All our help and information for 07/05/2020 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:
Somerset’s Coronavirus Helpline open all weekend
Around 4,000 calls have now been made to a single helpline for non-medical Coronavirus support – which remains open for anyone needing help and advice this bank holiday weekend.
The Somerset Coronavirus Helpline, launched on 6 April by the five Somerset Local Authorities, was set up to make it easier for people to access any local authority help they may need in the current crisis.
The helpline number is 0300 790 6275 and is open 8m to 6pm, seven days a week, making it the one number people need to remember for Coronavirus-related enquiries.
Anyone who can’t find help within their own local networks and volunteers, can use the new number to get help and advice around:
- Personal care and support including food and delivery of prescriptions
- Support for the homeless
- Emotional support if you’re feeling worried or anxious
- Transport to medical appointments
- Waste collection and disposal
- Financial support
Recycling centres reopening for essential trips only, and Garden Waste collections resume
Eleven of Somerset’s 16 recycling centres will reopen on Monday (11 May), but for essential visits only – in line with updated Government guidance. Garden Waste collections are also set to resume from Monday, both services having been suspended by Somerset Waste Partnership (SWP) in response to the Coronavirus crisis.
Please stay at home this weekend
The sun may be shining but people are being urged to stay at home again this bank holiday weekend to keep people safe. Coronavirus is still a threat to everyone – anyone can get it and anyone can spread it. The police and Somerset County Council have agreed to close the road through Cheddar Gorge again from 6pm this evening to deter potential breaches of coronavirus restrictions and ease local community concerns.
Hardship fund for dairy farmers
Dairy farmers in England can apply for up to £10,000 in cash payments under a scheme to support the industry during the coronavirus pandemic. Producers will be eligible for aid to cover 70% of income they have lost during April and May, to ensure they can continue to operate and sustain production capacity without impacts on animal welfare.
Trading Standards to continue monitoring restrictions over the bank holiday
As the lockdown continues and we prepare to commemorate VE day at home this bank holiday weekend, our Trading Standards Teams across Devon, Somerset and Torbay are continuing to monitor the restrictions put in place to help keep us all safe.
SCC virtual meetings
The first virtual Somerset County Council committee meetings took place this week using Teams technology. Further virtual meetings are scheduled for next week with Scrutiny for Place on Monday, starting at 10am, and Cabinet on Wednesday, also starting at 10am.