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Swindon and Wiltshire Growth Hub acts swiftly to get EU Exit business support in place
Since 1 January 2021, new rules apply to businesses trading with Europe. This follows the end of the Brexit transition period, and the UK’s exit from the EU single market and customs union.
Under the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement (agreed 24 December) there will be no tariffs or quotas on the movement of goods between the UK and the EU. However, traders must be ready for new customs and border processes implemented by EU member states from 1 January 2021.
Swindon and Wiltshire Growth Hub has set up a new service to help local businesses understand what the changes mean for them. The business readiness team will operate as part of the Swindon and Wiltshire Growth Hub, which has a strong record for supporting local business.
A team of business navigators will be available to firms across Swindon and Wiltshire from 5 January, to provide information and advice, as well as access to specialist support.
Businesses can contact the team via:
Tel: 01249 477 288
Email: support@swlep.co.uk (mailto:support@swlep.co.uk)
Web: https://hs-3039733.t.hubspotstarter-i6.net/e2t/sc2/Mm-nFbkCBN9W5TZHnM87dFn0W4JJljC726QqMW70Smjh5tLq_hf1HVPN203 (https://hs-3039733.t.hubspotstarter-i6.net/e2t/sc2/Mm-nFbkCBN9W5TZHnM87dFn0W4JJljC726QqMW70Smjh5tLq_hf1HVPN213 )
Let us know the imapcts to you business
(https://hs-3039733.t.hubspotstarter-i6.net/e2t/sc2/Mm-nFbkCBN9W5TZHnM87dFn0W4JJljC726QqMW70Smjh5tLq_hf1HVPN223 )
5 January 2021
National lockdown: Stay at Home
Yesterday evening (Monday 4 January), the Prime Minister announced that due to rapidly rising cases of COVID-19, England will be going into a national lockdown, until at least February half term, from today (Tuesday 5 January).
This means you must stay at home. The single most important action we can all take is to stay at home to protect the NHS and save lives.
You should follow the new guidance immediately and this means you must not leave your home without a ‘reasonable excuse.’ The law has been updated to reflect these new rules.
Find out what you can and cannot do in the national lockdown (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/national-lockdown-stay-at-home)
Guidance on shielding
If you are clinically vulnerable, you could be at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19. The government is advising the clinically extremely vulnerable to begin shielding again, and letters will be sent out to individuals with advice on what this means for them.
More guidance on shielding (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19)
Latest COVID-19 cases in Wiltshire
COVID-19 cases in Wiltshire continue to rise sharply with the case rate per 100k increasing from 158.2 to 245.2 in the last seven days.
It’s vital that we all play our part in protecting ourselves and each other.
Please remember, hands, face, space.
Stay at home, protect the NHS and save lives.
Wiltshire COVID-19 public update – Live!
Join us tomorrow (Wednesday 6 January) at 7pm for a half-hour live COVID-19 Public Update.
The online broadcast will feature Wiltshire Council Leader, Cllr Philip Whitehead, Chief Executive, Terence Herbert and Director of Public Health, Kate Blackburn.
They will be providing an update on the Government’s National lockdown:Stay at Home restrictions announced by the Prime Minister yesterday, Wiltshire Council services and our work to continue to support residents and businesses at this time.
The live briefing will be broadcast via Microsoft Teams. Please download the Microsoft Teams app to your device in advance and use this link to join (https://teams.microsoft.com/dl/launcher/launcher.html?url=%2F_%23%2Fl%2Fmeetup-join%2F19%3Ameeting_MjM1MGQyZjAtNGY0Ny00NTQ2LWJlOWItZjM3OGQ5NmQ3YTRi%40thread.v2%2F0%3Fcontext%3D%257B%2522Tid%2522%3A%25225546e75e-3be1-4813-b0ff-26651ea2fe19%2522%2C%2522Oid%2522%3A%25221795bbd5-30bf-4321-ae10-4433b5da467f%2522%2C%2522IsBroadcastMeeting%2522%3Atrue%257D%26anon%3Dtrue&type=meetup-join&deeplinkId=e4a73760-759f-405a-9c13-1bc48cfd3aeb&directDl=true&msLaunch=true&enableMobilePage=true&suppressPrompt=true) .
You will be able to post questions during the event and we will try to answer as many as possible during the update.
The briefing will also be recorded and available via our YouTube channel
as soon as possible afterwards.
How the national lockdown will affect our services
Being in a national lockdown will affect how we are able to deliver some of our services.
Schools
All primary schools, secondary schools and colleges have closed for the majority of students and pupils will switch to remote learning.
Schools in Wiltshire will remain open for children of key workers and vulnerable children where they can.
View the critical worker guidance (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-maintaining-educational-provision/guidance-for-schools-colleges-and-local-authorities-on-maintaining-educational-provision)
Early Years settings
Early years settings including nurseries and childminders can remain open.
If your child attends an early years setting – please contact them directly to see if they’re still open.
Libraries
Our libraries will close until further notice.
We will be moving to an order and collect service, which will be in place while the libraries remain closed.
We’ll publish information on this as soon as possible.
eBooks, Audio and eMagazines are still available for members on our website (https://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/article/1302/eBooks-Audio-and-eMagazines) .
More about our library services (https://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/libraries-news)
Leisure centres
Our leisure centres will close until further notice.
All direct debit members will be frozen and January direct debit payments will be refunded in due course.
Online exercises classes (https://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/leisure-online-classes) are still running.
More information our leisure services (https://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/leisure-covid19)
Household Recycling Centres and waste collection
Our household recycling centres are open as usual, but you must book in advance online.
However, please only visit your nearest HRC if it is essential to do so and the items cannot be stored safely at home.
If you have booked and your journey is not essential, please cancel your booking.
Book or cancel HRC booking (https://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/household-recycling-centres-book)
Business grants
The Chancellor has announced new support for businesses in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors. New one-off grants will be available to closed businesses as follows:
* £4,000 for businesses with a rateable value of £15,000 or under
* £6,000 for businesses with a rateable value between £15,000 and £51,000
* £9,000 for businesses with a rateable value of over £51,000
A £594 million discretionary fund is also being made available to support other impacted businesses.
We are awaiting further guidance from the government on these schemes before rolling them out to businesses.
If you have already applied for the Local Restrictions Support Grant scheme, you do not need to apply again. If your businesses was closed as a result of the restrictions in November 2020 and you have not yet applied for a grant, please complete the application form as soon as possible.
***Scam regarding fake ‘COVID-19 government grant’***
A number of scam text messages are being received across the UK, trying to entice people into giving up their card details in order to claim a non-existent government grant.
The text message claims to come from
HM Revenue and Customs.
HMRC will never offer a tax refund by text, email or phone.
