All our help and information for 16/11/2020 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:
Police take action over protests
Police patrols have been increased and several people fined following breaches of COVID-19 legislation in Glastonbury in recent days.
Police have been called following reports of public gatherings, which breach the Government regulations. Currently, a protest of more than two people is illegal and enforcement action has been taken against those involved.
Police say the vast majority of residents are complying with lockdown to keep the town safe, but a small minority are not.
High-visibility patrols will continue to be carried out in Glastonbury over the coming days, including by the new Avon and Somerset Police COVID team.
Coping with COVID – recycling and rubbish
Collections: Please keep a social distance from collection crews and wash and disinfect container handles before and after putting out recycling boxes and bins.
If you have COVID symptoms, or live in a household with someone who does, there is Government guidance on how you should dispose of personal waste like tissues and disposable facemask and cleaning cloths.
It should be double-bagged in disposable rubbish bags and kept separate from other waste in the home for 72 hours.
It should then go into your rubbish bin outside your home and will be picked up in the usual rubbish collections.
Recycling sites: All 16 are currently open on their usual winter hours. Visitors must take responsibility for keeping themselves and others safe. Stay up to date on the latest guidance by noting signs on site and checking somersetwaste.gov.uk in advance.
As a minimum, standard restrictions will be in place over the festive period and into the New Year:
- no one with COVID-19 symptoms or those asked to shield should visit
- social distance at all times and wear gloves
- maximum two people from the same household per vehicle
- site staff cannot offer help to unload items
Park considerately: Cars parked legally, but inconsiderately, can make it difficult or impossible for collection vehicles to get to some properties and roads. This is more of an issue as more people work from home and can cause missed collections and frustration for all.
If recycling crews cannot get through, fire appliances will not be able to either and that could delay them getting to an emergency. Please park considerately.
You might have to wait for your flu vaccine
People who are most at risk from the complications of flu are recommended to get a flu vaccine every year.
This year, with coronavirus still in circulation, it is particularly important – getting both viruses at the same time may put you at a higher risk of serious illness.
Nationally there is no shortage of flu vaccines – there will be enough to vaccinate 30 million people. However, as is normal practice, manufacturers stagger deliveries of the vaccine.
This year, early uptake of the flu vaccine has been much higher than usual due to concerns about the coronavirus pandemic. This means that some GP practices and pharmacies have had to ask people to wait until the next delivery arrives.
If your GP or regular pharmacy does not have the vaccine in stock, they should be able to tell you when they expect the next delivery. Alternatively, you can try elsewhere at any pharmacy that offers the flu vaccine.
Whilst we appreciate you may have to wait, we urge you to make sure you take up the offer of a free flu vaccine if you are entitled to it.
Support for Somerset residents during lockdown
Help is available for anyone in Somerset who may need additional support during the second national lockdown.
The five councils in Somerset have been working together since the first lockdown to provide a single phone number for anyone in Somerset who needs Coronavirus-related support.
Residents are reminded they can call 0300 790 6275 if they need any help themselves or are concerned about relatives or neighbours. Lines are open seven days a week between 8am and 6pm.