Coronavirus update 14 May 2020
|
|
A message from Dine Romero, Leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council
Hello
This week we have all had to take in a raft of new government guidance, setting out what we can and cannot do in this next phase of the government’s response to Covid-19. You can read the frequently asked questions about the new guidance here.
The government is urging all of us to consider more active ways to travel like cycling and walking while maintaining the two-metre social distancing rule.
In Bath and North East Somerset we are planning pavement widening, changes at crossings and measures to prioritise cyclists to help with social distancing as well as improved signage, particularly in the city centre. We will be announcing details of this next week. We are also working with our partners in the West of England to agree a list of transport schemes that can be introduced in the short term utilising the pending government funding.
However, we also see this as an opportunity to radically rethink the way we travel. As part of our recovery we have a once-in-a-generation chance to develop long-term changes. These include a programme of low traffic neighbourhoods, new ways of supporting and improving cycling for daily commuting and reallocating road space.
Through the Economic Recovery Board, our council meetings, as well as the webinars and meetings with our West of England partners, we will start to pull together a picture of how together we can respond, recover and renew our community and our economy so the area can prosper in a greener and more sustainable way.
In the rest of the newsletter you will find latest updates and guidance to help you. If you know someone with limited online access please share our information which you can find on our website or use our dedicated inbox covid19incidentcomms@bathnes.gov.uk for covid-related queries. You can follow us on twitter and facebook and our newsroom, and if you sign up on https://nextdoor.co.uk/ we are there too.
|
|
Confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Bath & North East Somerset
As of 12 May the official figures show 244 confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Bath & North East Somerset.
The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has confirmed that, as of 9am on 13 May, there have been 2,094,209 tests, with 87,063 tests on 12 May. 1,522,258 people have been tested, of which 229,705 tested positive.
As of 5pm on 12 May, of those tested positive for coronavirus in the UK, 33,186 have died. This new figure includes deaths in all settings, not just in hospitals. The equivalent figure under the old measure would have been 27,496.
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-information-for-the-public
|
|
Staying safe
It is still very important that people stay home unless necessary to go out for specific reasons set out in law.
These include:
- for work, where you cannot work from home
- going to shops that are permitted to be open – to get things like food and medicine, and to collect goods ordered online or on the phone
- to exercise or spend time outdoors for recreation
- any medical need, to donate blood, avoid injury or illness, escape risk of harm, or to provide care or to help a vulnerable person
This guidance is for the general public who are fit and well. There is separate, specific guidance on isolation for households with a possible coronavirus infection.
Some people, including those aged 70 and over, those with specific chronic pre-existing conditions and pregnant women, are clinically vulnerable, meaning they are at higher risk of severe illness from coronavirus’. As the Government begin to ease restrictions, this group who are clinically vulnerable should continue to take particular care to minimise contact with others outside their household.
There is a further group of people who are defined, also on medical grounds, as clinically extremely vulnerable to coronavirus – that is, people with specific serious health conditions. They are advised to continue shielding measures to keep themselves safe by staying at home and avoiding all contact with others, except for essential medical treatment or support.
If you’re clinically extremely vulnerable you’re strongly advised to stay at home at all times and avoid any face-to-face contact to protect yourself. Please continue to follow the government guidance.
|
|
New guidance from the Government
Following the Prime Minister’s announcement on Sunday 10 May, the following key pieces of guidance were either released or updated:
|
|
Schools guidance
We are working closely with all schools in B&NES, who are already making plans ahead of June 1st to start to re-open their provision for some year groups. Schools will be following the DFE guidance in planning this provision and will start to communicate closely with their parents regarding what they will be able to offer.
Not all schools or settings will be able to offer full time provision to the identified year groups given the guidance they have to follow around pupil numbers, safe working and also staff availability. This may lead to a range of arrangements being put in place e.g. part-time provision, staggered start and finish times, and short weeks.
This is a significant piece of work and schools will do their best to reassure parents of the changes that they will be making to enable their schools to be safe spaces for additional children returning to their school sites.
The latest advice from the government can be found here:
|
|
Compassionate Community Hub
If you feel anxious or isolated, are concerned about getting food or medication, need emergency housing or benefits support, or just want advice on keeping well, the hub is there to help.
To date the hub has taken 4,428 calls and carried out 972 volunteer tasks, delivered by 3SG, which include 458 food, 454 medication and 60 befriending tasks.
