Here we are publishing some information to help people access services and information during the lock down period.
A group of volunteers are available to help – Please call 01884 35455 if you need any help.
For a full list of helpful numbers, please click here
If you leave home to work or volunteer, or you are in contact with vulnerable people, regular testing will help to keep you and your community safe.
Testing is key to breaking the chain of coronavirus transmission, especially as around one in three people who have the virus don’t display any symptoms and may be unknowingly spreading it.
Testing is important even after you have been vaccinated, as you may still be able to pass on the virus to others even if you do not get symptoms.
See link below for more information about community testing sites and free home testing kits
NHS Covid-19 App
The government is launching the NHS COVID-19 app in England and Wales on Thursday 24 September.
We all need to know about this and how it will work, because we’re all likely to come upon it in our day to day lives.
Right now though, businesses and other venues across England and Wales (like places of worship or community organisations with a physical location that is open to the public; or an event which is taking place in a physical location), are being urged by government to ensure that they have NHS ‘QR’ code posters visible at their entrances, in advance of Thursday 24 September.
In fact, there is now a legal requirement for certain venues to display the NHS QR posters in their venues by the 24 September.
They include venues in:
The QR code posters are free to download, and available online.
Some businesses already use their own QR system, but they are being asked by government to switch to the NHS Test and Trace QR code.
For more information about the NHS COVID-19 app, visit covid19.nhs.uk
There is also scope for reduced frequencies on the main commercial routes and in stages Stagecoach are implementing some changes in this category. The Government requires bus companies to discuss these changes with the local authority and in this context we are in continuous contact with Stagecoach. Changes so far include reduced frequencies on Service 12 (Newton Abbot – Torquay), Service A in Exeter on Saturdays, the UNI between Exeter City Centre and the University and the withdrawal of the Red Park & Ride. In all cases, travel is still possible along the routes concerned. Full details are available on the Stagecoach web site:
https://www.stagecoachbus.com/promos-and-offers/south-west/covid-19-timetables
The ability of bus companies to maintain services may be subject to staff availability. Where this becomes an issue we will work with bus companies to ensure the best use of available staff.
The Travel Devon web site will also continue to provide advice to the public, including how to get to vaccination centres and, as and when information is available, the lateral flow testing sites:
https://www.traveldevon.info/bus/
The community transport sector is largely continuing its range of services:
The Ring & Ride schemes are maintaining services for essential shopping journeys (with the exception of the Exeter and Okehampton schemes who are ensuring passengers have alternatives available). Each scheme can be contacted via their usual telephone numbers. Full details at : https://www.traveldevon.info/accessibility/community-transport/ring-and-ride/
In general, the Community Bus schemes are continuing to operate their regular scheduled timetables.
The Coleridge Bus has made minor alterations to reduce waiting times for passengers in Kingsbridge whilst many local shops are closed, departing Peacocks at 1120 and Morrisons at 1130.
The Tavistock Community Bus has temporarily suspended all services.
Voluntary Car Schemes are helping patients to attend medical appointments and a number of schemes are involved with helping people to reach vaccination centres. Details are being updated regularly at: https://www.traveldevon.info/accessibility/travelling-to-hospitalhealth-appointments/travelling-to-your-c-19-vaccination-appointment/c-19-vaccinations-volunteer-transport/
Most bus services in Devon will be further restored with effect from Sunday 14th June. This is in response to recent Government announcements and a fresh round of funding direct to bus companies for commercially operated services, plus an anticipated additional grant via local authorites for supported services.
A summary for each bus company is attached. Inevitably, these further changes are at short notice and final timetables are in the process of being posted on-line. The County Council’s web site will in due course be including full timetable details as confirmed with each company. In the meantime a summary is attached.
https://www.traveldevon.info/bus/latest-news-service-updates/
Stagecoach are incorporating some changes to their commercially operated services which were part of their service review and public consultation which took place prior to the coronavirus situation. These are mainly within Exeter, plus the Exeter – Okehampton – Bude / Launceston service.
https://www.stagecoachbus.com/promos-and-offers/south-west/covid-19-timetables
Alongside bus services being restored, the temporary pre-0930 free travel concession for National Bus Pass-holders is being withdrawn. This is to help ensure capacity for workers during peak hours.
