All our help and information for 07/07/2020 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:
New chapter as Libraries start to reopen
Libraries are starting to reopen in Somerset as the service begins a phased return. The first Library to welcome people back was Taunton where doors opened yesterday (Monday 6 July).
The first day saw a steady stream of customers who came in to return books, pick up their ‘Order-and-Collect’ items and/or use a public computer. After just one day, it is clear that the ‘Order-and-Collect’ service has been enthusiastically received by library members, with orders and messages coming in fast.
As many more shops and other venues start to re-open in the town, we expect to see the numbers grow but we have also been promoting the new library offer with focused local communications (including regular radio broadcasts on Tone FM), social media posts, press releases and posters/flyers and we will work with community agents and partners to help spread the word.
The library pages on the website are also regularly updated to explain the new ‘Order-and-Collect’ service and which other libraries are planned to re-open soon.
We are continuing to develop the digital offer with engaging content across the social media platforms, increased investment in the e-Resources and a rapidly growing following on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Relaxation tips feature on our BBC Somerset slot
Yoga and mental health will be the topics on the airwaves for our wellbeing slot on BBC Somerset tomorrow night. We’ll be looking at great ways to relax using these techniques. The frequencies to tune in are 95.5FM, 1566AM, DAB, or listen at www.bbc.co.uk/bbcsomerset and on the BBC Sounds app.
Your Somerset, Summer 2020 – out now
The latest edition of Your Somerset is hitting doorsteps across the county and available to download now. It’s full of information about how the Council is, and will continue to, support the county during the current health pandemic.
This edition also showcases how the county council and the district councils have been working together to help our residents and what that partnership might look like in the future. If you don’t receive a copy you can also access online.
Coronavirus advice for Somerset accommodation providers
Guidance on advice for guest accommodation providers now allowed to open has been updated to provide more detail. This guidance for Hotels and Other Guest Accommodation sets out how to open businesses safely while minimising the risk of spreading coronavirus (COVID-19). Accommodation providers may also need to refer to guidance for Restaurants, Pubs, Bars and Takeaway Services, guidance for Small Marriages and Civil Partnerships, and guidance for Outdoor Playgrounds and Gyms, depending on the facilities and services available at their sites.
Self-isolation lifted for lower risk countries
Passengers returning to or visiting England from certain destinations including Germany, France, Spain and Italy, will no longer need to self-isolate on arrival from 10 July 2020. All passengers, except those on a small list of exemptions, will still be required to provide contact information on arrival in the UK.
Shielding guidance changes
The government has updated its guidance for people who are shielding taking into account that coronavirus COVID-19 infection rates have decreased significantly over the last few weeks. This guidance remains advisory.
People who are shielding remain vulnerable and should continue to take precautions but may now choose to leave their home, as long as they are able to maintain strict social distancing.
Accessing green spaces safely and meeting people from outside the household
The advice for the public in England on using green spaces, and the guidance on seeing people, have been updated to reflect changes from 4 July.
Guidance on green spaces: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-advice-on-accessing-green-spaces-safely
Guidance on meeting people: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/meeting-people-from-outside-your-household-from-4-july