thank you to all NHS staff and a very Happy Birthday to the NHS!
HAPPY 72nd BIRTHDAY TO OUR NHS – Thank you to the Leeds & York Partnership Foundation Trust Choir
COVID-19
COVID-19 UPDATE: – 16th July 2020
NEW Walk-in Testing Centre
A new COVID-19 walk-to testing facility has opened for people living or working within walking distance of the Bridge Street Community Centre, Rider Street, in the LS9 7BQ postcode area of Leeds. The walk-to testing centre is a pilot being led by the Department for Health and Social Care.
The centre is open to everyone in the area who is COVID-19 symptomatic, lives or works within walking distance of the site and does not have access to a car. Tests are only available by pre-booking and people have to walk to the site. No car parking is available. Please read the information leaflet to find out more
This easy read summary leaflet explains how you can book an appointment at the walk-to community testing centre.
To book a test people should call the Leeds City Council helpline number on 0113 376 0472. Line open 9am-5pm, seven days a week except on Wednesday when it’s 10am-5pm. This helpline is only for this walk-to facility. For any other testing sites / home testing kits please use existing processes.
Other options for testing
For anyone wanting to use a testing facility that you can drive to or to order a home testing kit please use the NHS online booking system or call 119.
Apply for a coronavirus test on GOV.UK if you:
- are an essential worker, including NHS or social care staff
- are asking for tests for the residents and staff of your care home
- have a verification code from your employer
Find out more about NHS Test and Trace.
COVID-19 UPDATE: – 9th July 2020
Thank you SignHealth
Donate to SignHealth Here
COVID-19 UPDATE: – 23rd March 2020
We have been closely reviewing the latest NHS and government guidance documents and unfortunately have decided that the centre will close temporarily from Monday 23rd March 2020. This has been a very difficult decision, however we want to protect our staff and all our friends and service users. The best way to do this, is to support the government by ensuring everyone who can do, remains at home. We will still be delivering our services during this time.
We have been working hard over the past few weeks, to adapt our services to ensure we can continue supporting our community. The full staff team will now be working from home. Zoe, William and Alison will be home based providing their usual support and the interpreter team will be using other methods to support our service users to access interpreting services.
To confirm, the following groups / classes will remain closed at this time;
55+ Club
Deaf Social Club
Leeds Deaf Youth Club
Parent and Toddler Group
Friendship Cafe
Crochet Course
BSL Classes
If you do have medical appointments booked over the coming week, please do check before going as many have been cancelled. We will of course let people know as and when we are made aware of cancellations.
Latest NHS guidance can be found here; https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/
If you need any help or assistance, please phone or text us on; 07775 444 032
Many thanks for your support and we send our best wishes to everyone at this difficult time.
Breaking News.
The Centre will close for large groups of people from Monday 16th March 2020. We want people to be safe, and want to prevent the spread of Coronavirus. These groups are cancelled till further notice;
55+ Club
Deaf Social Club
Leeds Deaf Youth Club
Parent and Toddler Group
Friendship Cafe
Crochet Course
BSL Classes and Room Hire bookings will still go ahead.
Hand washing with Soap and Water
Coronavirus (COVID-19): latest information and advice
Information for the public on the outbreak of coronavirus in China, including the current situation in the UK and information about the virus and its symptoms.
Number of cases
Chief Medical Officer Professor Chris Whitty announces 12 new cases of COVID-19
As of 01 March at 9am, a total of 11,750 people have been tested in the UK, of which 11,715 were confirmed negative and 35 positive.
The Department of Health and Social Care will be publishing updated data on this page every day at 2pm until further notice. This data is accurate as of 9am to ensure accurate data is published in a timely manner.
If more cases are confirmed in the UK, it will be announced by the Chief Medical Officer of the affected country.
Risk level
Based on the World Health Organization’s declaration that this is a public health emergency of international concern, the UK Chief Medical Officers have raised the risk to the UK from low to moderate.
Returning travellers
Stay indoors and avoid contact with other people immediately if you’ve travelled to the UK from:
- Hubei province in China in the last 14 days, even if you do not have symptoms
- Iran, lockdown areas in northern Italy or special care zones in South Korea since 19 February, even if you do not have symptoms
- other parts of mainland China or South Korea, Hong Kong, Japan, Macau, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan or Thailand in the last 14 days and have a cough, high temperature or shortness of breath (even if your symptoms are mild)
- other parts of northern Italy (anywhere north of Pisa, Florence and Rimini), Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar or Vietnam since 19 February and have a cough, high temperature or shortness of breath (even if your symptoms are mild)
Use the 111 online coronavirus service to find out what to do next.
Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital.
In Scotland call your GP or NHS 24 on 111 out of hours. In Northern Ireland call 0300 200 7885.
Lockdown areas in northern Italy:
- in Lombardy: Codogno, Castiglione d’Adda, Casalpusterlengo, Fombio, Maleo, Somaglia, Bertonico, Terranova dei Passerini, Castelgerundo and San Fiorano
- in Veneto: Vo’ Euganeo
Special care zones in South Korea:
- Daegu
- Cheongdo
This guidance is based on the recommendations of the UK Chief Medical officers. These areas have been identified because of the volume of air travel from affected areas, understanding of other travel routes and number of reported cases. This list will be kept under review.
