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:
Back to school – carefully
Schools, colleges, and early years settings will be opening their doors again next week to welcome back children and young people at the start of another academic year.
Somerset County Council’s Public Health team has been working closely with Public Health England and education colleagues to prepare for the return. As Covid-19 becomes a virus that we learn to live with, it’s really important to reduce the disruption to children’s education – particularly as the direct clinical risks to children are extremely low, and every adult has been offered a first vaccine and the opportunity for two doses by mid-September.
The evidence is clear that being out of education and childcare causes significant harm to educational attainment, life chances, and mental and physical health. Educational settings are expected to have their own contingency plan or outbreak management plan as outlined by national guidance.
Secondary schools and colleges are offering two tests on-site at the start of term, followed by continued regular testing at home.
There’s more information here: Back to school campaign launches – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Resources are being published on the SSE website as they become available: COVID-19 Guidance and information page | Support Services for Education
Clinton goes back to school for latest Covid Catch-up
In this week’s Covid Catch-Up, Clinton discusses the return to school of most Somerset pupils, and the differences from last term because of the change in advice regarding Covid-19.
While pupils need to return to education, Covid-19 is still with us and case numbers are still high in the South-West so care is needed. Clinton explains the need for staff, parents, and pupils to help with the safe return to the classrooms and the continued journey on the road to recovery.
Watch now: Somerset Covid Catch up – Week 37, 2 September 2021 – YouTube
Concessionary travel update
Restrictions on the use of Concessionary Bus Passes in Somerset will return to normal from Monday 6 September.
As bus services in Somerset return to pre-Covid-19 levels and with students returning to schools and colleges, Concessionary Bus Pass holders will no longer be able to travel free of charge on local routes before 9.30am.
The NHS Covid Pass
The Covid Pass lets you share your Covid-19 vaccination records or Covid-19 test status. You may be required to show your Covid Pass at events and venues that have chosen to use this service or for travel abroad. The Covid Pass is available on the NHS app.
You can download it on your phone but if you are not able to do that, you can also request a Covid Pass letter in the post on the NHS website or by calling 119.
International travel changes
On Monday 30 August there were changes to the international travel list. Montenegro and Thailand are now on the travel red list. If you are returning from either of these countries, you must now quarantine in a Government facility.
The Azores, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Liechtenstein, Lithuania and Switzerland are now on the travel green list. If you are returning to Somerset from any of these countries, you must take a PCR test. You only need to self-isolate if the result is positive.
Check here for more details: Travel abroad: step by step – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)