The following notice for passengers, issued by the Government, is being displayed on buses and at main bus stops:
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In this update:
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ocument herePublic: coronavirus (COVID-19) advice for Devon on our website
Please pass this onto district, borough, parish and town councillors as appropriate. The bulletin can be shared as a link by clicking the ‘View it as a Web page’ link at the top.
Last Friday (22 May) the Government announced that Councils will receive a share of an extra £300m to help establish Local Outbreak Plans which will include local coordination and management of infection control and of local testing and tracing arrangements.
We welcomed that announcement because it’s something we’ve been calling for. We’ve been asked how those plans sit alongside the Government’s recent announcement about national testing and tracing.
These arrangements, to establish local outbreak plans, are supplementary to the national testing and tracing arrangements, and are to be in place across the country by the end of June.
We will be one of 11 national Beacon Councils – the only one in the South West – to help lead and share good practice across the region.
There are local concerns that if lockdown is released too quickly or if there is a huge influx of visitors then that this could cause a second peak of infection. At the same time many local businesses, particularly in the tourism and leisure sectors, are reliant on visitors.
A locally managed outbreak response which can quickly spot and then mobilise all our local resources to contain any new clusters of infection or hotspots is seen as a good way to ensure that the release of lockdown can be managed more effectively and safely.
Our Council Leader, Councillor John Hart, said:
“Devon County Council welcomed the Government’s announcement late last week that local councils were to be asked to play a more central role in developing new local track and trace plans for their local areas.
“These local outbreak plans will supplement and support the national track and trace system launched today and will put local authorities at the forefront of responding swiftly to help manage any local outbreak or hotspot before it spreads too far.
“The expectation is that local plans covering the whole country will be in place by the end of June, but as a Beacon Council for the South West we expect arrangements in Devon to be place sooner.
“We are currently working as fast as we can with all our local partners to build on the great work already done by everyone so far to develop plans that really work for Devon and the wider South West and can help our communities get back up and running again as safely and as soon as possible. Districts will be fully involved and the new policy builds on the statutory role of local government Directors of Public Health.
“A key part of this will be to ensure public trust and confidence in the process locally and we will be making sure we are as transparent as possible and that as many people as possible feel they are a part of this process.”
To read the information in full, please click here
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Social distancing, staying at home – it’s all part of the collective response, and they’re the things that we can do ourselves. We’re pretty good at it too it seems. The South West still has the lowest number of reported cases of coronavirus (COVID-19), thanks largely to compliance. So when we hear analogies of marathons rather than sprints, let’s keep at it. Let’s keep it going.
We’re aware that there’s a lot of anxiety around. It’s natural that people are feeling worried, but it’s important that we recognise it and that we share our concerns with others where we can and that we take steps to look after our own wellbeing as well as those around us. There’s a lot of advice out there to help you take care of your mental health and wellbeing, so please look after yourself.
We’re continuing to work with all of our partners to keep communities safe and well. It’s brilliant to hear of the excellent work being done locally by volunteers, and of communities coming together to look out for each other. We’ve now got 386 local support groups identified on our interactive map, offering local initiatives to support those in need.
In this update:
To read the information in full, please click here
It’s tempting isn’t it to project forward, and speculate on easing the national lockdown to regain some level of normality. But right now, amidst talk of ‘peaks’, it’s vital that we keep on with the social distancing currently in place as we move into the weekend.
It’s thanks to the way we’ve changed our behaviour and complied with these measures that the infection rate in Devon is slower and lower than in other parts of the country.
We know it’s getting tough but stay at home, exercise locally. Go out only if you need to, and respect social distancing if you do.
It’s also important that we continue looking out for each other, particularly the vulnerable and isolated in our communities. Let’s stand together and give our support to all those experiencing real hardship or difficulty.
In this update:
Although there are no by-laws in Mid Devon prohibiting bonfires or regulating times when they can be lit, the Council’s Public Health & Regulatory Services team will, in line with legislation, investigate and take legal action where smoke causes a nuisance.