Read the Chancellor’s announcement (https://www.gov.uk/government/news/46-billion-in-new-lockdown-grants-to-support-businesses-and-protect-jobs)
Apply for the Local Restrictions Support Grant (https://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/business-advice-support-covid19-grants)
SCAM ALERT – FAKE NHS COVID-19 VACCINE TEXT
A fake NHS text has been circulating, telling people they’re eligible to apply for the COVID-19 vaccine.
The link in the text message leads to a fake NHS website that asks for your personal details, including your bank/card details in order to ‘check your identity’.
When you are invited for your vaccine you WILL NOT be asked for bank details or payment of any kind.
Vaccine programme
We wanted to make sure that you are aware of how the COVID-19 vaccination programme is being rolled out.
Nationally this programme is led by the NHS and in Wiltshire the Bath And North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Clinical Commissioning Group are the lead organisation with support from Wiltshire Council and partners.
Residents will be written to directly by the NHS with information on their appointment for the vaccine so there is no need to call NHS in advance.
If you have any queries about the timings of vaccinations or priority groups please find information on the JCVI website (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/priority-groups-for-coronavirus-covid-19-vaccination-advice-from-the-jcvi-30-december-2020/joint-committee-on-vaccination-and-immunisation-advice-on-priority-groups-for-covid-19-vaccination-30-december-2020#vaccine-priority-groups-advice-on-30-december-2020) where all relevant information is held.
Wiltshire Wellbeing Hub
Our Wiltshire Wellbeing Hub remains in place for those who may need additional support.
You can call the hub on 0300 003 4576 or email wellbeinghub@wiltshire.gov.uk
It’s open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm.
Those who require help with tasks such as picking up food and other essentials, should ask friends or family or order online.
If they do not have family, friends or a support network that can help, please contact the Wiltshire Wellbeing Hub and request help.
Need some mental health support? Below are all the numbers you’ll need.
• North Team – 01249 468500
• South Team – 01722432555
• West Team – 01249 706611
• Emergency Duty Service for out of hours and weekends – 0300 456 0100 (Option 7 then 1 for Adults)
• 0300 303 1320 – Avon & Wilts mental health care provider (24/7)
• 0808 196 3382 – NHS ‘GoodSam’
• 01380 724833 – Richmond Fellowship Mon-Fri 24 hours
COVID-19
Christmas Public health advice and guidance For your business and employees
Please use the link below to view the Covid 19 Christmas Business Pack from Wiltshire Council
Contents
Letter from Kate Blackburn
COVID-19 symptoms response – business
COVID-19 symptoms response – employees
COVID-19 key definitions
Information on face coverings
COVID-19 staying safe this Christmas
Social media images
Christmas poster to display
Symptoms poster to display
Wiltshire to remain in Tier 2: High alert
Following a Government review, Wiltshire remains in Tier 2: High alert, which is the same tier it has been in since 2 December.
This means that the following measures continue to be in place:
* you must not socialise with anyone you do not live with, or who is not in your support bubble, in any indoor setting, whether at home or in a public place
* you must not socialise in a group of more than six people outside, including gardens or public spaces
* businesses and venues can continue to operate, in a COVID-Secure (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19) manner, other than those which remain closed by law, such as nightclubs
* pubs and bars must remain closed, unless operating as restaurants and alcohol can only be served with substantial meals
* hospitality businesses selling food or drink for consumption on their premises must provide table service and are now required to close between 11pm and 5am with last orders being taken at 10pm
More info on the restrictions (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/tier-2-high-alert)
Latest Wiltshire COVID-19 cases
Wiltshire COVID-19 Cases. Total number of cases – 5,797. Cases in the last 7 days – 335. Rate of cases per 100k in Wiltshire – 67.0. Rate of cases per 100k in Wiltshire in the previous 7 days – 77.8. Rate of cases per 100k in England in the last 7 days – 173.3.
Government confirms Christmas bubbles will remain, but plan carefully and be cautious
The Government has confirmed that three households can still form a Christmas bubble between 23 and 27 December but is urging everyone to be extra cautious.
This means:
* Travel restrictions between tiers will be lifted to provide a window for households to come together between 23 and 27 December.
* Up to three households can form an exclusive ‘bubble’ to meet at home during this period. When a bubble is formed it is fixed, and must not be changed or extended further at any point.
* Each Christmas bubble can meet at home, at a place of worship or an outdoor public place, but existing, more restrictive rules on hospitality and meeting in other venues will be maintained throughout this period.
In addition the Government wants people to:
* think carefully about who is part of their bubble
* limit the amount of people they see in the lead up to, and during. the Christmas period
* be very mindful of seeing anyone particularly vulnerable
* try and limit travel from an area with a high prevalence of COVID-19 to an area of low prevalence
* avoid overnight stays where possible
* avoid crowds
* not gather in groups over New Year
Read the full announcement (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/making-a-christmas-bubble-with-friends-and-family/making-a-christmas-bubble-with-friends-and-family)
10 December 2020
NHS COVID-19 vaccination programme
A COVID-19 vaccine developed by Pfizer/BioNTech has now formally been approved by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency.
This week vaccinations started for people most at risk for coronavirus and the NHS will continue their programme of vaccinating priority groups against COVID-19 over the coming months.
The NHS will let you know when it’s your turn to have the vaccine. It’s important not to contact the NHS for a vaccination before then.
The COVID-19 vaccination programme is a huge logistical undertaking and the NHS has been working with partners including Wiltshire Council to plan the delivery of an effective roll out.
In the meantime it is important that everyone continues to adhere to all relevant COVID-19 guidance.
You can follow @NHSEngland (https://eur02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Ftracking.vuelio.co.uk%2Ftracking%2Fclick%3Fd%3DlIxgWXRUAbX9pGHNI8vqVmiPwO8P1ZPBnJpHiGT4GM5Z_5SOqUk5XjJSqy3wkntmKw3v2IOeL0SSAJh5gccBooVUMbnXLurJ24EuXWN8xZjEK_OWwGJfnTWR7kxcZO5_lzv1VAKkMqG_zhALdO2V2sk1&data=04%7C01%7CJack.Holdway%40wiltshire.gov.uk%7C61288d5f0c024a20c51608d89c66d1a0%7C5546e75e3be14813b0ff26651ea2fe19%7C0%7C0%7C637431312700214061%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=eUpR5yOzqjCbMykLsetJ0xPpAFg%2BoNmJR7%2BpxPbCKEY%3D&reserved=0) on Twitter for the latest developments over the coming days.
find out more information about the roll-out of the vaccine (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-vaccination-why-you-are-being-asked-to-wait/why-you-have-to-wait-for-your-covid-19-vaccine)
Wiltshire COVID-19 cases
Wiltshire COVID-19 Cases. Total number of cases – 5,429. Cases in the last 7 days – 385. Rate of cases per 100k in Wiltshire in the last 7 days – 77. Rate of cases per 100k in Wiltshire in the previous 7 days – 80.2. Rate of cases per 100k in England in the last 7 days – 148.7. Gov data as of 07/12/2020 at 4pm. #WiltshireTogether
Keep wearing face coverings
We’re reminding people to play their part in protecting each other against spreading COVID-19 by wearing a face covering where required.
