Coronavirus (COVID-19): Members Update
Our previous daily Members' Briefing has now moved to a weekly format which rounds up the latest updates relevant to the coronavirus response in Cumbria.
In this briefing:
Lockdown restrictions are easing for people who have been shielding, but many are understandably concerned and anxious about leaving their homes while COVID-19 continues.
Colin Cox, Cumbria County Council’s Director of Public Health, said:
“The government is currently advising people to shield until 30 June 2020 and is regularly monitoring this position, but people are now permitted to leave the house for exercise and limited socialising.
“I understand that for people who are clinically extremely vulnerable the decision to do so won’t be one taken lightly.
“It’s impossible to say definitely that the situation is safe for people who have been shielding, while COVID-19 is still present in the UK there will always be a level of risk. But it is important that people take into account the latest information about the local situation in Cumbria when deciding what to do.
“Weekly figures are published by government which currently show low numbers of new infections in Cumbria, around 25-50, much lower than other parts of the north west. That is relevant information when people are trying to make informed decisions about their health and wellbeing.
“I wish we could provide certainty, but at the moment we can only provide information to help people make the right decision for them. If people do go out it is very important to maintain social distancing and good hygiene practices, indeed this applies to the whole population.”
The latest advice from the government for people who have been shielding now says:
- If you wish to spend time outdoors (though not in other buildings, households, or enclosed spaces) you should take extra care to minimise contact with others by keeping 2 metres apart.
- If you choose to spend time outdoors, this can be with members of your own household. If you live alone, you can spend time outdoors with one person from another household (ideally the same person each time).
- You should stay alert when leaving home: washing your hands regularly, maintaining social distance and avoiding gatherings of any size.
- You should not attend any gatherings, including gatherings of friends and families in private spaces, for example, parties, weddings and religious services.
- You should strictly avoid contact with anyone who is displaying symptoms of COVID-19 (a new continuous cough, a high temperature, or a loss of, or change in, your sense of taste or smell).
Relevant links:
Public Transport
The new rules on mandatory face coverings on public transport in England came into force on Monday 15 June. As part of the public campaign to make people aware of the new rules, the Department for Transport (DfT) has asked us to share information on the exemptions that are currently in place. This is following feedback from some groups of people, such as those with disabilities who are exempt, who are nervous about using transport without a covering in case they get a hostile reaction from others.
There is a non-exhaustive list of exemptions on the Gov.uk website. It includes those with physical or mental illnesses or impairments or disabilities that mean someone cannot put on, wear or remove a face covering, and those who need to use lip reading to communicate. People who cannot wear a face covering should not be challenged or made uncomfortable, and there is no requirement for an individual to prove that they have a valid case for exemption.
More information is also available from gov.uk/government/publications/staying-safe-outside-your-home/staying-safe-outside-your-home.
Health Services
The NHS is now also advising people to wear face coverings when attending a hospital as a visitor or outpatient. If people are assessed by a GP as needing a face to face appointment they will also be expected to wear a face covering.
Face coverings can be cloth and/or homemade, and advice on how to wear and make one can be found on the government website at gov.uk/coronavirus. Face coverings worn as part of religious beliefs or cultural practice are also acceptable, providing they are not loose and cover the mouth and nose.
For some people, wearing a face covering may be difficult due to physical or mental health conditions. In these instances, other measures will be considered on a case by case basis, for example timed appointments and being seen immediately on arrival.
All frontline and essential workers and volunteers across England can now access a new Psychological First Aid (PFA) training course.
The free online course teaches responders how to give practical and emotional support on issues such as job worries, bereavement or isolation to those affected by coronavirus.
Frontline responders can access the training materials for free through the Future Learn website:
Cumbria County Council has been working with Cumbria Police, Lake District National Park Authority and National Trust in response to the large number of vehicles travelling to and parking on the east side of Coniston Water.
There have been multiple reports of inconsiderate parking, anti-social behaviour and littering over the last few weeks on the C5018, east of Coniston Water. This has presented a danger to the travelling public, especially as obstructive parking has prevented emergency services vehicles from being able to pass.
Therefore, a decision has been made to close the C5018 from Nibthwaite, south of Coniston Water to Monk House at the north end near to Coniston village. The closure will come into effect on Friday 19 June 2020.
Access will be maintained for all properties on this road. The C5018 will not be accessible as a through route or for parking, however emergency, cycling and pedestrian access will be maintained.
Members of the public can subscribe to locality specific email updates to receive news and information about how public services and local communities are responding to the coronavirus outbreak, at cumbria.gov.uk/coronavirus/communities.asp.
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