All our help and information for 04/09/2020 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:
Watch out for coronavirus ‘test and trace’ scam
Trading Standards in Somerset are warning residents to be aware of scammers looking to exploit the NHS Test and Trace service.
NHS Test and Trace is a Government system to reduce the spread of coronavirus (Covid-19). It works through quickly testing people with symptoms and phoning, texting or emailing whoever they have had close contact with to tell them to isolate for 14 days. It is a free service.
There are concerns that some people, particularly the vulnerable or elderly, could be susceptible to fake calls or messages from criminals looking to get access to personal information or trick them into handing over money.
Forum to showcase Covid response
Spark Somerset is hosting a Forum along with Somerset Association of Local Councils on 15 September aimed at Parish and Town Councils. It will be an opportunity to showcase some of the councils in Somerset who really engaged in the Covid-19 response in their communities, co-ordinating local efforts and experimenting with new ways of working.
It is hoped that this will initiate a conversation about how Parishes can work better with the communities they serve and capitalise on the volunteering legacy from Covid-19.
Eat Out to Help Out: More than 6.7 million meals claimed for in the South West
6,771 outlets in the South West were signed up to use the Eat Out to Help Out Scheme as of 27 August 2020. This only relates to businesses that have fewer than 26 outlets.
So far, a total of 6,778,000 (6.7 million) meals have been claimed for across the South West region. You can check out the figures in more detail, by Parliamentary constituency, here:
New action cards available for business settings
There are new ‘action cards’ available to people who own, manage or are responsible for specific businesses. The cards are designed to quickly help businesses to identify outbreaks within their organisation; know how to report it to their local health protection team; and work with the local health protection team to respond to it.
The action cards are designed to be printed or downloadable: https://coronavirusresources.phe.gov.uk/reporting-an-outbreak/resources/
Avoid Covid-19 frauds
Avon and Somerset Police have produced a Covid-19 Fraud guide to help individuals and businesses stay safe from scammers. You can check it out here:
https://www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/media/32957917/covid-19-fraud-guide.pdf
Demand for housing support service in Western Somerset continues to increase
A recent survey has suggested that since the coronavirus pandemic started, more than 170,000 private tenants have been threatened with eviction by their landlord or letting agent, and an estimated 230,000 renters in England have fallen into arrears. Local charity, West Somerset Advice, fear that this will increase when the government lifts the ban on evicting tenants.
Quick recap of what we can and can’t do
Finally, as we enter the weekend, it’s worth checking out the latest Government guidance on what you can and can’t do right now: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-outbreak-faqs-what-you-can-and-cant-do/coronavirus-outbreak-faqs-what-you-can-and-cant-do