21 January 2021
In this update:
“The steep rise in Covid cases we have seen since Christmas now looks like it’s beginning to level off in Devon and our numbers are stabilising,” he says.
“That is down to each and every person sticking to the spirit of the lockdown rules as much as they can to break the chain of transmission.
“Most people across Devon have responded really well yet again and I can only thank and applaud them as I know how difficult and dark a time this is for many.
“But even though the tide looks like it might be beginning to turn I encourage everyone to keep it up, stay focused and to each do our bit for a little while longer."
Every GP practice in Devon offering appointments to eligible patients as four more centres open their doors
Patients in priority groups have been contacted to book appointments at new centres starting at:
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Culm Valley Integrated Centre for Health, Cullompton
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Lords Meadow Leisure Centre, Crediton
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Sherborne House, Newton Abbot
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St Thomas Health Centre, Exeter
Culm Valley began seeing patients last Friday (15 January) while the other three started appointments the next day.
Patients are being reminded not to contact their practice about a vaccination but to wait until they are called.
GP practices are working in groups to set up the local vaccination centres, with the four new sites bringing the total across Devon to 20 centres, serving all the county’s surgeries.
New codeword scheme launched to help combat domestic abuse
Victims of domestic abuse can now access much-needed support from pharmacies across the country through the new Home Office 'Ask for ANI' scheme. ‘ANI’ stands for Action Needed Immediately but also phonetically sounds like the name Annie.
If a pharmacy has the ‘Ask for ANI’ logo displayed, it means they’re ready to help. Anyone who is experiencing domestic abuse and needs immediate help can ask for ‘ANI’ and the pharmacy will offer a private space, provide a phone and ask if you need support from the police or other domestic abuse support services.
 Every Mind Matters: Make inside feel better
It is always important to look after your mental health and wellbeing but with current lockdown restrictions meaning we are spending more time at home and away from friends and family, it's now more important than ever.
The NHS Every Mind Matters website provides expert advice, practical tips and information about how to look after your mental health and wellbeing and 'make inside feel better'.
Their coronavirus wellbeing advice is designed to help anyone who might be feeling more anxious or worried at the moment and covers topics such as coping with loneliness, coping with uncertainty and change and looking after your mental health whilst staying at home.
They are also offering access to a free NHS Mind Plan which will provide you with useful tips about how to deal with stress and anxiety, improve sleep and boost your mood.
 Lifeline library services resume
Research shows that reading can reduce stress, boost your mood and alleviate feelings of isolation. In line with Government guidance, Libraries Unlimited, the charity that runs all of Devon's libraries, is now able to offer lifeline services to benefit the community during lockdown.
Library services available include:
- Choose and Collect
- Books to support families with home learning
- Bookable computer sessions for essential access
These are offered by appointment only and customers are advised to contact their local library via email or phone to book based on local availability. The Digital Library Download and stream service is also available for access to thousands of titles and online events.
For more information visit the Libraries Unlimited website or contact your local library for more information.
 Please act responsibly when using public rights of way
With more people using Devon’s beautiful public rights of way and multi-use trails for their daily exercise during lockdown, we have received anecdotal evidence of increasing complaints about livestock being disturbed by dogs.
We are asking you to please make sure you follow the current Government advice on exercising outdoors and social distancing, and are considerate to farmers and residents where rights of way pass close to, or through, residential or agricultural properties.
 Aerial view over Exeter Airport and adjacent AirPark, a new Exeter and East Devon Enterprise Zone site (c) Still Imaging
Road improvement works start at Exeter Airport Long Lane to boost economic recovery
Work has started on road improvements for enhanced access at Exeter Airport via Long Lane.
The new access will help to boost economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, support new employment and provide opportunities for clean and inclusive growth. The enhancements to Long Lane will unlock development of the new 19 acre AirPark site in the Exeter and East Devon Enterprise Zone which is expected to create around 1,000 jobs.
Valued at £3.7 million, the scheme will also facilitate a bus loop and cycleway and will improve access to Exeter Airport, a major gateway to the region.
And finally...
This week, Adopt South West shared a poem called 'They say the world is closed today', which was sent to them by a mum of two young adopted children, in the hope that it helps lift people's spirits during this current lockdown.
We love that this poem is spreading such a positive message, despite the tough times that everyone is experiencing at the moment.
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