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Coronavirus update from Somerset County Council – 26/05

Posted on 27th May, 2020 in News

All our help and information for 26/05/2020 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 pharmacies offer a safe place for victims of domestic abuse

People experiencing domestic abuse are now able to access local support through Somerset pharmacies thanks to a joint local initiative.

Somerset County Council, the Clinical Commissioning Group and the Local Pharmaceutical Council have been working with pharmacies across the county to arrange for their consulting rooms to be available as a safe place, where anybody concerned about domestic abuse can go to get information about local domestic abuse support services.

Avon and Somerset Police supported the initiative by tasking their PCSOs to deliver the literature to pharmacies throughout the county.

The arrangement is running in line with a similar national scheme launched by the charity Hestia which has seen safe places set up in Boots pharmacies across the country.

The project is part of the Council’s continued commitment to finding ways of informing the public that domestic abuse services are, and will continue to be open, during the pandemic, and reaching out to victims of abuse who are facing increased challenges contacting services whilst being forced to self-isolate with their abuser.

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Stay Safe Save Lives

As we move into the Government’s new phased approach to adjusting lockdown measures, we must make sure we continue to protect our health and care services and look after those who are most vulnerable in our community.

Therefore, it is really important to remember that those who are showing any of the symptoms of coronavirus, however mild, must continue to self-isolate at home for seven days, or longer if the symptoms persist. Household members are also reminded of the need to self-isolate for 14 days at this time. Last week there was an important update to the list of symptoms of COVID 19. If you lose or have a change in your sense of taste or smell, have a high temperature, or new and persistent dry cough, you need to self-isolate for at least 7 days, even if other symptoms do not appear. If your symptoms start to worsen, please make sure you use the 111 service to obtain the right medical advice. Testing is now available to anyone who is experiencing symptoms and can be accessed through a link here.

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Nominations invited for national honours

Do you know someone who has gone above and beyond during the coronavirus pandemic? The Government is looking to honour people for their contribution to the crisis response.
You can use this form to nominate someone who lives in the UK whose contribution could include:

  • frontline work supporting the most vulnerable members of society and those who have caught COVID-19
  • providing critical care to COVID-19 patients
  • developing innovations to support the vulnerable and those with COVID-19
  • going to extraordinary lengths to keep critical services going
  • volunteering in the community or for service organisations in support of those affected by COVID-19

Send your completed nomination form to: covid-19nominations@cabinetoffice.gov.uk

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Tune in to birdsong on our BBC Somerset show

The next special guest on our popular BBC Somerset wellbeing show this week is none other than Stephen Moss, President of the Somerset Wildlife Trust, Author and Naturalist! https://stephenmoss.tv/

Stephen will be talking all about bird song and how great it is for our wellbeing, he will play a few clips and give tips on how we can attract birds into our surroundings.

Whether you are at home isolating or ready to go for a walk into the wider countryside, we can all enjoy bird song. Listen in to BBC Somerset tomorrow (Wednesday) between 7-8pm. The frequencies to tune in are 95.5FM, 1566AM, DAB, or listen at www.bbc.co.uk/bbcsomerset and on the BBC Sounds app.

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SCC’s Outdoor Centres provide vital support during pandemic

Somerset County Council’s Outdoor Centres (SSE Outdoors) are providing a haven for the county’s most vulnerable young people during the coronavirus lockdown. Kilve Court in West Somerset, and the Charterhouse Centre on the Mendips, have been opening their doors to young people most in need of a safe and reassuring space.

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Sick pay scheme goes live today

Small businesses and employers across the UK who have paid Statutory Sick Pay to staff taking coronavirus-related leave will be able to claim back the money from today. Businesses with fewer than 250 employees can find out how to make a claim.

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