Face coverings are largely intended to protect others, not the wearer, against the spread of infection because they cover the nose and mouth, which are the main confirmed sources of transmission of virus that causes COVID-19. The majority of people are expected to wear them in certain circumstances but there are some exemptions.
Those who are exempt are able to download and display a card (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/face-coverings-when-to-wear-one-and-how-to-make-your-own/face-coverings-when-to-wear-one-and-how-to-make-your-own) if they wish to.
More details on where to wear face coverings (https://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/news/keep-wearing-face-coverings)
COVID-19 Test and Trace Support Payment scheme
We are urging eligible residents to apply for the Test and Trace Support Scheme, which is in place to help support those who are out of pocket because they are having to self-isolate.
Financial support continues to be available for people on low incomes who are required to self-isolate due to COVID-19 and will lose money because they are unable to work.
If you are required to self-isolate then it is important you do not delay submitting your form, as the council cannot accept applications made more than 14 days after the end of a person’s self-isolation period.
More information on eligibility and how to apply (https://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/benefits-test-and-trace)
Shop local
Shopping local helps support the local economy, creates jobs and boosts local communities.
Whether you are buying a loaf of bread from a local family-run bakery to choosing a quirky gift from an independent shop, by shopping locally people can help local business owners and local communities get back up and running. With the festive season just around the corner, and restrictions still in place, how we shop and where we shop is more important than ever.
To support local retailers and small businesses during the COVID-19 crisis we have put together a Shop Local, Support Wiltshire Directory. Sorted by place, shoppers can find the businesses close to them, many offering the option to buy online or click and collect.
Remember – Shop Safe, Shop Local, Shop Online, Support Wiltshire.
View the shop local, support Wiltshire directory (https://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/shop-local-wiltshire)
Explore Salisbury with the new Salisbury Trails App
If you’re looking to get out and about to enjoy the fresh air why not download the new, free, easy to use app, Salisbury Trails, which guides people to Salisbury’s key landmarks, historic sites and cultural and arts venues.
Find the city sights close by and discover the stories behind them, or follow a themed trail to explore the city’s rich heritage and uncover hidden histories.
The app , which is available to download to Apple and Android devices, also includes historic photos, engravings and information from the archives of the Wiltshire and Swindon History Centre that show how Salisbury has changed over time.
Find out more about the app (https://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/News/Salisbury-Trails-App)
Gain new skills with free courses
Tens of thousands of adults will be able to benefit from almost 400 free courses (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/qualifications-in-new-funded-offers) next year, in the first major development in the Lifetime Skills Guarantee.
The fully-funded courses (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/qualifications-in-new-funded-offers) , ranging from engineering to healthcare to conservation, will be available to adults without a full qualification at Level 3 (A-level equivalent) from April 2021 to help them gain in-demand skills and open up further job opportunities.
Designed to help our country build back better after the pandemic, the qualifications in this offer have been carefully chosen to help adults improve their career prospects and meet the needs of the economy. They will be reviewed regularly so the courses offered can be updated as the economy changes.
Find out more about the Lifetime Skills Guarantee (https://www.gov.uk/government/news/adults-to-gain-new-skills-on-400-free-courses)
Don’t give COVID-19 for Christmas – keep playing your part. Carefully weigh up the risk of who is in your Christmas bubble. Limit the people in your Christmas bubble. Remember to keep socially distancing, wash hands regularly, wear masks where required. Hopefully next year we can all have a merrier Christmas! #WiltshireTogether
Wiltshire placed in Tier 2: High alert
Wiltshire is now in Tier 2: High alert, which is one higher than before the recent current period of national restrictions which ended on 2 December.
This means that measures are in place including:
* you must not socialise with anyone you do not live with, or who is not in your support bubble, in any indoor setting, whether at home or in a public place
* you must not socialise in a group of more than six people outside, including gardens or public spaces
* businesses and venues can continue to operate, in a COVID-Secure (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19) manner, other than those which remain closed by law, such as nightclubs
* pubs and bars must remain closed, unless operating as restaurants and alcohol can only be served with substantial meals
* hospitality businesses selling food or drink for consumption on their premises must provide table service and are now required to close between 11pm and 5am with last orders being taken at 10pm
Full list of restrictions (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/local-restriction-tiers-what-you-need-to-know#high-alert)
Wiltshire COVID-19 cases
Support and childcare bubbles
There is separate guidance for support bubbles (https://eur02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.gov.uk%2Fguidance%2Fmaking-a-support-bubble-with-another-household&data=04%7C01%7CJack.Holdway%40wiltshire.gov.uk%7C43624316f77d4fe727be08d897980f42%7C5546e75e3be14813b0ff26651ea2fe19%7C0%7C0%7C637426026626029868%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=FJVZfCQyRqc8E1A178EKY5fBm6wu%2FG0bzvLM9avHO8g%3D&reserved=0) and childcare bubbles (https://eur02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.gov.uk%2Fguidance%2Fmaking-a-childcare-bubble-with-another-household&data=04%7C01%7CJack.Holdway%40wiltshire.gov.uk%7C43624316f77d4fe727be08d897980f42%7C5546e75e3be14813b0ff26651ea2fe19%7C0%7C0%7C637426026626039821%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=RQM7hA1KK5GybOKLrTu8oc9JuoRg0giUAKM7ft3hB9k%3D&reserved=0) across all tiers. Support bubbles have
been expanded. You can form a support bubble with another household if any of the following apply to you:
* you are the only adult in your household – any other members of the household having been under 18 on 12 June 2020 – or are an under-18-year-old living alone
* you live with someone with a disability who requires continuous care and there is no other adult living in the household
* you live with a child who is under 1, or who was under 1 on 2 December 2020
* you live with a child who is under 5, or who was under 5 on 2 December 2020, with a disability
Childcare bubbles are separate from support bubbles.
If you’re eligible, you can form one childcare bubble and one support bubble with different households. You must not meet socially with your support bubble and childcare bubble at the same time. Childcare bubbles must be used exclusively for the purposes of childcare.
More information (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/tier-2-high-alert#support-and-childcare-bubbles)
Join Wiltshire Council for a COVID-19 Live Public Update on Tuesday 8 December
We will be broadcasting our second COVID-19 Live Public Update on Tuesday 8 December at 5pm.
Wiltshire Council Leader, Cllr Philip Whitehead, will be joined by Terence Herbert, Chief Executive of Wiltshire Council and Kate Blackburn, Director of Public Health to help guide you through the latest information and regulations.
