All our help and information for 16/06/2020 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:
Dedicated staff ensure provision for thousands of Somerset’s primary age pupils
One hundred per cent of relevant schools in Somerset are offering some kind of extended provision for primary age pupils new figures show.
Education settings are working at capacity accommodating nearly a third of the county’s reception, year one and year six primary age pupils after extending provision following the half term break, while two thirds of early years providers are offering provision.
However, Somerset County Council understands the challenges faced by parents in the county who do not have provision for their children, following the Government’s confirmation that it is not going ahead with plans to increase school provision for all primary age pupils before the summer break.
The Council is continuing to work closely with education leaders on whether further places can be identified.
New figures underline the dedication of Somerset’s education leaders and staff with 37.5 per cent of reception pupils attending as of this week, 37.6 per cent of year one pupils, 34.5 per cent of year six and 34.8 per cent of early years children.
Keep your social distance
As lockdown eases further, many high street shops are reopening this week. If you have to queue outside a shop, please maintain social distancing and stay 2 metres apart from others. If you can, please try to avoid peak times. It’s vital you continue to follow hygiene advice – wash your hands thoroughly, use hand sanitiser and wear a face covering in enclosed spaces such as shops. Please treat shop staff – and your fellow shoppers – with consideration.
Businesses should show that their premises are COVID-19 secure by displaying notices. There’s a poster available to download in this link to more information: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/thousands-of-high-street-shops-department-stores-and-shopping-centres-to-reopen-safely-in-england
Men’s Health Week this week
Take action on COVID-19 is the theme for this year’s Men’s Health Week. Below are some useful resources and opportunities for everyone to share to promote men’s health:
National
- Men’s Health Forum – special COVID19 resources
- CALM – COVID Blocker – enjoy a moment of calm
- Samaritans – different ways they can help. Call 116 123 Email: jo@samaritans.org
- Mental Health and Money Advice – Helping you understand, manage & improve your mental health and money issues
- Lions Barbers Collective – discuss men’s mental health and see their new film.
- NHS Apps Library – wellbeing
Local
- Mindline – 24 / 7 friendly emotional support helpline Tel: 01823 – 276 892
- Citizen Advice Somerset – advice for money worries, employment and benefits
- Bereavement support service – local to Somerset Tel: 0800 304 7412
- Men’s Shed’s – find nearest Shed and read Shedders newsletter, Shoulder to Shoulder.
- Somerset Man Vs Fat Football
- Somerset Active Sports Partnership
- Spark Somerset – for information about grassroots men’s health activity
- Keep Healthy, Happy and Safe – help and resources from Public Health during COVID 19 pandemic
- Let Public Health know what you have been up to on social media using the #stayhealthyinsomerset
NHS Test and Trace
The NHS test and trace service will help to control the rate of reproduction (R), reduce the spread of the infection and save lives. The NHS test and trace service:
- ensures that anyone who develops symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) can quickly be tested to find out if they have the virus, Rand includes targeted asymptomatic testing of NHS and social care staff and care home residents
- helps trace close recent contacts of anyone who tests positive for coronavirus and, if necessary, notifies them that they must self-isolate at home to help stop the spread of the virus. There’s more information here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/nhs-test-and-trace-how-it-works
Guidance on face coverings
You must wear a face covering at all times on public transport or when attending a hospital as a visitor or outpatient. Hospitals will be able to provide a face covering in emergencies. If you can, you should also wear a face covering in other enclosed public spaces where social distancing isn’t possible and where you will come into contact with people you do not normally meet. This is most relevant for short periods indoors in crowded areas.
How to make a cloth face covering
A cloth face covering should cover your mouth and nose while allowing you to breathe comfortably. It can be as simple as a scarf or bandana that ties behind the head. Wash your hands or use hand sanitiser before putting it on and after taking it off. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth at all times and store used face coverings in a plastic bag until you have an opportunity to wash them.
We’re going wild on BBC Somerset
Join us this week for our wellbeing slot on BBC Somerset where Jolyon Chesworth, Head of Engagement at the Somerset Wildlife Trust, will talk all things wildlife.
We will hear how people of all ages can get involved with nature whether at home or when out getting our exercise. Jolyon will be sharing lots of great ideas, crafty activities and practical things that you and your family can do at home to attract a range of wildlife into your surroundings. Crafty ideas include making a nature chest where you can collect and keep the treasures you find on a walk; building bug and bee hotels or joining the big butterfly count next months.
Tune in tomorrow – Wednesday- from 7-8pm to Charlie Taylor on BBC Somerset. The frequencies to tune in are 95.5FM, 1566AM, DAB, or listen at www.bbc.co.uk/bbcsomerset and on the BBC Sounds app.
Genuine HMRC contact and recognising phishing emails
This guidance explains how to recognise genuine contact from HMRC, and how to tell when an email or text message is phishing or bogus.