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Friday 15th January 2020

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


National Lockdown: Stay at home

Help stop the new variant spreading by continuing to do the basics well

Infection rate stabilises but new variant on rapid rise

New variant graph

The Covid infection rate in Rotherham appears to be stabilising as the impact of the national lockdown begins to have an effect.

But the number of local people being infected by the new strain of the virus, which is thought to be more contagious, has seen a sharp increase in the last fortnight.

The latest weekly infection rate stands at 307.4 cases per 100,000 (for the 7-days to 9th January), with 816 new cases recorded during that time. The rate is currently lower than other areas in the country but is still very concerning.

The rate of infection in Rotherham for those aged 60 years and over who are most at risk of serious illness and death from covid is 219.8 per 100,000.

Sadly, a further 27 Rotherham residents have died from coronavirus in the last seven days.

New variant now accounts for a third of Rotherham infections

Since the start of January there has been a significant increase in the proportion of new cases of the new variant of coronavirus (see graph above – click here to download), which means that there is a greater risk of outbreaks from the higher rates of transmission.

It’s estimated that about a third of positive cases in Rotherham currently could be the new variant.

As the new variant becomes more common, it is even more important that everyone does what they can to keep safe:

  • Don’t mix with other households or those outside your support bubble 
  • Keep 2m apart from others 
  • Wear a face covering when you go to the shops, doctors surgery, or on public transport  
  • Wash your hands regularly 
  • If you have any symptoms, no matter how mild, get tested 

More information about how many cases of covid are in their local area and the latest daily data is available from https://coronavirus.data.gov.uk/.


117 Covid patients in Rotherham Hospital

NHS Thank you message

Latest figures from Rotherham Hospital show that they are currently caring for 117 inpatients who have tested positive for Covid-19, of which 11 are in critical care.

This brings the total number of inpatients who have tested positive since the start of the pandemic to 1,979.

It’s really important that if you have any medical concerns that you still contact NHS services in the way that you would do normally – whether that’s your local doctor, pharmacy, the NHS 111 helpline or 999 in an emergency.

View the NHS website for details about the best ways of getting in touch during the pandemic.


Vaccinations – don’t call NHS, they will call you

The COVID-19 vaccine deployment is being led by NHS Rotherham Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and is currently being rolled out to high priority groups across the borough.  

Please do not contact your local GP or the NHS to ask when you can have your vaccine, this will only put more pressure on the system and create delays. You will be contacted when it is your turn. 

Further information from Rotherham CCG about the vaccine is available from their website https://yourhealthrotherham.co.uk/covid-vaccine/  


Beware covid scams

Beware Covid-19 vaccine scams

We’ve been made aware that some NHS Vaccine scams are going around. Usually these include a text message inviting you to apply for your vaccine. The link will then take you to an official looking webpage where it will ask you for your details.  

Please DO NOT click on the link or enter personal information. Remember, the NHS will never ask you to apply for a vaccination or ask for bank details online.

More information is available from Action Fraud.


Support with home schooling

Support is available for parents across Rotherham who are home schooling their children during the lockdown.

Schools are supporting some students by providing a laptop, tablet, or internet access via a portable device. Parents should talk to their school if they need any support with resources.

If parents do not have a laptop or tablet, but their child has access to a games console which is connected to the internet (such as a PS4 or Xbox One), some school resources can be accessed through these. Search for internet explorer in the applications to access Microsoft and other resources. You can also plug a keyboard into your Xbox One and PS4.

The Government is working with the UK’s leading mobile network operators to provide access to educational sites. Schools can request free mobile data uplifts for disadvantaged families via the Department for Education’s website. The level of additional data for families will vary by provider, so check with them first.

If parents have any concerns about home schooling, they should contact their school in the first instance.

Online educational resources:

The Oak Academy

BBC Bitesize


All travel corridors to close from Monday

Anyone arriving in the UK by air, regardless of the country of origin, must quarantine on arrival, the Prime Minister has announced today.

The closure of air travel corridors comes into force at 4am on Monday and is initially in place for a month, but counld be extended.

Anyone arriving in the UK must quarantine for 10 days, alyhough there is an option of taking an extra test on the fifth day to shorten the isolation period.


Clap for heroes

Remember to share your videos and pictures

If you are taking part in the Clap for Heroes show of appreciation on Thursday evenings, we’d love to share photographs and videos across the borough.

Clap for Heroes began again earlier this month. Like Clap for Carers, which took place throughout the restrictions for much of 2020, people across the UK are being encouraged to stand on their doorsteps and in their gardens to show their appreciation for all the key workers who are keeping us safe and keeping the country moving during lockdown.  

Please send us photos and videos of your tributes and we’ll share them on our social media platforms.  

Email images and video to corporate.comms@rotherham.gov.uk or share them on Twitter and Facebook with #RotherhamTogether to get involved.  


Budget consultation

Click the image to register your views on how the Council should allocate its budget in 2021/22

Seeking views on Council spending

Rotherham Council is asking residents and businesses for their views on what its budget priorities should be for the next financial year.

The Council is responsible for a budget of over £230m which it uses to provide a huge range of public services in the borough, including social care for vulnerable adults and children, road maintenance, school places, job creation, housing, libraries, bin collections, community safety, parks, planning and licensing.

Over the last 12 month the Council has also been at the forefront of the response to the Coronavirus pandemic in Rotherham, providing vital support to families and businesses most in need whilst continually adapting to ensure the vast majority of its services could continue as the restrictions changed.

You can register your views on the Council’s website until 26 January.