In this newsletter:
- Help reduce the spread of COVID-19
- Understanding the new restrictions in Broxtowe
- Self-isolating
- Fake news
- Looking after your wellbeing
- Other news
Help reduce the spread of
COVID-19
The number of positive COVID-19 cases in our area has escalated rapidly in the last couple of weeks and we are concerned about the level of transmission across all areas and groups within the Borough.
It was disappointing that it was not until Monday of this week that the Prime Minister announced that our area would be placed in tier two of restrictions.
In spite of this, as a Council, we remain committed to responding to COVID-19 and supporting residents as we work to beat the virus together.
We are appealing to all residents and businesses to support our efforts to reduce the spread of the virus by doing the right thing and following the new guidance for areas on ‘high’ alert.
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This means:
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Hands - wash your hands regularly and for 20 seconds
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Face - wear a face covering in indoor settings where social distancing may be difficult, and where you will come into contact with people you do not normally meet (unless exempt). Full details about how to wear a face covering correctly and exemptions can be found on the Government's guidance page
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Space - stay 2 metres apart from people you do not live with where possible, or 1 metre with extra precautions in place (such as wearing face coverings or increasing ventilation indoors)
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Place – not socialising with anybody outside of your household or support bubble in any indoor setting, whether at home or in a public place. Not socialising in a group of more than six outside, including a garden or other spaces like parks (other than where specific exemptions apply in law)
You can see a full list of all of the restrictions on the High alert level page.
Many of you have been in touch with us this week with questions about how the new guidance applies to you and your individual circumstances. Rest assured, we are responding to you as quickly as we can. Our Officers have been working around the clock to interpret the new information and communicate it to residents.
We will continue to provide support to our most vulnerable residents affected by the pandemic. Our Coronavirus pages haves information about what support we can offer people who need help, whether that is financial support or support in the community.
Our COVID-19 Town Centre Information Officers are also continuing to visit and support businesses and help them adapt to the new restrictions so they can be safe places for local people to shop.
Whilst the pandemic dominates many of our thoughts, there are also many positive things we are doing in Broxtowe which can be proud of and you can read a full round up in my Leaders speech which was delivered to Full Council earlier this week.
Finally, looking after your mental health is one of the most important things you can do for your health. We have put together a range of advice, tips on resources to help you manage your mental health, as well as physical health on our website at www.broxtowe.gov.uk/wellbeing.
Please follow the guidance and help us beat this together.
Understanding new restrictions
 It is important you take time to understand the new restrictions and what this new High alert level means for you.
For a snap shot of some of the main changes, see our handy list here:
 INDOORS - You cannot meet people outside your household or support bubble, indoors.
 OUTDOORS - Provided you stick to the rule of 6, you can meet others outside of your household and support bubble outdoors.
 BUBBLES - This is where an adult who lives alone joins with another household (of any size) to effectively become one household. To form a bubble, you or the person you're forming one with MUST live alone.
 RELATIONSHIPS - If you and your partner don't live together, you can form a support bubble, provided one of you lives alone. If you don't meet the criteria to form a bubble, you cannot meet indoors.
 PUBS - No, you can't meet others not in your household or bubble for a few pints at the pub. Or at restaurants, or leisure and hospitality venues for that matter as the rules on meeting indoors apply.
 SPORT - Organised sport and licenced physical activity are still allowed OUTDOORS. Indoor organised sports MUST follow social contact rules (other than youth and disabled sports)
 EXERCISE CLASSES - Can only continue provided that households or support bubbles do NOT mix. Where it is likely that groups will mix, these activities MUST NOT go ahead.
 CHILDCARE - For childcare where the child is aged 13 or under, you can form what is called a childcare bubble. Registered and wraparound childcare is also permitted.
 WORKING - Work from home where possible. If you’re a tradesperson, you CAN go into a household without breaching the limit, if you are there for work but please follow working in homes guidelines.
 WORSHIP - Places of worship are open, but you shouldn’t mix with anyone from outside your household while there as this is an indoor setting.
 VISITING AN AREA THAT IS 'MEDIUM' - Say you live in Nottinghamshire but have planned a holiday in an area which is classed as 'Medium' on the alert scale. This is fine, but you must only go with people in your household or support bubble. While there, you shouldn't mix indoors with other households.