The broadcast will be an opportunity to hear about the new Tier 2: ‘High Alert’ category Wiltshire has been placed in, the latest number and the rate of positive COVID-19 cases in the county, the arrangements in place to mitigate the spread of the virus, and the work we continue to do to support residents and businesses at this time.
You can submit your questions about COVID-19 and the local response in advance by emailing communications@wiltshire.gov.uk (mailto:communications@wiltshire.gov.uk) no later than 5pm on Sunday 6 December.
The live briefing will be broadcast via Microsoft Teams. Viewers should download the Microsoft Teams app to their device in advance and use this link to join: 8 December COVID-19 public update (https://eur02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/ap/t-59584e83/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fteams.microsoft.com%2Fl%2Fmeetup-join%2F19%253ameeting_Nzk3ZmNlYjYtMDljMy00ZjBlLTg4ZDYtNzVhNTk1MjU2M2Zm%2540thread.v2%2F0%3Fcontext%3D%257b%2522Tid%2522%253a%25225546e75e-3be1-4813-b0ff-26651ea2fe19%2522%252c%2522Oid%2522%253a%25221795bbd5-30bf-4321-ae10-4433b5da467f%2522%252c%2522IsBroadcastMeeting%2522%253atrue%257d&data=04%7C01%7CJack.Holdway%40wiltshire.gov.uk%7C8d63de9a1a224866b3c408d896d956e4%7C5546e75e3be14813b0ff26651ea2fe19%7C0%7C0%7C637425207489392423%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=B1KJO2IGfgevpKSHWg0nvqwFCHwNWyY95N3VVMigm%2BI%3D&reserved=0) .
The briefing will also be recorded and available via our YouTube channel as soon as possible afterwards.
Full details on the live public update (https://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/news/covid-briefing-december)
COVID-19 Test and Trace Support Payment scheme
We are urging eligible residents to apply for the Test and Trace Support Scheme, which is in place to help support those who are out of pocket because they are having to self-isolate.
Financial support continues to be available for people that are on low incomes who are required to self-isolate due to COVID-19 and will lose money because they are unable to work, who may be eligible for a lump sum of £500.
There are a number of reasons that ineligible people are applying for the scheme or applications are being refused.
More details on this (https://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/benefits-test-and-trace)
Give a little time – make a big difference!
We are asking people to consider offering a lifeline to families with children who may have a range of needs, by training to be a carer as part of the Overnight Short Breaks Scheme.
We have a team of carers who are trained and supported to provide regular breaks for children with autism, learning disabilities or physical disabilities.
Families who are bringing up a child with disabilities often find it very difficult to have time to themselves, to spend time with their other children or do everyday tasks people take for granted, and sometimes they need a break.
More details on the scheme (https://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/news/call-for-more-overnight-short-breaks-carers)
Have your say on proposed cycling schemes
We have received £681,000 from the second tranche of the Department for Transport’s (DfT) Active Travel Fund to progress cycling schemes in the county.
The award is less than the £908,000 that we originally bid for, and so to establish which schemes to take forward, we are holding a consultation on the proposed options, and also consulting on the first tranche of temporary schemes, which are already in place.
To find out more about the schemes (https://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/highways-road-reallocation-schemes)
We’re good to go
Visitors are once again able to explore Wiltshire’s museums.
Six museums, including Wiltshire Museum, Chippenham Museum and Salisbury Museum have opened their doors so that you can enjoy a COVID-safe visit and catch up with some Christmas shopping.
Check the website for opening hours and pre-booking of each museum before visiting so that your experience is as enjoyable as possible.
More on this (http://museumsinwiltshire.org.uk/good-to-go)
26 November 2020
Wiltshire placed in Tier 2: High alert
From 2 December the Government will be reintroducing the tier system where different levels or restriction apply in different parts of the country.
Wiltshire has been placed in Tier 2: High alert, which is one higher than before the current period of national restrictions. This means that from 2 December measures will be in place including:
* you must not socialise with anyone you do not live with, or who is not in your support bubble, in any indoor setting, whether at home or in a public place
* you must not socialise in a group of more than six people outside, including gardens or public spaces
* businesses and venues can continue to operate, in a COVID-Secure (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19) manner, other than those which remain closed by law, such as nightclubs
* pubs and bars must remain closed, unless operating as restaurants and alcohol can only be served with substantial meals
* hospitality businesses selling food or drink for consumption on their premises must provide table service and are now required to close between 11pm and 5am with last orders being taken at 10pm
Full list of restrictions (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/local-restriction-tiers-what-you-need-to-know#high-alert)
Update from Wiltshire Council Chief Executive
Chief Executive, Terence Herbert provides the latest update and outlines how we will be providing support during this time.
Watch the full video (https://youtu.be/qyQ5XRv9xto)
Wiltshire COVID-19 cases
What impact does this have on our services?
Our libraries and leisure centres (https://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/leisure-covid19) will be able to open their doors to you again and will be operating the same service as before the current national restrictions were introduced.
Leisure Centres are due to open again on 3 December. Some libraries are expected to reopen next week, dates will be confirmed shortly.
Weddings will be able to take place again with up to 15 people able to attend wedding ceremonies. Up to 30 people will be able to attend funerals.
During the current national restrictions, traders at our street markets were only able to sell food, but from 2 December they will once again be able to sell their full range of products and produce.
We will keep our COVID-19 page (https://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/public-health-coronavirus) as up to date as possible with any other information on our services.
Wiltshire Wellbeing Hub
Anyone can access the Wiltshire Wellbeing Hub who may be struggling during this difficult time, this may include those who are self-isolating and don’t have a support network around them or know where to get help.
People can call the hub on 0300 003 4576 or email wellbeinghub@wiltshire.gov.uk (mailto:wellbeinghub@wiltshire.gov.uk) Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm and Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 4pm.
People should be aware the opening hours will be regularly reviewed throughout the coming weeks and months.
More on the Wellbeing Hub (https://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/news/support-from-wellbeing-hub)
Support for businesses
There is also a range of Government business support schemes to support businesses during the COVID-19 restrictions.
All the details can be found on our website. (https://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/business-advice-support-covid19-grants)
You can also email any queries to covid-19businesssupport@wiltshire.gov.uk (mailto:covid-19businesssupport@wiltshire.gov.uk)
Wiltshire COVID-19 public update – Live!
We are broadcasting our second live public COVID-19 update next month, to provide the latest local information and to answer your questions.
The broadcast takes place on Tuesday 8 December at 5pm.
Wiltshire Council Leader, Cllr Philip Whitehead, will once again be joined by Terence Herbert, Chief Executive of Wiltshire Council and Kate Blackburn, Director of Public Health to help guide you through the latest information and regulations.
The broadcast will be an opportunity to hear about the latest number of positive cases and the rate of COVID-19 cases in Wiltshire, the arrangements in place to mitigate the spread of the virus, and the work we continue to do to support residents and businesses at this time.
