All our help and information for 12/06/2020 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:
Measures to support our high streets
Emergency measures to support the reopening of high streets in Somerset are being rolled out at pace across the county.
From Monday 15 June, lockdown restrictions are being relaxed with many non-essential retail businesses allowed to reopen.
The Government is advising that people should avoid using public transport where possible and opt for walking and cycling instead. To support this, the five Local Authorities in Somerset have been working with the police and other partners to identify a list of priority areas which can be quickly funded through the £120,000 Active Travel fund.
Click link for full list of temporary road closures and other measures which will help free up space in high streets. These will be reviewed and adapted to make sure they are effective.
Remember the 2-metre rule and stay safe
As shops and high streets begin to reopen, people are reminded to stay safe by maintaining social distancing by keeping 2m apart and by wearing a face covering in shops and other enclosed public spaces. From Monday 15 June, you must also wear a face covering on public transport.
If you have symptoms of COVID-19 (cough, and/or high temperature, and/or loss of, or change in, your normal sense of smell or taste – anosmia), you and your household must isolate at home: wearing a face covering does not change this. You should arrange to have a test to see if you have COVID-19.
Bounce Back Digital
A free programme of webinars and short courses to help small businesses across Somerset keep trading during the Covid-19 restrictions by moving some of or all their operations online. The 30 digital sessions programme is the first of its kind in the country, delivered by the Heart of the South West Digital Skills Partnership (HotSW DSP) and runs throughout June and July for any business in Somerset with fewer than 250 employees.
The full programme of webinars and courses can be found here: https://heartofswlep.co.uk/about-the-lep/how-we-are-organised/digital-skills-partnership/bounce-back-digital/
Electric Vehicle survey launched
Somerset’s county and district councils are currently working on an Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Strategy to help plan for and enable the EV revolution in Somerset as part of their commitment to work towards carbon neutrality by 2030. As part of Somerset’s Climate Emergency work, a group of graduate support officers working for the councils has devised a survey to gauge the attitudes of the public towards EVs, and the potential influence that the varied geography and communities of Somerset may have on EV take-up across the county. The survey can be accessed here: https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/electricvehiclesurvey/