 VISITING AN AREA THAT IS 'VERY HIGH' - The Government advises against visiting areas which come under the 'Very High' Covid alert level.
 TRAVEL TO WALES - From today people from Nottinghamshire and across other HIGH or VERY HIGH areas in England will be banned from travelling to Wales as part of their efforts to prevent the spread of the infection.
 HOW TO TRAVEL - If you need to travel somewhere, you are encouraged to walk or cycle where possible or to plan ahead and avoid busy times and routes on public transport. This will help you to social distance while travelling.
 CAR SHARING - Travelling by car with others means you could be putting yourself at a higher risk. That's why the guidelines ask you to avoid travelling with anyone outside your household or support bubble.
Self-isolate to Save Lives
If you have coronavirus symptoms you must self-isolate for 10 days.
If you live with someone who has symptoms you must self-isolate for 14 days, if you are found to not be self-isolating you could face a fine of up to £10,000.
 Download the NHS COVID-19 App
The app allows you to:
- Report your symptoms
- Check-in at venues
- Book a coronavirus test
- Check your local area risk level
- Get alerted if you've been near other users who have tested positive for coronavirus
- Keep track of your self-isolation countdown and access relevant advice
- Help the NHS to trace those infected
- Protect yourself and loved ones
All in one place, you can download the app from Google Play Store or the Apple App store.
The more people that download and use the app, the easier it is to help keep everyone safe from the virus.
Fake news
There will be lots of speculation and rumour so it’s important to be aware of false information:
- Consider the source – where did you receive the information from?
- Cross check – are other reliable platforms sharing the same information?
Follow accurate advice, from accurate sources:
A new hotline has been launched to stop fraudsters illegally targeting COVID stimulus schemes. Call the COVID Fraud Hotline (0800 587 5030) anonymously and free of charge to report suspected fraudulent activity.
Looking after your wellbeing
Working from home, worrying about the impact of the pandemic on you and your loved ones, and not being able to enjoy all of the activities you would normally be involved in, can all have an impact on your health.
It is important to remember to look after yourself so some useful resources are available on our Wellbeing page.
This includes advice on looking after your mental health, physical health, reducing your risk of getting illnesses including COVID-19 and supporting your children, family and friends with their health.
Mental health helpline
The Nottinghamshire Mental Health Helpline is available 9am -11pm, seven days a week, for anyone who needs emotional support or information about what help is available locally for people struggling with their mental health. Professionals are also welcome to call the helpline for advice on working with patients with mental health issues.
Mental health crisis helpline
Nottinghamshire Healthcare Foundation Trust has launched a new mental health helpline for local people in crisis.
The helpline number is 0300 303 0165 and is available to anyone in mental health crisis at anytime, anywhere across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.
Available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, it’s the number to call if you are experiencing a mental health crisis and need immediate help. It’s open to people of all ages who need urgent mental health support.
Further information
You can find links to further Mental Health Support Organisations on our Mental Health webpage.
Other news
Toton and Chetwynd Masterplan Initial Consultation
Ambitious plans to create jobs, housing and transport links, connecting old and new communities on the borders of Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire over the next 20 years, have been unveiled this week.
Residents in and around Toton, Chilwell, Stapleford, Sandiacre and Long Eaton, as well as the surrounding areas are being asked for their views on plans for the area. The consultation runs from Monday 12th October until Sunday 22nd November.
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Markets Return to Beeston
The Monday and Wednesday markets in Beeston have returned!
They are being supported by Clair Storey, who has recently been employed by the Council in the role of Markets Officer. Clair has been helping the stallholders implement their COVID measures including hand sanitiser at every stall and ensuring there is plenty of space for stallholders and customers.
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Staying up to date
The easiest way to stay up to date is by checking our dedicated Coronavirus webpages.
They contain useful information on:
We also share daily updates on our social media accounts and will be sending you this email bulletin every Friday.
Share this
Please share the information in this email bulletin with friends, family, neighbours and colleagues to help us pass on these important messages, particularly if they're not online.
Please also encourage anyone who isn't already subscribed to this Email Me Service to sign up at www.broxtowe.gov.uk/emailme so they can receive these updates.
 Find the latest guidance from the Government website.
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