All our help and information for 24/07/2020 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 information on wearing face coverings
From today it is mandatory for most of us to wear a face covering in certain circumstances. Government guidance on wearing face coverings has been issued which covers when face coverings must be worn, where they can be removed, enforcement and exemptions.
In England, you must wear a face covering by law in the following settings:
- public transport
- indoor transport hubs (airports, rail and tram stations and terminals, maritime ports and terminals, bus and coach stations and terminals)
- shops and supermarkets (places which are open to the public and that wholly or mainly offer goods or services for retail sale or hire)
- indoor shopping centres
- banks, building societies, and post offices (including credit unions, short-term loan providers, savings clubs and money service businesses)
Some people who are exempt may feel more comfortable showing something that says they do not have to wear a face covering. This could be in the form of an exemption card, badge or even a home-made sign. You can print off a card via: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/903452/Exemption_from_face_covering_badge_for_mobile_phone.pdf
You are expected to wear a face covering immediately before entering any of the listed settings and must keep it on until you leave.
You are also strongly encouraged to wear a face covering in other enclosed public spaces where social distancing may be difficult and where you come into contact with people you do not normally meet.
Face coverings are also needed in NHS settings, including hospitals and primary or community care settings, such as GP surgeries. They are advised to be worn in care homes. Individual settings may have their own policies and require you to take other measures. You can read the full guidance below.
Register now for Eat out to help out
Eateries in Somerset are being encouraged to sign up to the “Eat out to help out” initiative that goes live in August.
It’s not just restaurants that are eligible – the scheme is open to all establishments that sell food for consumption on the premises such as hotels, leisure centres and office canteens.
Eligible establishments can register now, and businesses are encouraged to sign up early, so they are ready to use the scheme when it starts on 3 August.
Businesses using the scheme will offer a 50% reduction, up to a maximum of £10 per person, to all diners who eat and/or drink-in on Mondays to Wednesdays throughout August. Alcohol is excluded from the offer.
Further information for businesses, including how to register and make a claim, is available below.
Business survey launched
Somerset’s five local authorities are undertaking a joint business survey to assess the impacts of COVID-19 (coronavirus) on the economy. It went live today and can be found here: www.somerset.gov.uk/businessrecoverysurvey
Prepared with input from stakeholders across the county, including the Somerset Chamber of Commerce and Federation of Small Businesses, the survey will provide vital intelligence to help support local business response and recovery work.
Update on what we can and can’t do
As we go into the weekend, here’s an update on what people can and can’t do as restrictions are eased. It covers the reopening of gyms and swimming pools, advice on socialising and using public transport.