All our help and information for 12/05/2020 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:
Government guidance effective from Wednesday 13 May
The Government has set out a stepped approach to lifting the emergency measures. From tomorrow people in England will be allowed to spend more leisure time outside, provided they comply with social distancing guidelines.
Those who cannot work from home should be encouraged to return to work. And food retailers, hardware stores, garden centres and food takeaways can remain open.
Business guidance can be found here: https://www.somerset.gov.uk/coronavirus-back-to-work-government-guidelines/
The Government has also published Frequently Asked Questions to help explain what people can and can’t do.
Furlough Scheme extended till October
The government furlough scheme will be extended to October with workers continuing to receive 80% of monthly wages up to £2,500. New flexibility will be introduced from August, with furloughed workers able to return to work part-time and employers will be asked to pay a percentage towards the salaries of their furloughed staff. Details to follow.
Face coverings
The latest guidance includes official advice that, where people can, they should wear a face covering in an enclosed space where social distancing is not possible and where they will come into contact with people they do not normally meet. The advice is that this is most relevant for short periods indoors in crowded areas, for example on public transport or in some shops.
Most recycling sites reopen & garden waste collections resume – check your dates
Eleven of Somerset’s 16 recycling centres reopened yesterday (Monday 11 May), for essential visits only, in line with updated Government guidance. Significant queues are expected and there are restrictions on materials accepted and vehicle access (including an odd and even number plate system) see https://www.somersetwaste.gov.uk/reopen/ for detail.
Garden Waste collections also restarted yesterday. Many subscribers’ collection day and dates have changed. It’s important that people reread the letter that came with their bin sticker or check using the ‘My Collection Day’ button on the www.somersetwaste.gov.uk homepage.
Special edition of Your Somerset is out now
The latest edition of Your Somerset is hitting the streets this week and it’s full of useful information about how to get help during the coronavirus pandemic. It also includes tips on how to keep health, happy and safe, the latest news on from our partners at the Somerset Waste Partnership and the Police, and gives a massive ‘shout out’ to all the businesses and volunteers who have been just amazing over the last couple of months. You can download and read a copy here: Your Somerset – Coronavirus Special
Pulling together to get food to vulnerable families
Struggling families in West Somerset are getting food delivered to their door during the coronavirus emergency thanks to volunteers and community groups working together. Food parcels are being distributed to households in some of Somerset’s most deprived areas in a joint initiative involving volunteer groups, led by community youth hub Minehead EYE with the support of West Somerset Opportunity Area, West Somerset Opportunity Advice Bureau and Somerset County Council.
Children’s logo competition winner announced
Children in Somerset were asked to get creative and take part in a campaign to design a logo for a new ‘Healthy, Happy and Safe’ campaign aimed at countering the effects of the Coronavirus pandemic. Twenty entries were submitted, and the winner is Eleanor Jones (17) from Nether Stowey.