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During these unprecedented times, we want to keep you up-to-date with the current news and advice.
As a result, this newsletter contains the latest news and messages from Coventry City Council, public health guidance, national advice around the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and information about local community groups and partners who are offering local support.
Remember to keep checking our website for the latest information.
In this issue:
Stay safe and help city emerge strong
As the country enters a second lockdown, the Leader of the Council has called on residents and businesses to follow the guidelines, stay safe and help the city return to better times.
The lockdown, which started today (5 November) has seen pubs, leisure centres and hospitality venues close their doors, along with non-essential shops and attractions in the city.
People are being advised to stay home as much as possible and observe social distancing when they have to leave the house for things such as food shopping or exercise.
Cllr George Duggins, Leader of the Council, said it is vital that everyone plays their part in making sure the city can return to Tier 2 status when the lockdown ends and work towards Tier 1 and a more normal way of life.
He said: “The people, businesses and organisations of this city made a tremendous effort in the first lockdown and responded so well to everything that was asked of them.
“Unfortunately, COVID has not gone away, and this second lockdown will undoubtably cause disruption and in some cases hardship to many, and once again we must adapt.
“We have to look on this time as an opportunity to protect the health of the population and bring virus rates down. Containing the spread and reducing the direct health impact of the virus is critical if we are going to emerge from these restrictions a strong and healthy city.”
Many Coventry City Council services, such as waste services and social care, will continue to operate as normal throughout the lockdown period.
“I want to thank our staff who, like people across the city, have been magnificent throughout this pandemic and will continue to deliver the services people in this city rely on.
“But everyone who lives, works and studies in our city must make sure they understand and follow the new restrictions. We must look after one another and protect the most vulnerable.
“In doing so, we can also support those who are working so hard to keep us safe and keep our city working – our NHS staff, our bin crews, those in our schools and care homes, and all the many people who are bravely continuing their work at this time.
“The government must play their part as well and must use the following weeks of lockdown to make sure they deliver the world-beating Track and Trace that they promised back in May.”
More details about how Council services can be found on our website...
National restrictions now in effect
COVID-19 case numbers are rising rapidly across the whole of the UK, so as a city, we must act now to control the spread of the virus and help keep Coventry safe.
You must:
- Stay at home, except for specific purposes.
- Avoid meeting people you do not live with, except for specific purposes.
- Close certain businesses and venues.
These new measures will reduce the growth rate of coronavirus, which will:
- prevent the NHS from being overwhelmed
- ensure schools, colleges and universities can stay open
- ensure that as many people as possible can continue to work.
Remember – Hands – Face – Space
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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
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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
Please visit our website to find out more...
Support for Coventry businesses
If you run a business in the city, the current COVID-19 situation is likely to be very concerning.
A wide range of advice and support can be found on our website, including advice on fraud prevention, details about available grants and much more.
Support for Coventry residents
The COVID-19 situation is unlike anything that many of us have ever experienced and is throwing up many challenges for us all.
If you or someone you know needs financial support and advice, please direct them to our website.
You can also find a range of other advice services (both local and national) near the bottom of this newsletter.
However, if you need help in finding the right support, then call 08085 834333.
Remembrance poppies on display on city roads
Giant poppies are being painted on Coventry’s roads to mark Remembrance Day on 11 November.
The poppies will be painted on main routes into the city centre close to the Ring Road, near the War Memorial Park, the Council House and at the iconic Coventry Cathedral. The design features the famous red poppy with the words “Lest we forget” alongside it.
Read the full story on our website...
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Show your support to the Poppy Appeal
Printing and colouring your own poppy to display at home is a great way that Coventry residents can give extra support for this year’s Remembrance Day.
Despite the ongoing challenges for everyone around COVID-19, people are being encouraged to still show their support for the Royal British Legion’s appeal by donating and downloading their own poppy instead of buying one the traditional way, or take part in fundraising activities or buy from their online shop.
Read the full story on our website...
Coventry Peace Festival 2020 launched
As part of Coventry’s ongoing promotion of peace, tolerance and friendship around the world, the city is once again hosting the annual Coventry Peace Festival.
This year’s theme is ‘Coventry’s Message of Peace to the World’ and the festival runs until the 16 November.
Read the full story on our website...
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Gaia is cancelled
The event, which was scheduled to take place on the 13 and 14 November and marked the 80th anniversary of the Blitz, has been cancelled following the Government’s announcement of a month-long national lockdown.
The decision to cancel this event was taken by the Council in consultation with the various partners involved in the project and echoes the key message of encouraging people to stay at home wherever possible.
Read the full story on our website...
Dining Club event helps feed city families
A city community centre staged a special pop-up dining event to help provide free school meals for youngsters.
The event was held at Foleshill Community Centre and was part of a city-wide effort to help make sure no families went hungry in the school holidays.
Read the full story on our website...
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Government funding to feed children in need is a myth say leading councillors
Two of Coventry’s leading Cabinet members are calling on the Government to fund the fight against food poverty for children adequately.
Councillor Richard Brown, Cabinet Member for Strategic Finance and Resources, and Councillor Kevin Maton, Cabinet Member for Education, made the call after Government claims that funding has already been provided to cover additional Free School Meals for children across the country.
Read the full story on our website...
New rainbow crossing set to be unveiled in Bull Yard
A new rainbow road pelican crossing, using the colours of the Gay Pride flag, was installed in Bull Yard on Friday 30 October
Rainbow crossings have been installed in many cities around the world and now Coventry has got its own crossing, following previous years where rainbow artwork has been used in Hertford Street on the stairs and a Pride mural was created on the tarmac after the former Nationwide building was demolished.
Read the full story on our website...
Sport campaign for Coventry residents returns
The sport campaign – Keep Coventry Moving - ran throughout the first lockdown period and is now back
Keep Coventry Moving aims to support Coventry’s residents and the sport sector as a whole by highlighting advice, sporting resources and funding streams throughout the national lockdown period that commences today, 5 November.
Read the full story on our website...
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More advice from the government.
Information on the new national restrictions, including what they mean for working from home and business closures and why they are being introduced is available on the government's website...
What to do if you feel unwell, or live with someone who is unwell
Stay at home if you have either:
- A high temperature – you feel hot to touch on your chest or back
- A new, continuous cough – this means you've started coughing repeatedly
- Loss or change in sense or smell or taste
You can find more information and advice about COVID-19 on the NHS website. The page is being updated regularly and is the best place to go for the latest health information.
Self-isolation guidance and social distancing guidance is available in other languages.
You can receive free and impartial advice on a range of matters from organisations including:
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