The smoke and smell from bonfires can often prevent other residents from enjoying their gardens, opening windows, and hanging washing out, and reduces visibility in the neighbourhood and on the roads…
Read the full press release at:
https://www.middevon.gov.uk/council-advises-against-lighting-any-bonfires-during-lockdown/
Council launches Local Support Fund to help those in financial difficulties due to COVID19
Mid Devon District Council, in association with Devon County Council, Churches Housing
Action Team (CHAT) and Navigate Charity, have launched a Local Support Fund to support
those whose financial situation has been affected by the current pandemic and are now
out of cash for basic essentials for their household.
The Mid Devon COVID-19 Support Fund can provide small emergency payments to help
with basic essentials such as food, household essentials, electricity and gas, etc., to help
people in financial difficulties if:
They run their own business, and cannot currently trade / their business has been
drastically reduced because of the pandemic
Their employment situation has changed and their income now no longer covers
needs
They have lost their job due to the COVID-19 outbreak
They have still not received expected government funding (i.e. self-employed)
You can apply for a grant online at middevon.gov.uk/COVID19SupportFund or phone
the Community Support Helpline on 01884 234387 for help to fill in an application form.
Town and Parish Charter
Mid Devon District Council, in association with Devon County Council, Churches Housing Action Team (CHAT) and Navigate Charity, have launched a Local Support Fund to support those whose financial situation has been affected by the current pandemic and are now out of cash for basic essentials for their household.
The Mid Devon COVID-19 Support Fund can provide small emergency payments to help with basic essentials such as food, household essentials, electricity and gas, etc., to help people in financial difficulties if…
Read the full press release at:
Mid Devon District Council has been working closely with the national testing programme to open a new test facility for COVID-19.
The temporary testing site is specifically for people showing symptoms of COVID-19 who are either essential workers in Mid Devon, or are aged over 65. Household members of these groups, who are showing symptoms, are also eligible for testing.
From Thursday, 30 April 2020 a mobile unit will be situated in the car park at Exe Valley Leisure Centre at Bolham Road, Tiverton, EX16 6SG
As a result of the Covid-19 outbreak, many people have been asking about setting up local
groups to support vulnerable residents with shopping, picking up prescriptions, or just
keeping in contact.
If you are setting up a local group, make sure you are aware of the implications of the
current legislation regarding data protection and safeguarding vulnerable adults. Although
much of the legislation may not apply to you, there are some important principles you
must follow around keeping personal data safe and confidential, and ensuring the most
vulnerable are protected from harm.
You can find useful information and resources on the ‘Covid-19 Mutual Aid UK’ website on
https://covidmutualaid.org/, including information on data protection
( https://www.resourcecentre.org.uk/information/data-protection-for-communitygroups/ )
If they have any doubts about what you should be doing around data protection or
safeguarding, you should contact your local voluntary support agencies:
Devon Association of Parish Councils – http://www.devonalc.org.uk
INVOLVE Voluntary Action in Mid Devon – https://involve-middevon.org.uk/
Exeter CVS (now CoLab Exeter) – https://www.colabexeter.org.uk/
Advice concerning Covid-19 is developing rapidly, so make sure you are aware of the most
current and correct advice before engaging with vulnerable residents.
Harry and Aggie from Devon Communities Together are inviting all over 55’s living in the Devon area to join in weekly, hour long, Zoom calls.
Details of how to join can be viewed here.
One meeting is for Torbay and Teignmouth, and one for the rest of Devon. The groups are intended for anyone to join, but especially those feeling isolated and lonely at this time.
The sessions are very simple, and easy going, with a mixture of chat and activities like quizzes, chair yoga, or a drawing practice.
We know that Zoom, and video calls are not easily accessible for everyone, but for those who are already comfortable (or just need a little supportive encouragement) – it opens a new world.
For further information, please contact Harry Bonnell, Community Projects Officer on 01392 248919 or mobile 07984001566.
Devon Communities Together, Units 73 & 74 Basepoint Business Centre, Yeaford Way, Exeter, EX2 8LB
The Heart of the South West Growth Hub has provided information to businesses aimed at supporting them to grow or start and operate within the Devon, Plymouth, Somerset and Torbay area of South West England.
The Better Business for All (BBfA) partnership has used their knowledge and expertise to bring together resources from trusted organisations to help guide businesses through the main considerations for restarting safely…
Read the full press release at:
