All our help and information for 01/05/2020 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:
SCC fleet drivers go the extra mile
Somerset County Council’s fleet drivers are going the extra mile – and beyond – by helping some of the most vulnerable across the county.
The fleet drivers, who usually provide a range of passenger transport services, are now part of the co-ordinated Coronavirus response. They are carrying out key work taking patients with serious health conditions to vital medical appointments as well as delivering school meals and supplies of PPE across the county.
The County Council has leased a fleet of 21 specially adapted wheelchair-accessible vehicles. The new vehicles have been fitted with bulkheads to separate the driver from the patient and reduce the risk of cross infection. These are now being used by some of our most vulnerable patient groups, including those who need to access renal and oncology services.
Drivers are kitted out with personal protective equipment (PPE) to make sure they and their passengers remain as safe as possible.
Cheddar Gorge Road to close this weekend
The road through Cheddar Gorge is to close this weekend in response to mounting concerns over safety and increasing breaches of coronavirus restrictions. Concerns of cars travelling at high speeds along the route, drivers travelling long distances to reach Cheddar Gorge and community concerns from people living in the area have led the police and Somerset County Council to close the road from 6pm (Friday 1 May) this evening until 8am on Monday (4 May).
Have fun with Somerset Libraries
Hundreds of Somerset families are getting involved in a brand-new library offer – run entirely through social media! Library staff are continuing to provide a fun-filled events and activities programme using digital platforms whilst library buildings are temporarily closed.
School Admission Appeals
Following new Government legislation and updated guidance that came into force on 24 April 2020, admission authorities can now plan for resuming school admission appeal hearings. In Somerset, we intend to hold virtual audio hearings and are currently working with Appeal Panel members to make this possible.
One day later collections after VE Day
The bank holiday for VE Day – marking the 75th anniversary of victory in Europe – on Friday 8 May will see no waste collections. These recycling and rubbish pick-ups are rescheduled for Saturday 9 May from 7am. To keep up to date with collections, recycling sites and the impact of COVID-19, sign up for the Somerset Waste Partnership e-newsletter at www.somersetwaste.gov.uk or follow @somersetwaste on Facebook or Twitter.