Full details on the live public update (https://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/news/covid-briefing-december)
Christmas arrangements
A single set of UK-wide measures to help you come together with your loved ones in a way that is as safe as possible has been agreed.
This means:
* Travel restrictions between tiers will be lifted to provide a window for households to come together between 23 and 27 December.
* Up to three households can form an exclusive ‘bubble’ to meet at home during this period. When a bubble is formed it is fixed, and must not be changed or extended further at any point.
* Each Christmas bubble can meet at home, at a place of worship or an outdoor public place, but existing, more restrictive rules on hospitality and meeting in other venues will be maintained throughout this period.
Read the full announcement (https://www.gov.uk/government/news/joint-statement-on-uk-wide-christmas-arrangements-from-the-uk-government-and-devolved-administrations)
COVID-19 Winter Plan
The government has published its COVID-19 Winter Plan which sets out the approach to ending the national restrictions on 2 December and aims to:
• suppress the spread of infection;
• find new ways of managing the virus to return life closer to normal;
• minimise damage to the economy and to protect jobs and education.
Read the plan now (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-winter-plan)
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PR Update
VisitWiltshire continues to work hard to achieve local, national and international coverage. You can view coverage achieved this month HERE. This month, we have contributed to the magazine, Wiltshire Life, and written a feature about Walking in Wiltshire. We continue to liaise with media about future PR opportunities and press trips.
If you require any additional help or support with PR, please contact Holly who will be happy to help.
You can see all our press releases HERE.
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20 November 2020
Latest weekly COVID-19 figures in Wiltshire (as of 16 November)
Although the number of cases in Wiltshire is still below the national average, rates are continuing to rise and we can’t be complacent.
* Last week there were 469 cases, so an increase of 57 people this week.
* The rate of cases per 100k has increased from 93.8 to 105.2.
We all need to keep playing our part to stop the spread of the virus, so please remember – hands, face, space.
Local test and trace service launched
We’ve launched our local COVID-19 contact tracing partnership, with the aim of contacting positive cases quickly and slowing the spread of the virus.
It will support the NHS Test and Trace service and will step in should the national team be unable to reach a person in Wiltshire who has tested positive for COVID-19.
If the national contact tracers are unable to reach a positive local case they will pass on the relevant details to us and we will use local methods to make contact.
One of our members of staff will send a text message to the positive case first, and then follow this up with phone calls. It is a legal requirement for people to self-isolate when they receive a positive COVID-19 test result.
Full details on local test and trace (https://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/news/local-test-and-trace-service-launched)
Could you be a #WiltshireTogether Champion?
We are looking for people to sign up to become a #WiltshireTogether Champion to help keep their friends, families and communities safe.
This network will help us share accurate and factual guidance and advice, which will help counter misleading and inaccurate information being spread through social media and word of mouth.
The #WiltshireTogether Champions will be able to keep up-to-date with the latest national guidance and receive Wiltshire-specific updates, so that they can keep themselves, their families, friends and communities safe. The messages will be created by us, ready for champions to simply share in an easy and quick way.
Once signed up, the champions will receive:
* Regular updates from the council on the latest situation with COVID-19 in Wiltshire
* Key messages and updates that need to be communicated through Wiltshire’s communities
* FAQs to help with myth-busting about COVID-19
* A single point of contact to discuss ideas, offer suggestions and ask questions
More information and to sign up (https://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/news/launch-of-wiltshire-together-champions-network)
COVID-19 Community Pack
We have created an updated Community Pack of information to help support communities during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the current national restrictions.
Within it you’ll find a list of key contacts, resources and information in one place, which we hope you can share with your community to support each other as much as possible during this time.
View the pack on our dedicated COVID-19 page (http://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/public-health-coronavirus#community-pack)
Competition time!
If you have a child aged between 4 and 18, be sure to get them involved with our three new competitions.
Poetry, short stories, posters or creating your own face covering are all part of the competition, and there is a prize up for grabs!
Final judging will take place early December when there will be prizes for the winners of the different age categories.
The competition is split into age groups of 4 – 7, 8 – 11, 12 – 15 and 16 – 18 years.
More on the competition (https://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/news/lockdown-competition-time)
People Friendly Salisbury
We’ve taken the decision to suspend the People Friendly Salisbury scheme indefinitely from the end of this month.
The decision follows a meeting with Salisbury City Council where they refused to confirm support for the scheme moving forwards. Salisbury Business Improvement District (BID). has also recently requested the scheme be suspended.
More details (https://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/news/people-friendly-salisbury-scheme-suspended-indefinitely)
Drive to encourage more people to consider fostering teenagers
Teenagers and those who have been in care are sharing their experiences of how a foster family can change a life as we’ve launched a drive to encourage more people to consider fostering teenagers.
In Wiltshire dozens of children in care need a loving foster home, but sometimes people can have concerns that fostering a teenager may be too challenging.
As part of a week long campaign, we’ve been sharing teenager’s experiences and providing details of information and support to remind people that older children need support too.
Full details (https://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/news/encouraging-more-people-to-foster-teenagers)
Latest weekly COVID-19 figures in Wiltshire (as of 10 November)
Although the number of cases in Wiltshire is still below the national average, we can’t be complacent. We all need to keep playing our part to stop the spread of the virus.
COVID-19 update from Director of Public Health, Kate Blackburn
Director of Public Health, Kate Blackburn has given an update on the case rates of COVID-19 in the county and announced the most up-to-date figures for this week.
Watch the video update now (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T1tCn8rIICY&feature=youtu.be)
COVID-19 testing is available seven days a week
COVID-19 testing sites are open seven days a week including weekends.
Current data shows that testing sites are much quieter at weekends than weekdays.
If you experience any COVID-19 symptoms, you must book a test immediately.
Keep playing your part.
More info and to book a test (https://www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test)
Have your say on the proposed A350 Melksham bypass
We’re exploring options to improve the A350 at Melksham, including the potential for a new bypass, and we’re seeking your views on our progress so far, and the various route options.
Find out more and take the survey (https://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/highways-a350-melksham-bypass)
New Local Restrictions Support Grant scheme opens for applications
We’ve launched the Local Restrictions Support Grant scheme after receiving over £7 million of Government funding to support local businesses.
This new scheme is aimed at those businesses required to close due to the national restrictions which started on 5 November 2020.
One-off grants will be awarded to eligible businesses to support them during the four-week closure and help them with the ongoing challenges presented by coronavirus. Eligible businesses that have:
* properties with a rateable value of £15,000 or under will receive grants of £1,334
* properties with a rateable value of between £15,000 and £51,000 will receive grants of £2,000
* properties with a rateable value of £51,000 or over will receive grants of £3,000
More info (https://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/news/New-Local-Restrictions-Support-Grant-scheme-opens-for-applications)
Happy Diwali
Happy Diwali! We wish you all a very happy, prosperous and safe year ahead.
