All our help and information for 05/08/2020 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:
Board backs Somerset Local Outbreak Management Plan
Somerset’s Local Outbreak Management Plan, setting out how the County Council and partners, will prevent and react to local coronavirus outbreaks, has been formally endorsed.
The COVID-19 Engagement Board held its first meeting on Friday 31 July where members considered and backed the plan and its approach.
The Board heard that 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, demonstrating the importance of local leadership in preventing and managing the spread.
The virtual meeting was chaired by County Council Leader David Fothergill and members include Somerset’s NHS Clinical Commissioning Group, district councils and Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner Sue Mountstevens.
The plan sets out how the 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.
It was drawn up after all Local Authorities were tasked with producing Local Outbreak Management Plans by the end of June as the focus moved away from national lockdowns to a more local response.
Heritage sites reopening to the public
South West Heritage Trust’s museums and heritage centres in Somerset are starting to re-open to the public this month. The sites included are:
- The Museum of Somerset – from 12 August
- Somerset Rural Life Museum – from 12 August
- Somerset Heritage Centre for research visits from 4 August. An appointment must be made before visiting; documents must be pre-ordered; contact information must be provided at the point of booking. Please do not book if you live in a local lockdown area, if you have any symptoms of Coronavirus (Covid-19), if you are awaiting a test result, or if you have been contacted by NHS: Test and Trace and requested to self-isolate.
To keep visitors safe, and comply with Government guidelines, the Trust has made some changes to the way its sites operate.
Join the ‘Silly Squad’ this summer
Despite the challenges of Coronavirus, families across Somerset can enjoy a vibrant programme of free live online events this summer, as part of the Library Service’s ‘Silly Squad’ 2020 Summer Reading Challenge.
The events, run by Somerset County Council, will involve quality authors and performers, all keen to keep children entertained.
Delivered in collaboration with ASCEL (Association of Senior Children’s and Education Librarians) and Authors Aloud, free weekly events over the school summer holidays will be accessible online using Eventbrite, a safe ticketed environment which can accommodate up to 1,000 participants.
Support for working families affected by coronavirus
Families who benefit from government funded childcare support were given a boost today as the Government announced that they would not lose out due to COVID-19.
Working parents or carers, who are eligible for Tax-Free Childcare or 30 Hours Free Childcare but have temporarily fallen below the minimum income requirement as a result of the pandemic, will continue to receive financial support until 31 October.