You can call our compassionate community hub on 0300 247 0050. The Compassionate Community Hub, is a partnership between the council, Virgin Care, the CCG, 3SG and others including Bath Mind and Citizens Advice BANES. The line is open seven days a week from 9am to 5pm.
|
|
Fostering
It is Foster Care Fortnight (11-24 May) and we want to say a huge thank you to all our amazing carers who are providing invaluable support to our young people – especially during the coronavirus outbreak. Here’s a short video to show how grateful we are.
We are encouraging you to consider fostering and join our team to help local children stay in their communities, go to the same school and see their friends.
You can choose the types of fostering you do and the age of the children you prefer to look after. All of your support and training is based in and around the district, so you won’t have to travel far.
You’ll be connected to other carers in your area, giving you a local support network and your own personal Buddy.
Currently you will also receive 25% off your annual council tax bill. Find out more at fostering.bathnes.gov.uk, by emailing fpt_duty@bathnes.gov.uk or by calling 01225 394949
|
|
Mental health and wellbeing support
Mental Health Awareness week takes place next week with the theme ‘kindness’. If you need mental health and wellbeing support there’s a wealth of information on these pages:
https://www.bathnes1bd.org.uk/pages/coronavirus-covid-19 provides information, activities and support for families and children, including mental health and emotional wellbeing.
We also have a similar page for adults needing support or care, on Wellbeing Options; please see https://www.wellbeingoptions.co.uk/Covid19Info
You can call:
- Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership Trust 0300 303 1320
- The Compassionate Communities Hub 0300 247 0050
- Bath Mind Breathing Space 01225 983130 breathingspace@bathmind.org.uk
|
|
Parks and open spaces
Our parks are open in line with government guidance. When using them for your exercise please remember the following:
- Maintain social distancing, follow the two-metre rule
- Do not gather in groups of more than two, except with members of your household or for other specific exceptions set out in law
- You must continue to stay home except for a limited set of reasons but - in line with scientific advice - can take part in more outdoor activities
- Please take your litter home and keep our parks clean
|
|
Support for business
There is still time to register for the small business and retail grants. These are grants, not loans and don't have to be paid back. Businesses can check eligibility and register online.
Any business currently in receipt of Small Business Rate Relief or Rural Rate relief may be eligible for a £10,000 cash grant. Any retail, hospitality or leisure business with a rateable value above £15,000 and below £51,000 may be eligible for a £25,000 cash grant.
We have paid 2,592 businesses with grants totalling more than £34 million.
Information about eligibility and the form to register for a business grant can be found at https://beta.bathnes.gov.uk/register-business-grant-due-covid-19
If you have any questions or concerns about applying please contact the Invest in Bath team at info@investinbath.co.uk
The full range of financial support for businesses announced by Government can be found here https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19/covid-19-support-for-businesses
|
|
Support to get back to work
Future Bright offers free career coaching, training and support. If your income has been affected by coronavirus or you have been made redundant, the service can offer three months of tailored careers support using telephone and online tools. More information is at www.futurebright.org.uk
|
|
Council meetings
Our Annual General Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday May 26 at 5pm and our first cabinet meeting is scheduled for 29th May.
Any crucial decisions have been made under the Council’s Constitution and have been published on the council’s website. We are ensuring that all necessary training and safeguards are in place.
Keep track of upcoming key decisions in our forward plans and our calendar.
|
|
The NHS is 'open for business'
If you need medical help, the NHS is still here for you:
- If you need medical help from your GP practice, contact them either online, by an app or by phone to be assessed.
- If you need urgent medical help, use the NHS 111 online service. If you cannot get help online, call 111.
- If it’s a serious or life-threatening emergency, call 999
- If you are told to go to hospital it is important that you go to hospital.
- You should continue to attend your appointments, unless you have been told not to attend.
Prescriptions
- You can order your repeat prescriptions on the NHS App and through your GP surgery or pharmacy’s online service, where available.
- If you need to collect a prescription and have coronavirus symptoms or are self-isolating at home – please arrange for a friend, relative or volunteer to collect for you.
- To help us to keep supplying medicines to everyone who needs them, please only order repeat prescriptions in your usual quantities at the usual time.
Routine vaccinations
- It is important that you or your baby or child still have routine vaccinations. They protect against serious and potentially deadly illnesses and stop outbreaks in the community.
- If the person needing vaccination has coronavirus symptoms or is self-isolating because someone in the household is displaying symptoms, please contact your GP practice for advice.