Diwali – known as ‘Festival of lights’, is a well-known Indian Hindu festival celebrated worldwide which symbolizes the spiritual ‘victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance’.
The festival falls in either October or November each year and lasts for five days. This year the celebrations began yesterday (12 November) with the main celebrations taking place tomorrow (14 November).
Alcohol Awareness Week
Alcohol Awareness Week (16 to 22 November) is a chance for the UK to get thinking about drinking.
It’s a week of awareness-raising, campaigning for change, and more. The theme for Alcohol Awareness Week 2020 is ‘Alcohol and mental health’.
Around 1 in 4 people in the UK experience a mental health problem each year, and drinking too much or too often can increase our risk. But many of us are unaware of the link between alcohol and poor mental health, and it’s often the first thing we turn to when we’re feeling low, stressed, worried or unable to cope.
Yet drinking too much or too often can mask or enhance underlying mental health problems – such as anxiety and depression – and prevent them from being properly addressed.
More on this (https://alcoholchange.org.uk/get-involved/campaigns/alcohol-awareness-week-1/about-alcohol-awareness-week)
At the Growth Hub we recognise this is a time of great difficulty and heightened worry, as we head into another period where we cannot see friends and family and many of our businesses are asked again to close their doors.
This has been a long road for all of us but I want to take this opportunity to thank you all for your patience, your fortitude, and your indomitable spirit.
We’d like to highlight to you over this period, the sort of opportunities, guidance and support open to our business community. The Growth Hub will remain open with business support available. Please do not hesitate to get in touch (https://hs-3039733.t.hubspotstarter-i6.net/e2t/sc2/Mm-nFbkmy34W6xw6-t7XdbX2W64L60l8wnzjHW6tf8N665qF9df1HVPN203 ) .
I want to thank all of you for your tremendous efforts so far to adhere to the safety advice (https://hs-3039733.t.hubspotstarter-i6.net/e2t/sc2/Mm-nFbkmy34W6xw6-t7XdbX2W64L60l8wnzjHW6tf8N665qF9df1HVPN213 ) to keep each other safe. I ask that you all keep that commitment firmly in mind these coming weeks and continue to respect the measures in place.
Please continue to look after yourselves, keep up to date with the latest government guidance (https://hs-3039733.t.hubspotstarter-i6.net/e2t/sc2/Mm-nFbkmy34W6xw6-t7XdbX2W64L60l8wnzjHW6tf8N665qF9df1HVPN223 ) and, above all, stay safe.
Paddy Bradley, SWLEP CEO
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Industry Support Networks (https://hs-3039733.t.hubspotstarter-i6.net/e2t/sc2/Mm-nFbkmy34W6xw6-t7XdbX2W64L60l8wnzjHW6tf8N665qF9df1HVPN243 )
Find out about fully funded support for business leaders through peer to peer networks that want to grow and develop their organisation for future success. (https://hs-3039733.t.hubspotstarter-i6.net/e2t/sc2/Mm-nFbkmy34W6xw6-t7XdbX2W64L60l8wnzjHW6tf8N665qF9df1HVPN253 )
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Looking for a Business Kickstart (https://hs-3039733.t.hubspotstarter-i6.net/e2t/sc2/Mm-nFbkmy34W6xw6-t7XdbX2W64L60l8wnzjHW6tf8N665qF9df1HVPN273 )
Funding for employers to create job placements for 16 to 24 year olds. (https://hs-3039733.t.hubspotstarter-i6.net/e2t/sc2/Mm-nFbkmy34W6xw6-t7XdbX2W64L60l8wnzjHW6tf8N665qF9df1HVPN283 )
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COVID Business Support Pages (https://hs-3039733.t.hubspotstarter-i6.net/e2t/sc2/Mm-nFbkmy34W6xw6-t7XdbX2W64L60l8wnzjHW6tf8N665qF9df1HVPN2b3 )
Keep up to date with the latest news, advice and funding support. (https://hs-3039733.t.hubspotstarter-i6.net/e2t/sc2/Mm-nFbkmy34W6xw6-t7XdbX2W64L60l8wnzjHW6tf8N665qF9df1HVPN2c3 )
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This Way Up Webinar Series (https://hs-3039733.t.hubspotstarter-i6.net/e2t/sc2/Mm-nFbkmy34W6xw6-t7XdbX2W64L60l8wnzjHW6tf8N665qF9df1HVPN2f3 )
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The Government is increasing its support to the self-employed over the coming months, ensuring people get paid faster than previously planned. (https://hs-3039733.t.hubspotstarter-i6.net/e2t/sc2/Mm-nFbkmy34W6xw6-t7XdbX2W64L60l8wnzjHW6tf8N665qF9df1HVPN2k3 )
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Furlough extends to March (https://hs-3039733.t.hubspotstarter-i6.net/e2t/sc2/Mm-nFbkmy34W6xw6-t7XdbX2W64L60l8wnzjHW6tf8N665qF9df1HVPN2m3 )
Workers across the United Kingdom will benefit from increased support with a five-month extension of the furlough scheme into Spring 2021. (https://hs-3039733.t.hubspotstarter-i6.net/e2t/sc2/Mm-nFbkmy34W6xw6-t7XdbX2W64L60l8wnzjHW6tf8N665qF9df1HVPN2n3 )
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Get social with us, we’re ready to connect with you
Swindon & Wiltshire Local Enterprise Partnership Company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales, company number 11766448, Digital Mansion Corsham, Pickwick Road, Corsham, Wiltshire SN13 9BL, United Kingdom, 01793 698005
With the new national restrictions coming into place tomorrow (Thursday 5 November), we would like to update you on the position with our services.
