All our help and information for 30/06/2020 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:
Somerset Local Outbreak Management Plan available online
Somerset County Council and partners released further detail today on how they will prevent and react to localised Coronavirus outbreaks.
Somerset cases continue to remain low compared to other parts of the country, but Coronavirus is proving to be a disease around clusters and outbreaks.
To date, almost 70 outbreaks (defined as two or more confirmed cases associated with a specific setting and symptom onset dates within 14 days) have occurred across Somerset predominantly in care homes. Local outbreaks have reduced considerably from a peak earlier in the year.
As the national alert level is reduced and lockdown measures further eased – and if the public do not strictly adhere to protection measures – there are likely to be more localised outbreaks across the County.
All Local Authorities were tasked with producing Local Outbreak Management Plan by the end of this month (June) now the emphasis has moved away from national lockdowns to a local response.
The Plan sets out how Somerset County Council and partners will actively engage with Somerset residents, businesses, visitors and communities to keep cases down and reduce further spread if outbreaks occur. The Plan will be overseen by a new Somerset Local Outbreak Engagement Board, chaired by Council Leader David Fothergill.
More items accepted at recycling sites
All ‘business as usual’ items are now being accepted across Somerset Waste Partnership’s recycling centres.
All 16 sites can now take cardboard, as well as commercial waste and other waste you pay to dispose of – including tyres, gas bottles, soil and hardcore, vehicle parts,plasterboard and asbestos (card payment only).
NHS boosts support for pregnant Black and Ethnic Minority women
The NHS is rolling out extra support for pregnant Black, Asian and Ethnic Minority (BAME) women, as new research shows heightened risks facing women from minority groups.
Recent analysis shows Black pregnant women are eight times more likely to be admitted to hospital with Covid-19, while Asian women are four times as likely.
Urgent action is being taken by the NHS in England to protect expectant mums, including increasing uptake of important Vitamin D and undertaking outreach in neighbourhoods and communities in their area.
Driving lessons, theory tests and driving tests to restart
Theory tests will restart in England on Saturday 4 July. The tests will take place with social distancing measures in place to help stop the spread of coronavirus. Car driving tests will restart in England on Wednesday 22 July, which will give learner drivers time to have refresher lessons and practice before taking their test.
Mandatory MOT testing to be reintroduced from 1 August
Mandatory MOT testing will be reintroduced from 1 August 2020 as COVID-19 restrictions are slowly lifted. Due to the coronavirus outbreak, drivers were granted a 6-month exemption from MOT testing in March to help slow the spread of the virus. However, as restrictions are eased when safe to do so, all drivers whose car, motorcycle or van is due for an MOT test from 1 August will be required to get a test certificate to continue driving their vehicle.