Don’t forget washing your hands could be a matter of life or death
To help prevent infection, don’t touch your face, eyes, nose or mouth and wash your hands more often for 20 seconds.
Use soap and water or a hand sanitiser when you:
• Get home or into work
• Blow your nose, sneeze or cough
• Eat or handle food
|
|
Quit for Covid
New evidence from the YouGov COVID tracker suggests lockdown has left more children exposed to the harms of secondhand smoke.
Secondhand smoke causes numerous health problems in infants and children, raising the risks of more frequent and severe asthma attacks, respiratory infections, ear infections, and even meningitis and sudden infant death. Many people are not aware that steps like opening a window, smoking by the back door or smoking in another room do little to protect children and other non-smoking adults.
It's important that smokers get the right support to quit and can protect those around them from tobacco smoke at this time. Call 0300 247 0050 for local advice and support, including how to get hold of Nicotine Replacement Therapy (on prescription) or visit https://www.todayistheday.co.uk/ and ask questions of leading experts by tweeting @QuitforCOVID.
|
|
Domestic Abuse – At home shouldn’t mean at risk
Vulnerable people at risk of domestic abuse are being reminded that support services are still available to them as usual during the coronavirus pandemic.
Bath & North East Somerset Council is highlighting that anyone in need of support and people who are aware of a victim who needs help that domestic abuse support services are still operating.
People who are affected by domestic abuse can contact independent charity Southside on 01225 331243 or enquiries@south-side.org.uk to get in touch with an advisor.
More help is available by calling the National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247 or, in an emergency, dial 999.
Somerset and Avon Rape and Sexual Abuse Support (SARSAS) provides specialist services to people who have experienced rape or any kind of sexual assault or abuse at any time in their lives. Its helpline numbers are 0808 801 0456 and 0808 801 0464. Victim-survivors can email support@sarsas.org.uk.
|
|
Help for parents and carers
Take a look at the huge range of information, support, advice and activities available to help you and your family during the coronavirus lockdown on 1 Big Database bathnes.
There is something for all ages and abilities. See https://www.bathnes1bd.org.uk/pages/coronavirus-covid-19 for learning activity ideas, emotional and mental wellbeing support, resources for children with additional needs and more.
You can follow the Family Information online Facebook page too; see https://www.facebook.com/bathnesfis
|
|
Scams
There are a number of scams taking advantage of people during the current situation. Cyber criminals are unfortunately preying on fears of the coronavirus by either sending scam emails that try and trick people into clicking on a false web link so please be extra vigilant.
For advice about avoiding scams follow this link.
Avon and Somerset Police has also issued this advice.
|
|
Easy English
If you know someone who needs coronavirus advice and guidance set out in Easy English please find helpful PHE guidance coronavirus - Easy Read Guide
There is also advice from Mencap here and there is a version to help explain situation to children here coronavirus - Child friendly version
|
|
Local agencies
We have been working closely with local agencies and if you would like to find out more about their work please look on their website: RUH, Avon and Somerset Police, Curo, and Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire CCG.
|
|
Tune in
Local radio is a great way of keeping up to date with essential information, if you don’t already you should tune into BBC Radio Bristol, BBC Radio Somerset or BBC Radio Wiltshire.
Somer Valley FM covers Midsomer Norton, Radstock, Westfield and surrounding villages including Farrington, Paulton, Peasedown, Coleford and Stratton.
It broadcasts online and on 97.5fm and can be contacted on studio@somervalleyfm.co.uk or call 01761 411 755
Keynsham’s KTCRfm 105.8FM is now broadcasting 24/7 streaming at www.ktcrfm.com
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/live:bbc_radio_bristol
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/live:bbc_radio_somerset_sound
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/live:bbc_radio_wiltshire
|
|
We are working together with local agencies to protect our community from the Covid-19 threat, particularly the most vulnerable. It is vital that everyone follows the most up-to-date advice and we ask the public and stakeholders to follow national guidance on Covid-19, to keep up to date with any service changes through our website and social media, and to offer support and help wherever possible to neighbours and the local community.
Bath and North East Somerset Council have set up a dedicated email address for queries directly relating to Covid-19
covid-19incidentcomms@bathnes.gov.uk
Key messages:
- If you go out, you can spread it. People will die.
- Act like you’ve got it, anyone can spread it.
- Anyone can get it, anyone can spread it.
|
|
|
|
|
