Friday 25 September
In this update:
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Devon's data shows a rise in COVID-19 cases
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Download the new NHS COVID-19 app
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New national restrictions as alert level rises to 4
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Do it for Devon to avoid more restrictions
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New package to support and enforce self-isolation
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Record numbers offered flu vaccine
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Are you well connected?
 Devon's data shows a rise in COVID-19 cases
Devon's infection rate is still comparatively low, but the number of positive coronavirus (COVID-19) tests has risen this week, in line with the national trend.
We currently have 61 cases across the whole of Devon reported in the latest data, and a little over half of those have been new cases in Exeter.
These are cases linked to the University of Exeter and a number of students who have recently arrived for the start of term already with the virus and inadvertently passed it on to their housemates.
They, and their households, are all self-isolating and following public health advice, and there's no evidence at this stage of the virus spreading into the community.
We're monitoring the data closely so that we can respond immediately to changes as they arise.
The University has introduced a comprehensive range of measures in preparation for the new term, including arranging their own rigorous Test and Trace programme, so that they are not taking up NHS Test and Trace resources.
Download the new NHS COVID-19 app
It's to support the NHS Test and Trace service, so its major benefit to the public is in helping to trace people quickly when they've been in close contact for a period of time with someone who has tested positive for coronavirus. That way, they can be advised even sooner to self-isolate and take any other appropriate steps.
In Devon, our overall number of positive coronavirus cases is, although rising, still relatively low compared to other parts of the country. But the NHS Test and Trace service is still just as vital here in helping to trace people as quickly as possible and to prevent the spread of coronavirus. The sooner you know, the sooner you can act and reduce the risk of infection to others.
It works by recording the location of places that you visit – such as pubs, restaurants, cafes, leisure or tourist attractions, 'close contact' establishments such as hair dressers, places of worship, and others public places including libraries and village halls - onto your phone.
You'll get an alert if you've visited a place where you've had prolonged contact recently with someone who has tested positive with coronavirus, and there'll be advice about what to do next.
It also provides risk alerts by postcode, a symptom checker and test booking features.
Venues are now legally required to collect contact details from customers and visitors, so if you don't have a smartphone, they will also have their own log book or other paper method.
 New national restrictions as alert level rises to 4
Earlier this week the Prime Minister addressed the nation to outline new measures required to fight the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19).
The announcement comes as the Joint Biosecurity Centre recommended the COVID-19 alert level moves from level 3, which means the virus is in general circulation, to level 4 where transmission is high or rising exponentially.
The new restrictions include:
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Working from home where possible: Office workers who can work effectively from home should do so over the winter. If you cannot work from home, you should go to your place of work. Employers are reminded that the risk of transmission can be substantially reduced if the government's COVID-19 secure guidelines are followed closely.
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Hospitality venues: All pubs, bars and restaurants are now table service only and must close at 10pm.
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Face coverings: The requirement to wear a face covering has been extended to retail staff, all users of taxis and private hire vehicles, and staff and customers in indoor hospitality, except when seated at a table to eat or drink.
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Gatherings and the 'rule of six': Exemptions to the rule of six will be cut back. From Monday 28 September, only 15 people will be able to attend weddings and civil partnerships, in groups of six. Funerals can still take place with up to 30 people. Also from Monday, you can only play indoor sports in groups of less than six.
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Enforcement: Penalties for not wearing a mask or gathering in groups of more than six will increase to £200 for the first offence.
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COVID-19 secure measures: In retail, leisure, tourism and other sectors, the COVID-19 secure guidelines will become legal obligations. Businesses will be fined and could be closed if they breach these rules.
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Further ahead: The planned return of business conferences, exhibitions and large sporting events from Thursday 1 October will no longer be possible.
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Shielding: The guidance for people who were shielding earlier in the pandemic continues to be that shielding is not required, but the government is keeping this under constant review.
There's more information about what has changed on the government's website.
 Do it for Devon to avoid more restrictions
Following the Prime Minister’s announcement of new national coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions, our leader, Cllr John Hart, who is also Chair of the Team Devon Local Outbreak Engagement Board, is urging everyone in Devon to do all they can to avoid more severe restrictions in future. He says:
“We do not want to have to go back to a full lockdown with all the implications this would have on people’s health, on the welfare of the elderly and vulnerable, on our children’s education and on the local economy and jobs.
“Clearly, with growing numbers across the country we need to break the chain now and, with winter approaching, stop the spread before it gets out of hand.
“I urge everyone to take personal responsibility and be extra cautious, and particularly our young people who perhaps have begun to feel invulnerable to the virus.
"The fact is that by not respecting the basic rules, such as social distancing or meeting up in larger groups, you risk spreading the virus in our community and you put others, particularly the elderly and vulnerable, at risk."
You can read his full statement on our Newscentre.
New package to support and enforce self-isolation
It was announced earlier this week, at the same time as an announcement about fines for people who breach self-isolation rules, which rise to £10,000 for repeat offences.
Fines now also apply to people who prevent others from self-isolating when they should be. For example, a business owner who threatens self-isolating staff with redundancy if they do not come to work.
