It’s important that everyone follows the latest guidelines from the NHS on coronavirus and staying at home to help stop the spread of coronavirus - this includes young people, even if they feel fine and do not have any symptoms. 

It's hard for all of us, but young people in particular might struggle with changing their habits and complying with the social distancing rules.

Please make sure everyone in your household stays at home to protect the NHS and save lives. You should not be meeting up with friends, or anyone who doesn’t live with you. That includes meeting up outside, having people over to your house or visiting other people’s houses. This might feel frustrating and a bit boring, but this is the best way to keep everyone safe.

The Leaders of our four political groups have issued a firm but fair message to holiday makers and second home owners:  Stay away from the South West during the coronavirus crisis.

"We will welcome you with open arms when this is all over but right now please stay away," says the Council's Leader, Cllr John Hart.

We're also calling for much tougher penalties to be imposed on people who flout the rules.

If your child has a child protection plan, is a child in need or a child in care, please take them to school after the Easter weekend, so long as they do not have an underlying health condition that puts them at risk of severe illness from coronavirus.

We love our green spaces, and we can't wait to get back to using them like before. 

But to reduce the spread of coronavirus, the government is asking people to use our local parks and green spaces safely, just for exercise, and to follow social distancing guidelines.

They've made a video about staying local to exercise and keeping your distance. You can watch it on Twitter. 

Self-isolation is difficult for everyone. People who are lesbian, gay, bi or trans, already often experience high levels of isolation, so social distancing can just make it all the more difficult. The LGBT charity, The Intercom Trust, has increased their counselling service, and put more resource into their helpline. They're saying: "We are here for you." 

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) is encouraging people to stay safe at home during the coronavirus (COVID-19) lockdown, especially with the temptation to get stuck into the DIY over the long bank holiday weekend. 

Thousands of people end up in hospital every year as a result of an accident while attempting DIY. You may have time on your hands at home but the best advice is not to do it while the NHS is under pressure.

Devon and Cornwall Police has answered a whole bunch of questions that people keep asking: What is an essential journey? Can self-employed tradespeople travel to work? Can I go and stay with a vulnerable relative? If I walk to the beach, can I have a swim? Can a tradesperson I'd booked still come and do the work? And many, many more. 

Public Health England (PHE) has issued a warning that some people have received hoax audio and texts to their mobile phones. The fake audio content claims to have come from ambulance services, and the texts from PHE. 

Their Chief Nurse, Professor Viv Bennett, says: "We are aware of a voice message circulating about the ambulance response to coronavirus, as well as restrictions on movement and predicted case numbers, which claims to have come from PHE. This is fake news, and we would urge people to ignore the message and not share it further.”

The government has produced some guidance about fake news and hoaxes, and is encouraging people to use their 'SHARE' checklist before they like, or comment, or share something online.

Today sees the nation come together once again as part of the Clap For Our Carers campaign, recognising the efforts of the frontline workers fighting the coronavirus pandemic every day.

This week we would like to say a special thank you to the hundreds of people who have stepped up to help support the county’s most vulnerable by applying for roles in health and social care following our urgent appeal with the NHS. 

The first group of trainees began their training this week, and will soon be out in our communities supporting people with their personal care needs. Find out more, including how to register, on the Proud To Care website.

Please forward this email to anyone you think would find it useful and encourage them to sign up.

You can also can share this update on social media and in any online groups you're part of by using the 'view it as a webpage' link at the top of the email.

Don't forget you can also find and follow us on Facebook @OfficialDevonCC, Twitter @DevonCC, Instagram @devoncountycouncil or LinkedIn @devon-county-council for regular coronavirus updates, and to join the #WeAreDevon community.

Special arrangements are in place to make sure people in Devon can access GP and pharmacy services over the Easter weekend. To respond to the current high demand from patients, GP practices across Devon, Torbay and Plymouth will be opening on Good Friday and Easter Monday as if they were normal working weekdays – from 8am to 6pm.

There are concerns that many people are not seeking urgent medical help when they most need it, possibly due to fear of coronavirus (COVID-19) or not wanting to burden the NHS. If you or someone you know has a life-threatening injury or illness, such as severe chest pain, bleeding, loss of consciousness or signs of a stroke, you should call 999 or go to A&E.