All our help and information for 19/05/2020 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:
Pioneering SCC-built app helps free up vital NHS beds
An innovative app built by Somerset County Council is helping free up vital hospital beds by keeping track of care providers with space to take in patients who are ready for discharge.
During the coronavirus pandemic there has been an increased need for hospital beds and the ability to ensure beds are freed up efficiently.
Discussions took place between the council’s Adult Social Care and ICT teams to identify what was needed and a capacity tracker using Microsoft Cloud technologies was built in just a few days.
Public Rights of Way remain open ahead of vegetation cut
Somerset County Council is continuing to ensure that any path safety issues are investigated and resolved as soon as possible during the coronavirus emergency. Public rights of way within Somerset have remained open during the lockdown, with path users advised to follow the Countryside Code and Public Health England guidance regarding social distancing.
Holiday entitlement and pay during coronavirus
The Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy has published guidance outlining how holiday entitlement and pay operate during the coronavirus pandemic. The guidance is designed to help employers understand their legal obligations, in terms of workers who continue to work or have been placed on furlough as part of the Government’s coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.
Somerset Suicide Bereavement Support Service
The service is offering Peer Support Group sessions via Zoom. Anyone who would like to join should email: bereaved@mindinsomerset.org.uk, for login details. Details for upcoming sessions are: Thursday 4 June 7pm-8.30pm; Monday 15 June 2pm-3.30pm. For more details on the service and how it can help can be found here: https://www.somersetmentalhealthhub.org.uk/somerset-suicide-bereavement-support-service
The Future Fund
The Future Fund, which will provide government loans to UK-based companies ranging from £125,000 to £5 million, will be open to loan applications from tomorrow (20 May). The Future Fund was developed by the government and is being delivered by the British Business Bank. The Convertible Loan Agreement has now been added to the guidance.
Gongs at the double for Squibbers Way
Construction of the Squibbers Way link road in Bridgwater has landed another prestigious award for its positive impact on the town. Somerset County Council, in partnership with main contractor Whitemountain and AECOM, won the Infrastructure South West Award at the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) Social Impact Awards 2020. The winners were unveiled last week via a virtual ceremony hosted by TV presenters Phil Spencer and Emma Jesson.