 Latest local data on COVID-19
Here is the latest data on cases of Covid-19 in Southampton. It is important to remember that the virus has not gone away and the situation can change rapidly, as we are seeing in other parts of the country.
With recently announced Government measures on the ‘Rule of Six’ and others going into effect from Monday (14 Sept) - limiting indoor and outdoor gatherings to no more than six in many settings in England - it is critical that we all follow guidance to protect ourselves, our families and others and help prevent the spread of COVID-19 transmission:
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HANDS – Wash your hands regularly and for 20 seconds, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser that contains at least 60% alcohol.
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FACE – Wear a face covering in indoor settings like shops and public transport, where it is required, where social distancing may be difficult, and where you will come into contact with people you do not normally meet.
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SPACE – Stay 2 metres apart from people you do not live with where possible, or 1 metre where this is not possible with extra precautions in place.
If you have symptoms or a positive test result for coronavirus (COVID-19), it is very important that you self-isolate immediately for 10 days (14 days for those you live with). Visit the NHS website to book a free test, or where you can’t use the online website portal, call NHS 111 for advice.
In addition to accessing NHS testing for COVID-19 through a home testing kit or attending a drive-through testing site (appointment required), those that have COVID-19 symptoms can now also access a test by attending a Southampton local walk-through testing site, open 7 days a week (appointment required).
Read about all the latest changes to guidance that have taken place this week on the UK Government coronavirus web pages.
You can see the full dashboard we use to track the virus in Southampton on our website.
Please note that Public Health England do make small revisions to their data retrospectively after publication day. This means that if comparing with previous weeks, the numbers may not correspond precisely.
Statement regarding cancellation of Southampton Boat Shows
Due to the increased spread of COVID-19 nationally, and the need for stronger control measures to reduce transmission both in Southampton and across the country, we unfortunately cannot allow the Ocean Village Boat Show 2020 and Boats 2020 presented by Southampton International Boat Show Limited to take place this month. You can read our full statement HERE.
 Testing Unit at Marlborough Road
A new walk-through COVID-19 testing site will open today (Friday 11 September) at Marlborough Road Car Park (South), Shirley.
Operated by Mitie on behalf of the Department for Health and Social Care as part of the Government’s UK-wide drive to increase testing for coronavirus. Appointments for the local testing site will be available to anyone with coronavirus symptoms seven days a week 8am – 8pm. If you schedule an appointment, please be sure to enter by the Marlborough Road entrance. The site follows safe operating standards approved by Public Health England that must be followed at all times.
Marlborough Road North Car Park (the opposite side of the road) will remain open.
We are in active discussions to secure further walk-through testing sites in locations that serve the East and Centre of Southampton. We will update you on those in the coming days.
Testing for COVID-19 is a vital part of our response to control the virus. Anyone with COVID-19 symptoms, however mild, can get a free swab test. Tests should be booked or ordered as soon as symptoms begin at nhs.uk/coronavirus or by calling 119. You can expect your result the next day.
You can find out more about the new walk-through testing centres and read FAQs on our website.
 Special schools expansion consultation
In response to an increase in demand for special school places, we’re consulting on plans to increase the number of pupil places at The Cedar and The Polygon special schools in Southampton.
Increasing the number of pupil places will secure a number of benefits for children with complex health and learning needs and significant social, emotional and mental health needs. These include improved access to suitable educational environments and access to specialist staff, and greater opportunities for children to attend their parents or carers' preferred schools closer to where they live.
Full details about the proposals, the statutory consultation process, and how to respond are on our website. The closing date for both consultations is 4 October.
 Remember to social distance at the school gates
Schools and colleges across Southampton have been delighted to welcome back pupils for the start of the academic year. It's great to see such happy faces, ready to learn!
To help keep their school communities safe, we'd like to remind all parents and carers to make sure that they observe social distancing when dropping off or collecting children and follow the one-way systems that have been put in place at some schools.
We know it's hard, but this means that parents and carers should avoid gathering in close groups to chat, and that they should follow their school's instructions on safely dropping off and picking up and leave as soon as possible after this is done.
Visit our website to find out more about what schools have done to prepare for the safe return of pupils.
Community Chest grants
We recently awarded £32,299 to local community and voluntary organisations via round one of the Community Chest and Celebrations Grants Schemes. We are now inviting new applications for the next round, which has a larger awarding budget than previous rounds of £71,701.
Our Community Chest scheme awards grants of up to £2,500 to community groups, small voluntary organisations and social enterprises in the city with annual incomes of less than £250,000. Smaller grants are also available up to £500 for community celebration events that bring different people together.
Shirley Warren Working Together was awarded £2,375 in round one of Community Chest. Jenny Elliot, Chair of Shirley Warren Working Together, said:
“We are thrilled to have received a Community Chest Grant. This grant will enable us to do regular community clean ups, with confidence that we have all the right equipment to undertake the task safely. The process of applying for the grant was so easy to engage in and we would highly recommend this scheme to anyone seeking to find funding to reach out in their community.”
You can apply here, or for support with an application email grants@southampton.gov.uk
 Green Homes Grant available to homeowners
Making our homes greener and more energy efficient isn’t always a simple, quick and budget-friendly choice even though it can lead to lower bills and reducing our impact on the environment. As part of our Green City Plan, we want to encourage and support our residents, business and organisations to make small changes that help tackle climate change.
If you’re considering making some changes or building work to your home, the government recently announced a new Green Homes Grant for homeowners and landlords in England to help pay for certain energy-efficient home improvements. The Grant will pay at least two thirds of the cost of some energy-saving renovations. The maximum amount available is £5,000, or £10,000 if you get certain benefits.
More details have recently been released, including what is covered under the scheme and how you can apply. You’ll need to be quick, homeowners and landlords can apply for the voucher from the end of September but it closes at the end of March 2021.
You can find out more about the Grant and how to apply here.
 Get inspired to cycle
One of the positives to come out of the challenges this year is the number of people cycling locally and across the country. More and more of you have been enjoying the benefits of getting around by bike – whether it’s for work, education or leisure. We recently had the opportunity to meet some inspiring local residents who discovered the joys of cycling during the recent lockdown and now regularly taking to two wheels as a result. You can hear their stories by watching our video here.
If this has got you motivated to do more cycling yourself, don’t forget to sign up for the Cycle September challenge for the chance to win some amazing prizes including bikes, accessories, vouchers and more. To find out more and register, go to the Love to Ride website.
For more lockdown cycling success stories, visit the My Journey website. Or if you’ve got your own cycling story that you’d like to share, get in touch with us here.
 Protect yourself and others when you travel by bus
Southampton’s bus operators are gradually adding more buses to each route but capacity on each bus remains reduced. During peak times such as 7.30 to 9 am, some buses may show a ‘Bus Full’ sign and not be able to pick up more passengers. Please plan your journey in advance, avoid busy periods and allow extra time in case you are not able to catch your preferred bus.
Here is a reminder of the other ways to protect yourself and others when you travel by bus:
- Allow passengers off before you board
- Keep your distance on the bus
- Wash your hands before and after your journey
Find out more on the My Journey website.
Advice for new or returning students
If you are a new or returning university student in Southampton then we’d like to offer you a very warm welcome to our city.
We’ve put together a checklist of things you need to do as a resident for a major life event, such as being a fresher or a returning student living in Southampton.
Southampton is a vibrant and well-connected city, proud of its diverse community and boasting two universities alongside world-class shopping and entertainment, restaurants, a rich history and so much more. We’re here to help you make the most of student life in Southampton.
For more information visit our website.
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