COVID-19 public policy and community services 

National government updates

With restrictions changing on a regular basis, take a look at the Government's advice pages for the most up to date advice.

You can get a free NHS test to check whether you have the virus. Take a test if you are suffering from at least one of the following three coronavirus symptoms: high temperature; a new, continuous cough; a loss or change in your sense of smell or taste.

NHS updates

• Healthier Together, the health and care partnership for Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire have written to residents about ongoing individual care services in the region.

Local council updates

• The city council's Local Outbreak Management Plan shows how Bristol will manage the next phase of the Coronavirus pandemic - more here.
• Regular rapid (lateral flow) testing kits are now available to everyone in Bristol, even if you are showing no COVID-19 symptoms. You can collect up to 14 tests at a time from one of Bristol City Council's collection points.
• Payments of £500 are available if you are on a low income and lose income due to having to self isolate, or because you are looking after a child or young person who is self isolating. Further information is available on the Bristol City Council website.
• Bristol City Council has opened a new testing site in the city at 100 Temple Street, BS1 6AG. They have also upgraded the site shared with South Gloucestershire Council at BAWA Leisure Centre, BS34 7RG from a mobile testing unit to a walk-through local testing site. Further information is available on the Council website.
• Extra government funding has been allocated to Bristol City Council to help ensure life-saving support can be provided to victims of domestic abuse and their children. For more information see the Council's press release.

Community updates

• Eastside Community Trust is running a project to support older people in Easton and Lawrence Hill use computer technology, such as Zoom, which will help them stay connected to others. If you know an older person who would like to be more confident on a computer and would appreciate help from a younger person, please email Tracy at tracyeb@upourstreet.co.uk or call 07947 830973.
• A food campaign and website, Bristol Bites Back Better, has been launched to get people more involved in the city's local food system, sharing knowledge, skills and stories. It has been developed by Bristol Food Network and Bristol Green Capital Partnership, Bristol City Council, and Resource Futures.
• Local food banks continue to serve communities across Bristol. Find details of your nearest food bank here: North Bristol, North West Bristol and East Bristol.

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