All our help and information 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.
Public Health dashboard: Detailed Public Health information dashboards are available on our website www.somerset.gov.uk/coronavirus just scroll down to ‘Covid-19 dashboard’. These are updated daily.
Top stories today:
Lockdown is easing – but please take care
Somerset residents are being urged to be patient as the county and country begin to emerge from the latest lockdown.
The first careful step towards easing national COVID-19 restrictions was taken yesterday with the return to school of thousands of children and young people, and changes to some rules on social mixing.
The first steps are welcome, but people must remember to keep to the guidance to keep coronavirus cases low and make sure the four-step route to easing national restrictions is a success.
As well as reopening schools, rules on socialising in a public space have relaxed. Under the new rules one person can sit down with another person from outside their household or bubble for a coffee or picnic. Please remember to stay 2 metres apart from anyone not in your household or bubble and stay within your local area.
For further guidance and detail on the Government’s updated four-step route to easing national lockdown restrictions please visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-response-spring-2021
All businesses can sign up for free testing
All businesses in England are now able to sign up to the government’s free COVID-19 workplace testing programme, including those with fewer than 50 employees (previously restricted to those with more than 50 employees).
Businesses can register to order tests if:
- the business is registered in England
- employees cannot work from home
Business must register on or before 31 March and can get the forms they will need to order free lateral flow tests to test employees in the workplace here: https://www.gov.uk/get-workplace-coronavirus-tests
Could you be a Covid champion?
As we move towards the High Street reopening, would you like to know that your employees have the right information to help keep themselves, their colleagues and the public safe?
The Covid Community Champion network gives local people a role in helping their community to get up to date information and make the right choices to stay healthy. It is provided free of charge by Spark Somerset, in partnership with SASP, on behalf of Somerset County Council
After attending a short online induction, Covid Community Champions can help their workplace, family, friends and the wider community to understand the latest guidance around Covid-19, and signpost to other health and wellbeing support.
They play a vital part in helping keep local people informed, happy and healthy. Here’s a short video about the network: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oC062nTEXYY
If you, or someone you know who might be interested in becoming a Covid Community Champion, you can find more information and sign up for the next training session: Covid Community Champions | Spark a Change
Libraries open up
Somerset Libraries are delighted to announce that almost all libraries have reopened, offering a limited service as lockdown measures start to ease.
A new ‘Reading Friends’ befriending service is also being launched for those who may feel lonely or isolated in these continuing times.
Libraries will initially be open in the mornings for people to collect books from the popular ‘Library Choice’ service.
For regular updates on library opening times and services on offer, visit www.somersetlibraries.co.uk or via social media – see Somerset Libraries UK on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.