Coronavirus (Covid-19) latest information

Last reviewed: Wednesday 5 May 2021 at 1:20pm

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Roadmap out of lockdown

From 12 April lockdown restrictions have been eased further in England. Full details of the new rules can be found here but see below for some of the key updates:

  • you can continue to meet outdoors either in a group of 6 (from any number of households), or in a group of any size from up to 2 households (a household can include an existing support bubble, if eligible)
  • non-essential retail will be able to reopen
  • personal care premises such as hairdressers and nail salons will be able to reopen
  • public buildings such as libraries and community centres will be able to reopen
  • outdoor hospitality venues will be able to reopen, with table service only

You can also read the ‘COVID-19 Response - Spring 2021’ (the roadmap) for more information on how COVID-19 restrictions will be eased in England. It is underpinned by law.

COVID-19 the current state:

15 cases per 100,000 people in the latest week 24 Apr-30 Apr.

Our COVID-19 summary shows the total number of Solihull residents who have tested positive for COVID-19 and gives a breakdown of cases by ward.

It also give other relevant information including about the number of cases in schools in the last 14 days and the number of patients in hospital.

For the latest COVID-19 updates:

Updates

The CSW COVID Business Pledge has been launched to reassure staff and customers that businesses and venues are operating in a COVID secure manner, and following best practice.

The Pledge is entirely voluntary, but by signing up to the Pledge, you are making a positive statement that you are following the relevant guidelines and are putting in place measures to ensure your premises are COVID-secure to safeguard the health and wellbeing of your employees and visitors alike

Solihull’s Local Outbreak Management Plan is the key road map that describes how the Council will combine the gradual reopening of the economy and society alongside the roll out of vaccination, with an on-going, ‘business as usual’, approach to managing and living with COVID.

Vaccination appointments available for residents aged 40 and over

Any Solihull resident aged 40 or over, who has not yet received a letter, text message or phone call from the NHS inviting them for their first vaccine dose, can use the link below to book an appointment:

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/book-coronavirus-vaccination/

Alternatively, you can call 119.

Residents are also welcome to wait to receive an invitation from their GP practice to get their vaccination, if they prefer.

Read the full list of who can get the coronavirus vaccination.  If you think you are an eligible unpaid carer who has not been contacted for your coronavirus vaccination, speak to your GP surgery or contact Carers Trust Solihull.

Update: social care staff vaccine bookings

As of Monday 19 April, the National Booking System is open again to health and social care staff.

Social care providers

If you are a provider of social care services in Solihull and want to talk to the Council about the vaccination arrangements for your eligible social care staff please contact us via our dedicated email covidvaccine@solihull.gov.uk 

For the latest information on the Coronavirus (Covid-19) vaccine in Solihull and Birmingham please visit the local NHS vaccine website here.

The website includes information about vaccination centres and what to expect at the appointment as well as frequently asked questions about the vaccine.

The British Society for Immunology has launched a free, easy to read guide to vaccinations for Covid-19 for the public and healthcare workers. The guide explains how vaccines work and answers common questions as well as providing up-to-date information on the current approved Covid-19 vaccinations in the UK. Content highlights include:

  • What are Covid-19 vaccines made of?
  • Do I need two doses of the vaccine?
  • After Covid-19 vaccination, can I still pass the SARS-CoV-2 virus on to others?
  • Specific information about Pfizer/BioNTech and Oxford University/AstraZeneca vaccines

Please see our schools webpage for the latest details.

You can book a test by visiting our COVID-19 test page.

After reviewing the evidence, on Monday 14 December the government announced that we can reduce the number of days that contacts self-isolate from 14 days to 10 days. 

Self-isolation periods will begin on the day after exposure, a test or the start of symptoms. 

To reduce the spread of COVID-19, everyone who tests positive must self-isolate at home. This can save lives. You can read the full guidance from the government on self-isolation here and it's covered in our FAQs here.

The Government has recently announced a further range of funding packages to support businesses impacted by Covid-19. Further information on eligibility for each of our grant schemes and how to apply is available here.

Find help and support

The latest advice for businesses can be found here:

Germ Defence is a scientifically tested digital intervention created by the University of Southampton that has already proved to be effective at reducing the spread of cold and flu viruses. The coronavirus is caught in the same way as these other viruses, which means that the methods explained in this website can also protect people from COVID-19.

‘Germ Defence’ includes guidance and techniques for handwashing, social distancing, wearing masks, as well as advice on how to look after family and friends who are ill, but still protect yourself.

It has been demonstrated that people who used the Germ Defence advice caught less colds and flu, and recovered more quickly from these ailments. This reduction in illness also extended to the people who lived with them, leading to a lower demand for consultations with their doctors. 

Germ Defence is a free-to-access website, available at germdefence.org

We have set up an online form for customers to report businesses based in Solihull that are breaking the government's rules for coronavirus (COVID-19) safety.

If you are reporting a business that you believe should not be open, you should first read the full list of businesses and venues that must remain closed, and the exceptions that can be open at Gov.UK.

When reporting a business, we ask that you include your own details as you may be asked to provide a witness statement. Your personal details will remain confidential at all times, in line with data protection law, and will not be disclosed to the business you are reporting. 

As we move through each stage of the government roadmap and restrictions ease, businesses and those responsible for buildings are reminded of their maintenance responsibilities prior to reopening. This document summarises some of the key guidance.

Information below is for both new and established businesses within Solihull including - how food businesses can continue operating safely as many businesses have diversified or had to close rapidly, how to make your work or workplace COVID secure and how to safely manage water systems during the pandemic.

Chartered Institute of Environmental Health - guides on safe shopping, takeaway & delivery, hand washing, Legionnaire’s, mental health and reopening salons and spas after lockdown.

Food Standards Agency – changing your business model, starting a food business from home, re-opening your food business etc.

Government Guidance - Latest guidance on working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19).

Health and Safety Executive (HSE) – An overview on things to do to make your work or workplace COVID secure including an example of a Covid risk assessment and template.

Health and Safety Executive (HSE) -  Latest information and guidance from the Health and Safety Executive for keeping workplaces safe, as coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions are eased.

Public Health England (PHE) - Maintaining safe water systems. For all organisations that rely on a safe water supply to undertake their business activities, particularly when re-opening after a COVID-19 lockdown. 

CSW COVID Business Pledge

The CSW COVID Business Pledge has been launched to reassure staff and customers that businesses and venues are operating in a COVID secure manner, and following best practice.

The Pledge is entirely voluntary, but by signing up to the Pledge, you are making a positive statement that you are following the relevant guidelines and are putting in place measures to ensure your premises are COVID-secure to safeguard the health and wellbeing of your employees and visitors alike

Workplace COVID-19 testing

Employers are encouraged to promote regular (every 3-5 days) COVID-19 testing to their employees, read more about the COVID-19 testing options for businesses. Below you can find a range of sector posters that can be displayed around your workplace.

  • Commercial Cleaner A4, A3
  • Construction Worker A4, A3
  • Delivery Person A4, A3
  • Factory Worker A4, A3
  • Nursery Teacher A4, A3
  • Retail Assistant A4, A3
  • Taxi Driver A4, A3
  • Trade Person A4, A3

For some people, coronavirus (COVID-19) can cause symptoms that last weeks or months after the infection has gone. This is sometimes called post-COVID-19 syndrome or "long COVID".

We spoke to residents of the West Midlands about their experiences with COVID-19 and the long-term effects on their health.

Andrew:

Shannon:

Read more about long COVID on the NHS website.