In this newsletter:
- Let's keep going Broxtowe
- Community Testing
- Vaccination updates
- COVID-19 Guidance Update
- Other news
- Support available
Let's keep going Broxtowe
Coronavirus dashboard for Nottinghamshire
 This week's COVID-19 figures for Nottinghamshire shows that Broxtowe has the second highest rates in the County.
We need to make sure we are all sticking to the guidance, practicing social distancing and washing our hands.
Let's keep going to keep you, your loved ones and your community safe from the virus.
Community Testing
Where to get tested?
 Community (asymptomatic) testing is available for people who don't have COVID-19 symptoms.
1 in 3 people who have COVID-19 don't have any symptoms and could be spreading coronavirus without realising. Having regular tests can help stop this chain of transmission.
If you have no symptoms you can access a rapid test at our two sites: Stapleford Library Church Street and Newdigate Car Park, Kimberley. No booking is necessary.
If you have any COVID-19 symptoms please book a test or call 119. You can also access our walk through COVID-19 test site at Albion Street Car Park, Albion Street, Beeston, NG9 2PA.
If you have been invited to have your vaccination please book in for your appointment by following the details which you can find on the latest info page
Vaccination updates
Calling all 50's and over
 Don’t delay in getting your COVID vaccination as new figures show the NHS vaccination programme racked up record numbers of jabs in the last week.
Appointments are available waiting to be booked, so if you fall in the over 50's please get booked in as your vaccination is reserved for you.
If you are eligible, you can book your COVID-19 vaccination appointment by visiting the booking link or call the local booking line on 0115 883 4640 between 8am – 8pm during weekdays and 9am – 5pm on weekends.
COVID-19 guidance update
The 'stay at home' rule ends on 29th March but many restrictions will remain in place.
 People should continue to work from home where they can and minimise the number of journeys they make where possible, avoiding travel at the busiest times and routes.
From 29th March, there will be changes to the current rules in places as part of Step 1 of the Roadmap out of lockdown
- Outdoor gatherings of either 6 people or 2 households are now permitted, including private gardens. Social distancing and hands, face, space should be maintained
- Outdoor sports facilities such as tennis and basketball courts, and open-air swimming pools are now allowed to reopen, and people are able to take part in formally organised outdoor sports
- Travel abroad will continue to be prohibited, other than for a small number of permitted reasons. Holidays abroad will not be allowed, given it will remain important to manage the risk of imported variants and protect the vaccination programme
- Childcare and supervised activities will be allowed outdoors for all children
- Formally organised parent and child groups will be able to take place outdoors for up to fifteen attendees (children under 5 will not be counted in this number)
From April 1st, those who were classed as clinically extremely vulnerable will no longer be advised to shield. However, they will still need to take extra precautions to protect themselves and it is vital they continue to keep the number of social interactions with others low.
Businesses can register for free COVID-19 testing
 Businesses can order free rapid lateral flow tests for their employees twice a week in the workplace. However, you need to be registered by 31st March 2021.
You can register to order the test if:
- your business is registered in England
- your employees do not work from home
A whole year
On Tuesday 23rd March marked the one year anniversary of the first lockdown. The silence was an opportunity to pay thanks to those who have worked hard to keep us safe and reflect on the sacrifices each and everyone of us has made over the last 12 months.
It also allowed us to thank those who have worked hard in the community to help look after one another. Whether it be food parcels, checking in on neighbours, raising money or sticking to the rules to keep us all safe. Thank you to all of our Broxtowe residents for the kindness they have shown over the last year.
The minute silence was incredibly important for us to remember those who have sadly died and keep those who have lost someone in our thoughts.
We hope the time to reflect will help us move forward and look ahead to the future.
|
Other News
Warm Hubs - free 1st time gas central heating for
Through the Warm Homes Hub as a Broxtowe resident, you could benefit from a fully funded gas connection and a central heating system in your home. Ms T [pictured] who benefitted from the scheme said “I was amazed that we could have [the central heating] done free of charge; it was a real incentive to switch over to central heating.”, she added “As a carer for my mum we live between the two houses; the improved heating will definitely contribute to our health and wellbeing.” If your property is heated by portable space heaters such as an electric storage heater, electric panel heaters, gas room heaters or a gas fire, then you could be eligible for an upgrade! Get in touch with the Warm Homes Hub team to find out more – call 0115 985 3000 or head to warmhomeshub.com/apply
|
May elections coming up
Elections are taking place on Thursday 6th May and there are a number of ways to have your say – you can vote in a polling station, by post, or by appointing someone you trust to vote on your behalf, known as a proxy voter.
You can do this online at www.gov.uk/voting-in-the-uk. If you cannot access this online please ring or email our Electoral Services on 0115 917 3294 or elections@broxtowe.gov.uk
|
Live Well Together - Everyday living
There is a range of information about keep yourself well during everyday life. You will be able to find information on our Independent Living Services, lifeline services, Financial Health and Debt guidance and much more.
Broxtowe's Independent Living Services is all about making life easier. It offers hands on support and guidance to help those wanting to live live independently, the opportunity to do so.
Our lifeline service offers round the clock support and is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for anyone needing assistant.
If you are struggling with managing your money or need advice about financial support and benefits, there are a few organisations that may be able to help. The important thing is not to delay in making contact and getting the advice you need.
|
Clocks Change This Weekend
 |
|
Don’t forget that this weekend the clocks go forward 1 hour on Sunday 28th March. Which means we can look forward to getting more daylight in the evenings. |
Support Available
Self-isolating
If you develop symptoms of Covid-19, stay at home and self-isolate immediately. If you have a positive test result but do not have symptoms, stay at home and self-isolate as soon as you receive the results. Your household needs to isolate too.
A new illustration by Public Health England explaining the self-isolation guidance is available to view and download: Stay at home illustration [PDF]
Support to get essential supplies
If you are vulnerable and need help to get food, medicine or community support, please get in touch with the Nottinghamshire Community Support Hub www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/coronaviruscommunityhub or call 0300 500 80 80
Financial support
In some circumstances, if you are required by law to self-isolate, you may be supported by a payment of £500, payable from Broxtowe Borough Council. Find out more about this scheme and other financial support at www.broxtowe.gov.uk/testandtracepayment or call 0115 917 7777
Mental health
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. Useful resources to support you, your family and friends can be found at www.broxtowe.gov.uk/wellbeing or call the Nottinghamshire Mental Health Helpline between 9.00am and 1.00pm, seven days a week on 0300 555 0730.
Accessing NHS services
If you have symptoms or a health concern you are worried about, please contact your GP practice. GP practices are still open and here for you. When you call your practice, you may be offered a consultation online or over the phone. If they feel they need to see you in person, they will invite you in for a face to face appointment. Read more for guidance at https://nottsccg.nhs.uk/covid-19/gp-appointment-guidance/
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.
|
