All our help and information for 10/09/2020 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:
Changes to rules on social gatherings from 14 September
Social gatherings of more than six people will be illegal in England from Monday (with some exemptions) amid a rise in coronavirus cases nationally.
There has also been a rise in coronavirus cases in Somerset, although the number remains low.
The changes will apply in any setting, indoors or outdoors. The ban will be set out in law and will be enforced by the police. This single measure replaces both the existing ban on gatherings of more than 30 and the current guidance on allowing two households to meet indoors.
But it will not apply to schools, workplaces or Covid-secure weddings, funerals and organised team sports.
Hospitality venues, including pubs and restaurants, will be legally obliged to take customers’ contact details and keep these for 21 days. This will apply from 18 September.
Return to university and college
Young people are returning to university and college at a time when more in their age group are testing positive for coronavirus.
The latest analysis shows that more people in their 20s in the South West are testing positive for Covid-19 than any other age group in the region.
Keep yourselves, friends and families safe by following the golden rules: wear a face covering when required; wash hands thoroughly and frequently and stick to the 2m social distancing.
If in doubt, check out the latest guidance below.
Booking a test
You should only book a coronavirus test if you are showing symptoms including: high temperatures, new and continuous cough, loss or change to your sense of smell or taste.
There’s a high demand for tests so if you are unable to book one, or are offered a location or time which is not convenient, please wait a few hours and then try again.” You should also continue to self-isolate.
Grants from The Somerset Fund to help local charities
If you are a grassroots community group based in Somerset, grants are available up to the value of £2,500 from The Somerset Fund. Somerset Community Foundation (SCF) manages the Fund and is encouraging applications from smaller charities and community groups that run on less than £100,000 per year.
The grants will be ‘unrestricted’, which means they can be used to pay for ongoing running costs, also known as ‘core costs’. Applications to the Fund through SCF’s website can be made from Monday 14 September and the deadline to apply is Friday 16 October.
Twenty minutes’ training could save lives
Today marks World Suicide Prevention Day with the theme of “Working Together to Prevent Suicide’’. Somerset Suicide Prevention Partnership Group wants to train 100 people in suicide awareness. Will you join them today or afterwards?
You can be part of the 100 people challenge by undertaking the training at a time that suits you by going to: https://www.healthysomerset.co.uk/covid-19/happy/.
Islands policy introduced to travel corridors
The Government has announced that people arriving in England from Crete, Lesvos, Mykonos, Santorini, Serifos, Tinos or Zakynthos will now need to self-isolate for two weeks.