Friday 4 December 2020
In this update:
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Total COVID-19 cases are falling in Devon, but rising among the over 80s
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Million pound boost to alleviate Christmas holiday hunger
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Do you help someone who couldn't manage on their own, or know someone who does?
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Devon under Tier 2, High Alert restrictions
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New £3.45m programme to boost skills of care and health workers
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Contacting 111 first will get you the right treatment more quickly
 Total COVID-19 cases falling in Devon, but rising among the over 80s
Positive coronavirus cases are continuing to fall across Devon. They’ve fallen by a third, since the peak of the virus two weeks ago. Cases are slightly higher in East and Mid Devon, but the overall fall is in line with the national trend.
But while cases have fallen in most age groups, they’ve risen in people aged over 80 years old.
Steve Brown, Director of Public Health Devon (Designate), said:
“While it’s really good news that overall cases are falling, the continued rise in cases in the over 80s is still a concern for us. It is therefore absolutely vital that we do our bit to continue to drive down rates in Devon.
"Please follow the Tier 2 guidance. Do not meet up indoors with anyone who is not in your household or in your bubble. And please remember at all times, keep your distance, wear your face coverings when you’re indoors in a public space, and please wash your hands regularly.”
Million pound boost to alleviate Christmas holiday hunger
The vouchers can be redeemed in major supermarkets across Devon, and arrangements are being put in place for families who cannot get to a supermarket.
It’s part of a £1 million programme we've organised to alleviate holiday hunger over Christmas. Another £1 million will be spent in the New Year to cover half-term and the Easter holidays.
If your child currently receives free school meals, please look out for an email or letter from us next week with details of how to access your vouchers.
If you didn’t previously qualify for free school meals but your income has recently reduced or stopped, please apply online through our website to check if you are eligible for this support as soon as possible. This is the quickest and easiest way for your eligibility to be assessed and you will get an instant decision. Alternatively, contact our education helpline on 0345 155 1019.
 Do you help someone who couldn't manage on their own, or know someone who does?
The number of people caring for loved ones in Devon is predicted to have risen to over 130,000 as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
But worryingly only 20,000 of those are accessing the vital support available to them through Devon Carers, to help maintain their own health and wellbeing.
The charity, which we commission with NHS Devon, provides information, advice and support for people who care for others, whether they are looking after an elderly, sick or disabled relative all or some of the time, or just providing a few hours a week emotional support for a friend with a learning difficulty or mental health problem – they are there to help you do it safely, confidently and effectively.
However, between April and June 2020 half as many people approached Devon Carers than usual. So, at a time when more people than ever are having to take on caring responsibilities and with little or no time to look after themselves, Devon Carers is urgently reaching out to help and encourage people to get in touch.
If you help someone who couldn’t manage on their own, or know someone who does, get in touch. Support is available for carers at devoncarers.org.uk/support or call 01392 307720
 Devon under Tier 2, High Alert restrictions
With confirmation this week of an approved vaccine, we might feel that we can relax. We can't. Scientific and public health experts abound are emphasising the fact that we must not allow complacency to settle and for us to drop our guard. It will be several months yet before everyone in ‘at risk’ priority groups receive their vaccinations, before targeting the rest of the population.
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you must not socialise with anyone who you do not live with, or who is not in your support bubble, indoors, anywhere.
- when outdoors, you must not socialise in a group of more than six people.
Many shops and venues are now open again, but please continue to observe the national guidance around social distancing, wearing face coverings, and washing or sanitising your hands regularly when visiting shops or other venues.
Steve Brown, Director of Public Health Devon (Designate) said:
“I ask us to remember why we’re doing this. We’ve been living with COVID-19 for too long, and people frankly are tired of it all. With Christmas around the corner and news confirming the first approved vaccine, it’s too easy to forget what we’re doing and why.
“But we mustn’t. The vaccine, while excellent news, will not be ready to roll out to the bulk of the general public until late Spring, is my guess. Sooner of course to key priority groups. But it’s some way off to most of us, which is why we need to be vigilant, and why the restrictions in Tier 2 are vitally important. These restrictions are how we stop the virus from spreading."
What about travel in the region?
With many residents travelling between Devon, Torbay, Plymouth and Cornwall on a daily basis for work, the school run, or for leisure, it's important for everyone to understand how the tier system works.
Devon, Torbay and Plymouth are in Tier 2. Cornwall, where restrictions are a little lighter, is in Tier 1.
Put simply, the rules follow you down the tiers, but not up. So, if you live in Tier 2 and travel to Tier 1, you must stick to Tier 2 rules. But if you live in Tier 1 and travel to Tier 2, you must follow Tier 2 rules. Those living in Tier 3 should avoid travel altogether unless the journey is essential.
 New £3.45m programme to boost skills of care and health workers
"Since the pandemic started in March, social care and health care staff have been working around the clock to protect and support the most vulnerable in our county," said Cllr Andrew Leadbetter, our Cabinet Member responsible for adult health and social care, this week.
Over three years, the programme will look to support over 1,200 people with courses, education and training programmes, from entry level through to foundation degree. It will help health and care staff to access higher level jobs in areas such as social work or nursing.
It will also support older applicants, those with disabilities, applicants from minority backgrounds, those not in education, employment or training, and those in single adult households with dependent children to enter the profession.
Cllr Leadbetter said: "People's personal circumstances are different - some may have a disability, have no qualifications, be an older applicant or have childcare responsibilities. Many applicants may think these are barriers to entering the profession. We can help."
Are you getting enough Vitamin D?
During the autumn and winter months, everyone is advised to take a vitamin D supplement every day to support general health and in particular for bone and muscle health.
This advice is particularly important for people who have been shielding this year due to COVID-19, or who are living in care homes, because they are most likely to have been indoors and so may not have been able to obtain enough natural vitamin D from sunlight.
 Contacting 111 first will get you the right treatment more quickly
The aim is to ensure that people get the right care and attention they need at the right place and reduce waiting times.
People are being urged to contact 111 first to get expert advice about which service to use and when. The service has been in place since 2013, but now those contacting 111 who need emergency medical care from a hospital Emergency Department (also known as A&E) will be given direct access to the department.
If the issue would be better dealt with in a Minor Injury Unit, GP surgery or other urgent care site, patients will be able to be booked in directly. These improvements will ensure that people get to the right place for treatment quickly and should reduce waiting times.
The approach, being rolled out across the country, will not only treat patients more quickly, but it will also reduce unnecessary visits to some of the region’s busiest healthcare facilities – taking pressure off local services and ensuring social distancing measures are applied.
Arrangements have not changed for people with serious or life-threatening illnesses or injuries. Please continue to dial 999, as before.
To contact 111 – just call 111, or click: 111.nhs.uk
Free flu vaccines for 50-64 year olds
If you are aged 50 to 64 years old (including those who turn 50 by 31 March 2021) then during either December or January, you will be invited to attend your GP surgery for the vaccine or you may contact any pharmacy offering NHS flu vaccinations.
Please don't contact your GP in advance. If you're eligible, your practice will contact you and offer you an appointment.
However, if you are aged 50-64 and in an at-risk group, you should not delay having your flu vaccine.
 New national testing facility available in Exeter
The new testing facility is situated on the University of Exeter St Lukes Campus on Magdalen Road. Tests are available to anyone displaying COVID-19 symptoms and appointments can be booked via the government's website.
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