All our help and information is now available in a single place on the SCC website https://www.somerset.gov.uk/latest-coronavirus-updates/
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:
Training to help bust vaccination myths
Spark Somerset continues to offer Vaccination Myth Buster Training for anyone who feels they can to talk to the public about the Covid-19 vaccination.
The training aims to be jargon free and user friendly. Everyone is welcome. The next course is on Tuesday 6 July, 7-9pm on Zoom.
The training is delivered by Fatou Mendy Sambou from Public Health Somerset and Helen Fielden from Spark Somerset and covers:
- The latest information about how the vaccines work, how they’re made and possible side effects.
- Common myths and misconceptions about the vaccine.
- The basics of how to have open, supportive conversations.
- Where to signpost people to if they have more questions.
To find out more, and to book your place click HERE.
Spark Somerset has also trained a team of volunteer Vaccination Buddies who can offer 1-2-1 telephone support to people who are worried or unsure about having the vaccine.
The Buddies come from all walks of life and have the right skills to support people to make informed decisions about having the Covid-19 vaccination. They speak a range of languages from Portuguese to Dutch.
People can be referred (or self-refer) to the scheme and a fully trained Vaccination Buddy will then contact them by phone to discuss their concerns and offer information and reassurance. Please note that Vaccination Buddies cannot give specific medical advice.
Celebrating Somerset’s registrars after a year like no other
A new event to celebrate the vital work done by registrars and their colleagues is being held on 1 July with National Registrars’ Day.
Members of Somerset County Council’s Registration Service are using the day to reflect on all that’s been achieved over the last year, from the challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic, Brexit to ground-breaking legislation changes.
Covid-19 significantly disrupted the normal routine which would see the service conduct around 3,000 ceremonies each year.
Guidance for wedding and civil partnership ceremonies
The Government has updated the guidance for couples planning to get married or form a civil partnership in England, as well as managers of venues that host ceremonies and receptions, and individuals hosting these events in other venues.
The update includes information on risk assessments, social distancing measures, singing and dancing, serving food and drink, and enforcement.
Health Secretary’s statement on COVID-19
The newly appointed Health Secretary, Rt Hon Sajid Javid MP, gave a statement to Parliament and provided an update on the Government’s work in tackling COVID-19.
The Health Secretary confirmed 19 July remains the government’s target date for ending restrictions and provided an update on the vaccination programme.
On 26 June, the Queen approved the appointment of the Rt Hon Sajid Javid MP as Secretary of State for Health and Social Care.