Coronavirus weekly update from Birmingham City Council.
Welcome to the coronavirus weekly update from Birmingham City Council.
The update lets you know about Birmingham City Council’s services, public health information, general advice on Covid-19, and other relevant news from the council and our partners so that we can keep you informed. If you have friends and family who are not online, please share the information in this bulletin with them.
You can find a full suite of information about Covid-19 on the council’s website.
Covid guidance
The advice on how long you should self-isolate has been updated by the government. If you have symptoms of Covid-19 or receive a positive test result, you must now self-isolate for 10 days. People in your household should continue to self-isolate for 14 days.
The Prime Minister announced, on Friday, 31 July, that some of the proposed changes to the rules around re-openings in August will be postponed for at least a fortnight. This is to keep the virus under control. The requirement to wear a face covering has also been extended to other indoor settings. Read the full statement here. For the latest updates and advice on coronavirus, please visit the government website.
Public Health England has launched the Better health campaign to support people to live healthier lives and reduce their risk of serious illness, including Covid-19. Visit the website for help and advice on losing weight, eating healthily and getting more active.
It’s really important that businesses contact Public Health England as soon as a case of Covid-19 is identified, either confirmed or suspected, in a staff member or in a customer. Businesses should do this as soon as possible; Public Health England can be contacted seven days a week by calling 0344 225 3560 and pressing 0 then option 2.
Did you know that Healthy Brum has a YouTube channel? You can find videos on ways to keep on top of your wellbeing during the coronavirus pandemic.
Visit the council’s website for accessible formats, which includes audio and written information on coronavirus.
For those able to wear face coverings, it’s important to wear them safely. Birmingham Health Partners have created evidence-based advice on how to wear and remove face masks safely in more than 15 languages.
In round one of the Discretionary Grant scheme the council paid out over £4.5 million to Birmingham businesses impacted by Covid-19. The final two-week round opens 9am, on Monday, 3 August.
The government’s Restaurant Finder is now live! Pop in your postcode to find participating restaurants nearby. The Eat Out to Help Out scheme runs from 3-31 August.
Hospitality businesses looking to maximise outdoor space for customers will soon be able to apply for a discounted Temporary Pavement Licence through a new fast track application system.
Watch Cabinet Member for Transport and Environment Cllr Waseem Zaffar’s message to everyone celebrating Eid Ul Adha. Coronavirus hasn’t gone away, so please continue to follow government guidance. Check your local mosque’s arrangements for prayers.
Protect your family and friends against coronavirus. Anyone who has symptoms should not leave home except to get a test. If you have symptoms, you and anyone you live with also need to self-isolate at home. Call 119 or visit the NHS website to find out more.
Local news
A draft action plan to improve air quality across Birmingham has been approved to go out to public consultation by members of Birmingham City Council’s Cabinet committee.
The council is delivering temporary measures to make walking and cycling easier and safer across the city. Have your say here. Cllr Waseem Zaffar, Cabinet Member for Transport and Environment, discusses how the provision of cycling infrastructure can help tackle health inequalities in our city.
In a new blog, Cllr Sharon Thompson, the council’s Cabinet Member for Homes and Neighbourhoods, talks about why Birmingham City Council is supporting Black Pound Day.
A call is going out for submissions to be included in Birmingham’s celebration of Black History Month. Organisations and individuals planning any activities, exhibitions or events for Black History Month in October, are being urged to submit details for this year’s programme by Monday 10 August.
With this week marking exactly two years to go until the Commonwealth Games 2022, the former Wholesale Markets site has been named as the venue for 3×3 basketball, wheelchair basketball & beach volleyball. The Games’ organising committee is also searching for children to help design the official mascot for the Games. The competition will close for applications at 23:59 on 5 August 2020.
Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park will be reopening to the public on Mon 3 August. Numbers are limited, so you must pre-book – no booking, no visit. Please wear a face covering on entry. The park is currently taking bookings for 3-7 August. 0121 472 5488 (9am-4pm).