 Record numbers offered flu vaccine
More Devon residents than ever are being encouraged to get their flu vaccine as new Public Health England research suggests that the risk of death more than doubled for people who tested positive for both flu and coronavirus (COVID-19), compared to those with coronavirus alone.
They looked at cases between January and April this year and found that people infected with both flu and coronavirus were more at risk of severe illness and death. Most cases were in older people and sadly more than half of them died.
Flu is a serious condition that kills on average 11,000 people in England each year and hospitalises many more. Adults at high risk from flu are also most at risk from coronavirus, so the free vaccine is more important than ever to help protect people in Devon from a double threat this winter and ease pressure on the NHS.
This year the free flu vaccination programme is being expanded and will be offered to 30 million people, the highest number ever.
All primary school children and, for the first time, Year 7 children will be offered the flu ‘nasal spray’ in schools to reduce community transmission. Two and three-year-olds will be offered the vaccine through their GP.
The most vulnerable, including adults aged 65 and over, those with long-term health conditions and pregnant women, will be offered the flu vaccine first through their GP or pharmacy.
The flu vaccine will also be offered to household contacts of people on the NHS Shielded Patient List and all health and social care workers who have direct contact with the people they care for.
Once the most at-risk groups have had their free flu jab, the newly eligible 50 to 64 year olds will be invited to get theirs later in the season.
 Latest active travel measures welcomed
The closure of Doctors Walk in Exeter has been welcomed as another boost for walking and cycling in the county.
As part of the latest Emergency Active Travel Fund measures, access to the route is now only permitted for pedestrians and cyclists.
This is reducing traffic for residents on Balls Farm Road, which has been a local aspiration for years, improving pedestrian and cycle access from Ide village to local schools, such as West Exe School, and workplaces in the city. New signs promoting the changes to the route have been installed on Ide Lane, Pocombe bridge and Dunsford Hill to the Twisted Oak pub.
The work is one of a number of changes that Devon County Council has now implemented to improve routes for pedestrians and cyclists in Exeter, Barnstaple and Newton Abbot by installing temporary “pop-up” measures.
These temporary installations are providing alternatives to public transport by encouraging more active travel and improving safety.
You can read the full story on our Newscentre.
 Back to basics: Hands, face and space
We are concerned about the recent rises in coronavirus (COVID-19) cases and how the infection can spread quickly, and be passed on to more vulnerable groups. It is vitally important we all remember the basics and follow the rules:
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Wash your hands regularly, for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water is not available, then use hand sanitiser.
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Wear a face covering on public transport, in shops, other enclosed areas and anywhere it is difficult to socially distance. It's easy to make your own.
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Keep a safe distance from other people outside your household (at least one metre and two metres where possible).
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If you have any symptoms of COVID-19 (a high temperature, a new or continuous cough or a change/loss in your normal sense of taste or smell) book a free test now and stay at home until you get your result.
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Self isolate if you or someone you live with has symptoms and are waiting to get tested/ for the result; if you or someone you live with tests positive or if you have been identified as a close contact of someone who has tested positive. This means don't leave your home, don't go to work, don't go shopping and don't go out for exercise.
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Follow the rules and stay up to date with the government restrictions, many of which are now legal requirements.
 When to get a COVID-19 test
Although coronavirus (COVID-19) testing capacity in Devon has increased, there's also been a big increase in demand for these tests. Coupled with some extra testing capacity being diverted to other areas in the country where infection rates are higher, it means some residents have had difficultly accessing a testing slot locally.
Remember, you only need to get a test if you have coronavirus symptoms or have been asked by a health professional to get tested. This will help make sure people who need a test can get one. You must get test if you have:
- A high temperature
- A new, continuous cough
- Loss or change in sense of smell or taste
New appointment slots are becoming available all the time, so if you have been unable to book, please try again in a few hours. Typically, appointments are released in the evening for the following morning and in the morning for that afternoon.
Visit the NHS website for more information and to book a free test.
Childcare exempt from localised restrictions
Some parts of the country currently have tighter restrictions to prevent households mixing.
That's caused difficulties for people who rely on informal carers, who provide care for children and vulnerable adults.
But only if it's consistent. One-off arrangements, such as a play date, are not exempt.
 Are you well connected?
Do you run or belong to a local Facebook group, have a lot of followers on Instagram, or are you part of a club or other network? With increasing infection rates and changing restrictions, keeping up-to-date with the latest information and advice is more important than ever.
Letting our residents and visitors know what’s happening and what they need to do to help keep everyone safe is key to preventing, identifying and controlling local outbreaks of coronavirus (COVID-19) in Devon.
Help us to spread the facts, not the fiction, and keep residents safe. When it comes to coronavirus there are many myths, misinformation, and half-truths which pose a risk to our communities. That's why we’re asking you to share our news, information, advice and guidance and be the trusted voice among your friends, colleagues, neighbours and followers.
We're endeavouring to bring it all to you via this email, so help us reach as many people as possible by sharing it with your contacts and encouraging them to sign up to receive it themselves via this link.
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