Read the new national restrictions now (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/new-national-restrictions-from-5-november)
Services which are set to continue or stay open
* Social care services
* Revenue and benefits
* Household recycling centres and waste collection
* Car parks – car parking fees will remain but people are advised to only travel if essential
* Public parks
* Street markets will continue with traders only able to sell food
* Allotments
* Registration services can conduct birth registrations and declarations via face-to-face appointments, notices of marriage and civil partnerships via face to face appointments, and death appointments by telephone. Funerals can be held but restricted to 30 mourners
* Some libraries will provide an order and collect service – more details on that soon (any books currently loaned out will be extended for the duration of the restrictions)
* Visitors allowed to main council hubs – but people are advised to only do this if absolutely necessary
* Continuing to support rough sleepers in Wiltshire in the usual way. People can report rough sleepers at StreetLink (https://eur02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.streetlink.org.uk%2F&data=04%7C01%7CJack.Holdway%40wiltshire.gov.uk%7Cec459273caee4599e89108d880ca4868%7C5546e75e3be14813b0ff26651ea2fe19%7C0%7C0%7C637400953568731426%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=etX2%2BUYVqhUs%2Fv2P%2BMLj6magoHFDOqcYiOEXyDc60Fs%3D&reserved=0) or via the StreetLink app; this will direct the teams to help people who need it
** Services which will close temporarily
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The following services unfortunately cannot continue while the increased restrictions are in place:
* Wiltshire Council and Places Leisure-run leisure centres will close temporarily – members will have their membership automatically frozen for one month, so any payments due to be processed on 5 November will not be taken – range of online content available – https://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/leisure-active-communities (https://eur02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wiltshire.gov.uk%2Fleisure-active-communities&data=04%7C01%7CJack.Holdway%40wiltshire.gov.uk%7Cef7dcc1453a045d081b108d880e081fc%7C5546e75e3be14813b0ff26651ea2fe19%7C0%7C0%7C637401049023630720%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=naPkdUlaT29Op9g4TII%2BeyEQR5oRxTtVOmrkACmZ08E%3D&reserved=0)
* Leisure groups: Active Health, Get Wiltshire Walking, running programme, StreetGames, Healthier Communities, Walking Sports and Ability Sports
* Wiltshire and Swindon History Centre – online content available at http://wshc.eu/ (https://eur02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwshc.eu%2F&data=04%7C01%7CJack.Holdway%40wiltshire.gov.uk%7Cef7dcc1453a045d081b108d880e081fc%7C5546e75e3be14813b0ff26651ea2fe19%7C0%7C0%7C637401049023640676%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=BShAKyQBDPHI7xt4d9mJsFmNua7L9ZwqUg0eMo1ZC6g%3D&reserved=0)
* Weddings
Wiltshire COVID-19 Public update
We hosted a live COVID-19 Public update yesterday (Tuesday 3 November), which featured Wiltshire Council’s Leader, Philip Whitehead; Chief Executive, Terence Herbert and Director of Public Health, Kate Blackburn.
The webinar is available to watch back on our Youtube Channel.
Watch the webinar now (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VvaMk4uvc7w&feature=youtu.be)
Guidance on shielding and protecting people who are clinically extremely vulnerable from COVID-19
Everyone in England is required to follow the new National Restrictions from 5 November (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/new-national-restrictions-from-5-november) , which have been set out by the government and apply to the whole population. These restrictions:
* require people to stay at home, except for specific purposes
* prevent people gathering with those they do not live with, except for specific purposes
* close certain businesses and venues
This guidance is for everyone in England who has been identified as clinically extremely vulnerable (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19#cev) . If you are in this group, you will previously have received a letter from the NHS or from your GP telling you this. You may have been advised to shield in the past.
The council’s Wiltshire Wellbeing Hub is still available should anyone need any support, advice or guidance. People can call the hub on 0300 003 4576 or email wellbeinghub@wiltshire.gov.uk (mailto:wellbeinghub@wiltshire.gov.uk) Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm and Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 4pm.
Read the full guidance now (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19)
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Wiltshire residents are invited to join the council for a live public COVID-19 update at 5pm tonight (3 November 2020).
The online broadcast will feature Wiltshire Council Leader, Cllr Philip Whitehead, Terence Herbert, Chief Executive of Wiltshire Council and Kate Blackburn, Director of Public Health for Wiltshire.
They will be providing an update on the latest number of positive cases and the rate of COVID-19 cases in Wiltshire, and the arrangements in place to mitigate the spread of the virus. There will also be details on how schools, care homes and council services are responding to the situation and planning for the coming weeks.
The live briefing will be broadcast via Microsoft Teams. Viewers should download the Microsoft Teams app to their device in advance and you should use this link to access the broadcast (https://eur02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/ap/t-59584e83/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fteams.microsoft.com%2Fl%2Fmeetup-join%2F19%253ameeting_MTM5OTU5NTEtM2RkNy00YWM1LWJmOTEtMTg4NWMzNGI1NTEz%2540thread.v2%2F0%3Fcontext%3D%257b%2522Tid%2522%253a%25225546e75e-3be1-4813-b0ff-26651ea2fe19%2522%252c%2522Oid%2522%253a%2522e4afd550-c9df-4740-af6e-96a60ceefb51%2522%252c%2522IsBroadcastMeeting%2522%253atrue%257d&data=04%7C01%7CJack.Holdway%40wiltshire.gov.uk%7C37c25da51fbb4ef344c608d87cae7946%7C5546e75e3be14813b0ff26651ea2fe19%7C0%7C0%7C637396436081458213%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=GOhK9GVJXi6jhsmHM1iNCWi%2BPEdSL7j2vXEFRep1myE%3D&reserved=0&utm_source=Wiltshire+News+List+2%2F8%2F2019&utm_campaign=e34296bdce-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2020_10_28_02_56_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_3850daa318-e34296bdce-85626319) .
Full details on the live public COVID-19 update (https://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/news/people-encouraged-to-tune-in-and-watch-wiltshire-council-broadcasting-live-public-covid-19-update-on-3-november?utm_source=Wiltshire+News+List+2%2F8%2F2019&utm_campaign=e34296bdce-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2020_10_28_02_56_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_3850daa318-e34296bdce-85626319)
Wiltshire residents are invited to join the council for a live public COVID-19 update on Tuesday 3 November at 5pm.
The online broadcast will feature Wiltshire Council Leader, Cllr Philip Whitehead, Terence Herbert, Chief Executive of Wiltshire Council and Kate Blackburn, Director of Public Health for Wiltshire.
They will be providing an update on the latest number of positive cases and the rate of COVID-19 cases in Wiltshire, and the arrangements in place to mitigate the spread of the virus. There will also be details on how schools, care homes and council services are responding to the situation and planning for the coming weeks.
We want to hear from you.
You can submit your questions about COVID-19 and the local response in advance by emailing communications@wiltshire.gov.uk (mailto:communications@wiltshire.gov.uk) no later than 5pm on Sunday 1 November.
The live briefing will be broadcast via Microsoft Teams and you should use this link to access the broadcast (https://eur02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/ap/t-59584e83/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fteams.microsoft.com%2Fl%2Fmeetup-join%2F19%253ameeting_MTM5OTU5NTEtM2RkNy00YWM1LWJmOTEtMTg4NWMzNGI1NTEz%2540thread.v2%2F0%3Fcontext%3D%257b%2522Tid%2522%253a%25225546e75e-3be1-4813-b0ff-26651ea2fe19%2522%252c%2522Oid%2522%253a%2522e4afd550-c9df-4740-af6e-96a60ceefb51%2522%252c%2522IsBroadcastMeeting%2522%253atrue%257d&data=04%7C01%7CJack.Holdway%40wiltshire.gov.uk%7C3f46d3dc22d5470cc80d08d87b3cf47f%7C5546e75e3be14813b0ff26651ea2fe19%7C0%7C0%7C637394849030384764%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=82O53ugx0UurNSg42WqK8WCC7fa8I3HKkRs0wGQe0FI%3D&reserved=0&utm_source=Wiltshire+News+List+2%2F8%2F2019&utm_campaign=52fbb5147b-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2020_10_28_02_56&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_3850daa318-52fbb5147b-85626319) .
