Friday 12 Febuary 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

www.rotherham.gov.uk/coronavirus

Concern at increase in working-age Covid infections

While the overall infection rate in Rotherham has fallen again, there is concern that the number of working age people contracting coronavirus in Rotherham is increasing.

The latest data shows that, for the 7 days up 6 February, the rate of infection in in the 20-24 age group was 324.3 per 100,000 and in the 50-54 age group it was 296.7 per 100,000. Both are considerably higher than the average for Rotherham, which stands at 218.9 cases per 100,000 for the same period.

It is vital that everyone who is able to works from home and that employers provide a covid-secure environment for people that do have to attend their workplace.

If you are travelling to work you must not car-share with anyone who is not in your household or support bubble and if you are using public transport, wearing a face covering is compulsory.

Getting tested It is important that anyone who is displaying symptoms books a test at one of the local testing sites or requests a home test. If your test is positive you must self-isolate to protect those around you and the NHS who are still working very hard to keep on top of COVID-19. Financial support to self-isolate Nobody should feel that they can’t self-isolate for financial reasons. There are a range of financial support options that may be available to you if you need to self-isolate, including a local payments scheme provided by the Council, for people that fall outside the Government’s national scheme. See the Council website for information. Don’t forget to do the basics right Please don’t think that just because the progress of rolling out the vaccine is going well that we can start to forget about the guidance and the steps we can all take to keep ourselves and each other safe. Remember: Wash your hands regularly Keep your face covered in public areas and give others space Do not mix with people from other households These, along with a community effort of testing, self-isolation and staying at home are vital to our continues fight against COVID-19.

Latest update from Rotherham Hospital

The number of inpatients being treated for Covid-19 in Rotherham Hospital has seen a slight fall this week. On Wednesday the number of Covid inpatients being cared for at the hospital was 72, a reduction from 76 inpatients last week. Eight patients were in critical care. Sadly, there were a further 12 death registrations referencing Covid-19 this week in Rotherham, bringing the total number in the borough to 746 since the start of the pandemic.

Herringthorpe walk-through testing site

New Herringthorpe test site is now open

Support available if you’re struggling with bereavement

Be alert to to vaccine fraud

While many people are waiting to be invited for their Covid-19 vaccine, scammers are trying to take advantage of the situation. You can protect yourself and others by thinking carefully before you share any personal information. The NHS will:  Never ask for payment  Never ask for bank details  Never ask for proof of identity Never arrive unannounced at your home  Please share this information with friends and family you know and make them fraud aware.

Getting in touch…

During this challenging time please, where possible and appropriate, use our online services rather than calling via telephone. We’re receiving a high level of calls daily and want to ensure we’re able to answer urgent calls regarding vulnerable residents and our front line services.