Covid Update & Message from Director of Public Health for Carers

Published: 26 November 2020

This message has been received and shared with you all as it was written:

National lockdown

As you will be aware, the Government introduced a second national lock down on 5 November 2020 which has placed significant restrictions upon residents and certain types of businesses.  The Government has issued guidance regarding the closing of certain businesses and venues in England and how businesses can continue to trade during the lock down. This guidance can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/further-businesses-and-premises-to-close/closing-certain-businesses-and-venues-in-england. 

On 23 November, Boris Johnson announced that from 2 December a tiered system of local restrictions will be in place following the national lockdown.  Currently we are not aware which tier South Cambridgeshire will be placed but advice regarding the local restriction tiers can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/local-restriction-tiers-what-you-need-to-know.

Business Support Grants
The application process is now open for the Local Restrictions Support and The Additional Restrictions Support Grants for business who have been mandated to close, or who have been adversely affected by Covid-19.  Details of eligibility criteria and how to apply can be found here:
https://www.scambs.gov.uk/business/coronavirus-information-for-businesses/financial-support-for-business/support-grant-applications-and-eligibility/.

Working from home
Covid-19 is spread by social contact, and we know that we can reduce this by encouraging people to work from home, where they can, reducing the ‘R’ rate by between 0.2 and 0.4.  While many workplaces have very good Covid-19 safety measures, staff may still be exposed to the virus when travelling to and from work, or through informal social contact with workmates – such as at lunch or in coffee breaks.  To help contain the virus, the Government advises that anyone who can work from home should do so.

Letter from the Director of Public Health
Dr Liz Robin, Director of Public Health for Cambridgeshire County Council & Peterborough City Council, would like your assistance in raising awareness of the support available for residents and employees who care for someone.  The attached letter from Dr Robin provides advice which could support you and your employees through the Covid pandemic.

Working Safely During Coronavirus
The Government has updated their Working Safely during Coronavirus guidance to incorporate details of recent legislation and guidance changes.  Sector specific Working Safely during Coronavirus guidance can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19.

Covid-19 guidance changes rapidly and the latest announcements and guidance can be found at: www.gov.uk/coronavirus.  Our South Cambridgeshire District Council website also provides useful information for businesses regarding Covid-19, found at: www.scambs.gov.uk.  

Our Reopening the High Streets Officers are visiting businesses across South Cambridgeshire offering advice, support and guidance to those wanting to, or who have, reopened since the original lockdown.  Our Team will also be available to visit businesses during and after the current lockdown. If you require assistance with reopening, please contact our Reopening the High Streets Team at: Reopening@southcambs.gov.uk.

You can also subscribe to our ‘Open for Business’ newsletter which carries updates on Government advice alongside other useful information for businesses.  You can opt out of receiving this newsletter at any time.

If you require advice regarding Covid-19 Secure control measures within your workplace, please contact our Environmental Health Team via Commercial.Envhealth@scambs.gov.uk or 03450 450 063.