Full details on the live public COVID-19 update (https://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/news/people-encouraged-to-tune-in-and-watch-wiltshire-council-broadcasting-live-public-covid-19-update-on-3-november?utm_source=Wiltshire+News+List+2%2F8%2F2019&utm_campaign=52fbb5147b-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2020_10_28_02_56&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_3850daa318-52fbb5147b-85626319)
New three-tier local COVID-19 restrictions explained
A three-tier system of local restrictions to curb the transmission of COVID-19 has been introduced in England. The new system will see different parts of the country placed under varying restrictions depending on their rates of infection. The restrictions in each tier are:
Medium
* Follow the rule of six if meeting indoors or outdoors
* Pubs and restaurants to shut at 10pm
High
* No household mixing indoors
* Rule of six will apply outdoors
* Pubs and restaurants to shut at 10pm
Very High
* No household mixing indoors or outdoors in hospitality venues or private gardens
* Rule of six applies in outdoor public spaces like parks
* Pubs and bars not serving meals will be closed
* Guidance against travelling in and out of the area
* Further measures which may be agreed locally
What tier is Wiltshire in?
Wiltshire is currently in the medium (lowest) tier of the COVID-19 alert levels. This means current restrictions will stay the same. Please help to keep the rate of transmission low by continuing to:
* Follow the Hands, Face, Space guidance: wash your hands often and thoroughly, wear a face mask in enclosed spaces and keep two metres apart or one metre+ with a face covering or other protection
* Follow the rule of six if meeting indoors or outdoors
Self isolate if:
* you develop symptoms (https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/symptoms/?utm_source=Wiltshire+News+List+2%2F8%2F2019&utm_campaign=1d227480f0-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2020_10_14_10_30&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_3850daa318-1d227480f0-85626319)
* you have tested positive for COVID-19
* someone in your support bubble has symptoms or tested positive
* you’re told to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace or the NHS COVID-19 app. It is now a legal requirement (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-stay-at-home-guidance/stay-at-home-guidance-for-households-with-possible-coronavirus-covid-19-infection?utm_source=Wiltshire+News+List+2%2F8%2F2019&utm_campaign=1d227480f0-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2020_10_14_10_30&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_3850daa318-1d227480f0-85626319#:~:text=From%2028%20September%2C%20you,a%20positive%20test%20result.) to do so
* you arrive in the UK (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-how-to-self-isolate-when-you-travel-to-the-uk/coronavirus-covid-19-how-to-self-isolate-when-you-travel-to-the-uk?utm_source=Wiltshire+News+List+2%2F8%2F2019&utm_campaign=1d227480f0-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2020_10_14_10_30&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_3850daa318-1d227480f0-85626319) from a country with a high COVID-19 risk
We must all play our part
Message from Philip Whitehead, Leader of Wiltshire Council
“This is clearly still a difficult time for the country and we hope this new system will help slow the spread of COVID-19. Wiltshire’s alert level is ‘medium’ which means the current restrictions remain in place and we need people to continue to be vigilant. Our top priority remains the same – to continue to support Wiltshire residents and businesses through this pandemic so that the county emerges as strong as possible when we reach the other side. We have focussed our resources and way of working to give us the best possible opportunity of achieving this.
“Although local COVID-19 cases are rising, the spread of the virus locally is still comparatively low in Wiltshire, but we all must play our part and not be complacent as we’ve seen in other areas how quickly the situation can change for the worse. That means keeping washing hands, wearing face coverings where required and socially distancing. People must also self-isolate when told to so, and this is now a legal requirement. If we keep doing this and supporting one another, then we stand the best possible chance of keeping each other safe.”
Download the NHS COVID-19 app
You can download the COVID-19 app now which supports contact tracing. Use the app to scan QR codes in shops and restaurants so the app can let you know if you come into direct contact with someone who later tests positive. All your data is held locally on your phone.
You can download the COVID-19 app via the App Store (https://eur02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwiltshire.us5.list-manage.com%2Ftrack%2Fclick%3Fu%3D2883905f726c9fc694bef8b9e%26id%3De6371acc84%26e%3D3336ad4957&data=02%7C01%7Ckaylum.house%40wiltshire.gov.uk%7C4037b670b5ed4955dca008d86155962c%7C5546e75e3be14813b0ff26651ea2fe19%7C0%7C0%7C637366370040585146&sdata=Ruve05GW8sySbCp%2FBmJIy5jQ7DH4ejEWu4hKs2RLyVE%3D&reserved=0&utm_source=Wiltshire+News+List+2%2F8%2F2019&utm_campaign=1d227480f0-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2020_10_14_10_30&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_3850daa318-1d227480f0-85626319) or Google Play (https://eur02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwiltshire.us5.list-manage.com%2Ftrack%2Fclick%3Fu%3D2883905f726c9fc694bef8b9e%26id%3Df1ff6b938f%26e%3D3336ad4957&data=02%7C01%7Ckaylum.house%40wiltshire.gov.uk%7C4037b670b5ed4955dca008d86155962c%7C5546e75e3be14813b0ff26651ea2fe19%7C0%7C0%7C637366370040585146&sdata=2OEw%2Fe32G2s8tt52S1SbqM5mBoQ2XmuWGHODtA29eKA%3D&reserved=0&utm_source=Wiltshire+News+List+2%2F8%2F2019&utm_campaign=1d227480f0-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2020_10_14_10_30&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_3850daa318-1d227480f0-85626319) as long as your phone software is recent enough to support it – find out by visiting the apps download provider for your device.
Find out more (https://eur02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwiltshire.us5.list-manage.com%2Ftrack%2Fclick%3Fu%3D2883905f726c9fc694bef8b9e%26id%3Daab660ad16%26e%3D3336ad4957&data=02%7C01%7Ckaylum.house%40wiltshire.gov.uk%7C4037b670b5ed4955dca008d86155962c%7C5546e75e3be14813b0ff26651ea2fe19%7C0%7C0%7C637366370040595111&sdata=SpHH%2BsY5FFjW3a%2F%2FGdXAROZL1lNRURC%2BlOg%2BpXGyJdY%3D&reserved=0&utm_source=Wiltshire+News+List+2%2F8%2F2019&utm_campaign=1d227480f0-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2020_10_14_10_30&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_3850daa318-1d227480f0-85626319) or watch a short video from our Director of Public Health, Kate Blackburn:
Test and trace support payment
If you are on a lower income and are required to self-isolate because of COVID-19, you may be eligible for a support payment of £500, payable in a lump sum. If applicable, this can be backdated to 28 September.
This scheme has been introduced by Government and will be administrated locally by Wiltshire Council.
Find out more or apply ()