All our help and information for 21/04/2020 is now available in a single place on the SCC website https://www.somerset.gov.uk/coronavirus/covid-19-latest-advice/
This page is refreshed through the day so please check in regularly to keep across developments and news.
Top stories today:
Keeping Somerset’s roads safe
Highways maintenance teams across Somerset will be stepping up works to keep highways safe for the NHS, emergency services, delivery vehicles and other essential workers travelling across the county.
Somerset County Council, like most local authorities, scaled back some routine highways maintenance, except emergency works, following the introduction of social distancing measures in response to the coronavirus emergency.
The Government has since released updated guidance for construction activity stating that it should continue where it fits with both the current Public Health England requirements and in accordance with industry safety guidance.
The following works will continue or start soon:
- Resurfacing – extensive works to remove and replace an old road surface.
- Surface dressing – a technique to restore roads which are structurally sound to reduce risk of potholes forming.
- Grass cutting – verge maintenance to preserve visibility for drivers (not grass cutting in parks or urban areas).
- Street lighting
- Other maintenance works such as patching, line painting or sign repairs.
- Key safety works such as repairing potholes will continue as before.
Promoting health and wellbeing on BBC Somerset
We have teamed up with BBC Somerset and Spark to broadcast a weekly health and wellbeing slot with Charlie Taylor on Wednesday evenings 7-8pm. As we settle down to another three weeks of staying at home this programme wants to reach out and provide helpful and interesting ideas to lift your day and help you feel connected. Physical distancing doesn’t mean you have to cut yourself off from others. Each week there will be a new guest to talk about how listeners can stay healthy, happy and safe while at home. Tune in this Wednesday for laughing yoga and more!
£500 million Future Fund launched to protect UK’s innovation sector during coronavirus
Small and medium-sized firms specialising in research and development will be eligible for access to new grants and loans. The £500 million Future Fund will be delivered in partnership with the British Business Bank and the government. It will be launched in May and open until the end of September. The loans will convert to equity if not repaid. To be eligible, a business must be an unlisted UK registered company that has previously raised at least £250,000 in equity investment from third-party investors in the last five years.
Birth registration and Child Benefit
In line with national guidance, appointments for birth registration are currently unavailable. Due to these exceptional circumstances, the parent will now be able to make a claim for Child Benefit or Universal Credit before a birth is registered.
Mental health and wellbeing tip of the day
Try to follow your ordinary routine as much as possible. Get up at the same time as normal, follow your usual morning routines, and go to bed at your usual time. Set alarms to remind you of your new schedule if that helps.
Send to a friend
These coronavirus bulletins are now available to anyone! Please send to a friend who would like to stay up to date with the latest developments. To sign up simply visit www.somerset.gov.uk/coronavirus.