For areas with direct flights to the UK we are carrying out enhanced monitoring. Passengers will be told how to report any symptoms they develop during the flight, at the time of arrival, or after leaving the airport.
Read more about what you should do if you’re asked to self-isolate.
Information about the virus
A coronavirus is a type of virus. As a group, coronaviruses are common across the world. Typical symptoms of coronavirus include fever and a cough that may progress to a severe pneumonia causing shortness of breath and breathing difficulties.
Generally, coronavirus can cause more severe symptoms in people with weakened immune systems, older people, and those with long-term conditions like diabetes, cancer and chronic lung disease.
Novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is a new strain of coronavirus first identified in Wuhan City, China.
The NHS website has more information about how coronavirus is spread and answers common questions about the virus.
Summary of action taken
On 10 February, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Matt Hancock, announced strengthened legal powers to protect public health.
The Health Protection (Coronavirus) Regulations 2020 have been put in place to reduce the risk of further human-to-human transmission in this country by keeping individuals in isolation where public health professionals believe there is a reasonable risk an individual may have the virus.
We have introduced advanced monitoring at airports with direct flights from China.
A team of public health experts has been established in Heathrow to support anyone travelling in from China who feels unwell. These hubs will bring in rotational teams of 7 clinicians, working in shifts, who will be on hand to support patients on arrival. This is in addition to medical staff who are already permanently in place at all UK airports and the advice issued to all UK airports for people travelling to and from China.
The government has issued clinical guidance for the detection and diagnosis of novel coronavirus (COVID-19), and infection prevention and control.
The Chief Medical Officer, Medical Director at PHE and Medical Director at NHSE/I have issued advice via a CAS (Central Alerting System) alert to frontline staff to increase awareness of the situation and any actions to take.
Most people who develop symptoms will get them after leaving the airport and so the priority is providing UK residents and travellers with the latest information to make sure they know what to do if they experience symptoms, and the NHS and PHE have an established plan to respond to someone who becomes unwell.
China has also introduced port-of-exit screening so people already exhibiting symptoms are not allowed to leave the country.
Diagnosis and analysis
Based on current evidence, novel coronavirus (COVID-19) presents with flu-like symptoms including a fever, a cough, or difficulty breathing. The current evidence is that most cases appear to be mild. Those who have died in Wuhan appear to have had pre-existing health conditions.
The UK is now one of the first countries outside China to have a prototype specific laboratory test for this new disease. Healthcare professionals who are contacted by a patient with symptoms following travel to Wuhan have been advised to submit samples to PHE for testing. Individuals should be treated in isolation
After the experience of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in 2003, PHE developed a series of diagnostic tests to detect any member of the family of coronaviruses. These have been used for several years, and were able to detect the first UK case of Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) in 2012.
With the first reported publication of the genome sequence of a 2019 novel coronavirus, PHE was able to rapidly develop further specific tests for this virus, working with WHO and global network of laboratories.
When a clinician suspects novel coronavirus (COVID-19), they take samples from the nose, throat and deeper respiratory samples, package and send them safely to PHE Colindale. PHE can provide a laboratory result from this specific virus on the same working day.
PHE also has the capability to sequence the viral genome and compare this to published sequences from China, if a case occurs. This will provide valuable information on any mutations in the virus over time and allow an improved understanding of how it spreads.
Leeds City Council – Regent Street Flyover
Dear Community,
We are writing to tell you about upcoming works taking place on the A64(M) Inner Ring Road, and A61 Regent Street. The work will focus on rebuilding the rapidly deteriorating Regent Street flyover.
The condition of the flyover means it now needs significant work in order to ensure public safety. Our extensive feasibility work has shown that the most cost-effective and beneficial solution is to replace the existing structure with a new one.
How will the work affect me?
- The contraflow on the A64(M)/A64 will be implemented on 1 June. The associated works for installing the contraflow will start at 7pm on 31 May with the closure of the A64(M) until 5:30am the following morning. Some of the work is weather dependant and a contingency night is allowed for on 1 June.
- The A64 (M) and part of the A64 will be reduced in capacity from four lanes to two from 31 May
- The A61 Regent Street will maintain in its current capacity of four lanes under the flyover
- There will be a handful of weekend/evening closures over the space of the works. The first one of these will take place on 27 June and run for 5 consecutive weekend’s
More information on the scheme and diversions in place can be found here.
We will continue to work with bus operators to ensure that buses can continue to operate effectively throughout the work for Leeds residents and those working in the city. We would urge people to plan their journeys in advance and expect delays for the duration of works.
The work is set to be complete by spring 2022.
LSDBP – Connect With Us
Click here for Word Version of Connect with Us
Friendly Contact Service
Leeds Society for Deaf and Blind People
Keeping in Touch!
Friendly BSL OR Telephone contact
We use Facetime, WhatsApp for BSL Video Calling
Send your number or email we will do the rest!
Setting up contact for you or a family member as often as you want.
Contact us:
Text or Call: 07775 444 032 / 07563 382 618
Email: zoe.major@leedssocietyfordeafandblind.org.uk
If you are contacting us on behalf of someone else – please ask permission from them first.
Thank you, we look forward to connecting with you!