All our help and information for 19/06/2020 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:
Planning ahead for phased reopening of libraries
Somerset Libraries are planning the phased re-opening of library buildings with the aim to start welcoming people back as early as possible in July.
It won’t be business as usual straight away, however, and Somerset County Council’s library buildings will look and feel quite different, as some processes temporarily change.
Social distancing measures will be in place and a ‘personal shopper’ service will be available as customers will not initially be able to browse. Staff will be available to select items for customers based on popular titles, specific interests and favourite authors.
The Somerset Mobile Library Service should also be back on the road later in the year.
Flag raising to show Somerset’s support for the Armed Forces
The flag to honour the Armed Forces in Somerset is being raised on Monday 22 June by Somerset County Council Chair Councillor Nigel Taylor outside County Hall in Taunton.
He will be joined – with social distancing observed – by Council Leader David Fothergill, Councillor Rod Williams, who chairs the Somerset Armed Forces Covenant Partnership and Council Chief Executive Pat Flaherty.
Recycling sites: ‘shop-style’ social distancing on its way
Visitors to Somerset Waste Partnership’s recycling centres will find ‘shop-style’ social distancing arrangements in place over the next week. Floor markings and other extra signs are being introduced to all 16 sites in the coming days. The set-up will be similar to that seen in supermarkets and other shops, with visitors expected to take responsibility for keeping themselves and others safe.
Support for self-employed parents
The Government has announced that self-employed parents, whose trading profits dipped in 2018/19 because they took time out to have children, will be able to claim for a payment under the self-employed income support scheme (SEISS). The updated eligibility criteria has been reflected in the SEISS guidance and fact sheets. More details of the change for self-employed parents will be set out by the start of July in published guidance.
Watch for ticks when out and about
Hot and humid weather is perfect for ticks – tiny creatures that feed on animal and human blood – and the peak month for tick activity is June. You can prevent being bitten by:
- Walking on clearly defined paths
- Using insect repellent that repels ticks
- Wearing light colour clothing so ticks are easier to spot
We want your feedback! Tell us what you think of our updates
We hope you have found these updates useful throughout the coronavirus pandemic. We would really appreciate your feedback on what you have found helpful and what you would like to see more of in future Somerset County Council updates. Please email any feedback to communications@somerset.gov.uk