All our help and information for 06/05/2020 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:
GP surgeries and pharmacies open over Bank Holiday weekend
GP surgeries and pharmacies across Somerset will be staying open over the early May bank holiday to support patients during the coronavirus outbreak.
GP surgeries, which usually close over the bank holiday weekend, will now be open on Friday 8th May between 8am and 6.30pm. Services may be provided by individual practices or as part of collaborative efforts by groups of practices working together.
Community pharmacies will also be open to support people across Somerset. Pharmacists are experts in medicines who can help you and your family with minor health concerns.
As qualified healthcare professionals, they can offer clinical advice and over-the-counter medicines for a range of minor illnesses, such as coughs, colds, sore throats, tummy trouble and aches and pains.
Spark Somerset forums
Spark is holding a series of free informal, networking forums for volunteers involved in the coronavirus emergency. The response to COVID-19 has been amazing, and Spark is keen to keep the community spirit alive beyond the pandemic. The virtual forums will bring together anyone who is offering support on the ground, whether that’s through an existing organisation, or a COVID-19 group. It’s a chance to catch up on what’s happening locally, share learning, and start to think about what’s next for our communities.
Numbers will be limited on the first few forums while the new format beds in. The next forum is Sedgemoor wide, Thursday 7th May at 2pm.
Self-employed invited to get ready to make Coronavirus support claims
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is starting to contact those who may be eligible for the government’s Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) to explain the application process and help them get ready to make a claim. The claims service will open on 13th May.
Draw a dragon for Somerset Day
Children are encouraged to join the virtual Somerset Day celebrations on 11th May by sharing their creative talents by drawing a dragon to display next to their rainbows displayed in windows. Youngsters can also download our very own Sparky the dragon here. We will be joining the festivities online and asking people to tell us why they love Somerset using the #SomersetDay and #SomersetProud hashtags on Twitter or Instagram.
How to work safely in other people’s homes
Government guidance to help people understand how they can work safely in other people’s homes has been updated. This is aimed at tradespeople, cleaners or nannies.