Friday 9 July 2021
 Across Devon, nearly 1,200 positive cases of coronavirus were reported last week, a rate of 149.2 per 100,000 of the population, which is still below the national average of 263.8. We are currently seeing higher case rates in younger working age and younger school age people, who are our unvaccinated groups.
In this update:
- Please watch the Euro 2020 final safely
- What does Boris mean by 'personally responsible'?
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Confused by the difference between LFD and PCR tests?
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Freedom Day could be anything but for many
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Multimillion pound drive to combat holiday hunger in Devon as number of children eligible for free school meals soars to highest on record
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Local NHS is under severe pressure
Special edition
Earlier this week we sent you a special edition of this bulletin to explain what's likely to change on Monday 19 July and encourage you to be careful.
If you missed it, you can catch up via the online version.
 Please watch the Euro 2020 final safely
We're being warned that England's Euro 2020 final against Italy on Sunday will potentially cause a substantial spike in COVID-19 cases as supporters gather to watch the historic match.
Data from the REACT study, which looks at how the virus is spreading across the country, suggests England's progress in the tournament so far could be the reason why infections are rising faster among men than women. Researchers from Imperial College London tested 47,000 volunteers across England between 24 June and 5 July, and confirmed a substantial third wave of infections, with men 30 per cent more likely than the women to test positive for coronavirus. This could be because in the past two weeks they are watching football together and socialising more than usual.
So with fans watching in pubs, on the streets and at home, as well as at Wembley Stadium, please remember the COVID-19 guidance and rules remain in place to help stop the spread.
 In England, only up to six people from six households or two households of any size can meet indoors
Up to 30 people can meet outside, including in a pub garden, but check if the place you're visiting has any restrictions due to the size of their outside space
Follow the rules if you're inviting people back to your place to watch the game too. And remember the risk of catching or spreading coronavirus is greatly reduced with fresh air, so meet outside or open windows and doors if you're inside.
Use personal judgement when it comes to hugging close friends. Public Health advice is to err on the side of caution and be careful, even when England score!
Before meeting people you don't live with, take a rapid lateral flow device (LFD) test to check you're not carrying the virus unknowingly. If you test positive, self isolate and get a PCR test as soon as possible.
Visit our news website for more advice about enjoying Euro 2020 safely.
What does Boris mean by 'personal responsibility’?
The Prime Minister has signalled a very clear move away from coronavirus restrictions being the law, and instead indicated that people must be personally responsible for their behaviours and actions in order to reduce the spread of coronavirus.
Nationally, Ministers and Chief Medical Officer Professor Chris Whitty, have been describing what 'personal responsibility' means to them. We asked Steve Brown, Director of Public Health Devon. He says:
"The goalposts may have moved with the intended lifting of restrictions, but our responsibility as members of our family, friends and society have not changed. Please choose to do the right thing for ourselves and others."
But what is personal or social responsibility, and how do I show it?
Personal responsibility is about doing the right thing. It’s about respecting others around us, and behaving in ways that protect them and ourselves from the risk of COVID-19. In this context, an airborne virus like coronavirus, that spreads easily when people are close to one another, it's really simple:
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try to keep your distance from others in public spaces
- wear a face covering when indoors in public places where there are other people, for example, on public transport and in shops
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wash your hands properly and regularly
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meet up outside rather than indoors, and if meeting indoors make sure there's plenty of fresh air
- stay at home if you're unwell and if you have any symptoms of COVID-19 take a PCR test and stay at home until you get your results
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understand that lots of people will be very anxious with the removal of restrictions and uncomfortable about going out. Look out for them and help them.
Confused by the difference between LFD and PCR tests?
We’re still hearing that people with symptoms of coronavirus are using lateral flow device (LFD) tests to find out whether they have the virus. If that’s you, you’re using the wrong test! That test is for people who have no symptoms to use regularly to quickly check if they have the virus without realising.
Steve Brown, Director of Public Health Devon, explains:
"Lateral flow device tests are for people who do not show any symptoms of having coronavirus.
"If you have any coronavirus symptoms, you must self-isolate immediately and arrange a free PCR test. These are the tests that are sent to a laboratory to be analysed. PCR test results are sequenced in labs to pick up variants of concern, which is why it’s important to have a PCR test if you have symptoms. You will get your result within a few days. You can book PCR tests online, or by phoning 119.
"While waiting for your result, you and anyone you live with must still self-isolate. Self-isolating is a vital step in preventing the spread of coronavirus and it’s essential that we strictly follow that rule."
If you test negative with a PCR test, you would not need to continue self-isolating unless there are other reasons to do so, for example because you live with someone else who is waiting for their PCR test results or has tested positive or you’ve been told to self-isolate because you’ve been identified as a close contact with someone else who has tested positive.
If you do not show symptoms, please routinely use the LFD tests to find out whether you are likely to be carrying the virus, unknowingly. One in three people with the virus do not show symptoms, so the LFD tests are an important part of identifying those with the virus to help stop it spreading. To find out more about COVID-19 testing in Devon, including where to get tests, please visit our website.
 'Freedom Day' could be anything but for many
It's been dubbed 'Freedom Day' - Monday 19 July, when the COVID-19 restrictions will lift and it's no longer compulsory to wear masks or socially distance.
But for many people, regardless of their age, the prospect of it fills them with dread. Fear that they might catch coronavirus when they’re out of the house, or fear quite simply because we've all become used to our personal space and are quite comfortable with it.
It's difficult to put your finger on it, especially when anxiety can manifest itself in different ways such as irritability, lack of sleep, tearfulness, as well as physical symptoms like stomach problems and headaches.
But it's a real thing - plenty of people are worried and anxious about the rules changing on Monday 19 July. And that worry and anxiety is not good for you, especially if it stops you from leading your pre-coronavirus life.
What to do? We read an interesting article in Glamour Magazine this month about this issue. It's well worth the read. They spoke to an expert in social anxiety at the University of Kent's School of Psychology. Her coping strategies include:
- understanding what you are actually ready to do
- speaking to your loved ones honestly about how you feel.
- trying not to feel any pressure to rush - take your time and take small steps
- knowing that you are not on your own as lots of people are feeling the same
The Mind website also has helpful advice about managing your feelings about lockdown easing.
Wherever we are on this spectrum - with fear at one end and delight at the prospect of restrictions ending at the other - know this - most people are pretty good at looking out for each other. And we’ve a tendency to help others in need, most of the time. So in the coming weeks and months, know that others around you may not be feeling ‘free’ or uplifted or optimistic, and help them come through it. Chatting to each other about this will help too!
 Multimillion pound drive to combat holiday hunger in Devon as number of children eligible for free school meals soars to highest on record
More families in Devon are eligible for free school meals for their children than ever before, with numbers soaring during the coronavirus pandemic to the highest levels on record.
Over the past year, we've invested nearly £3.1 million in providing over 82,000 supermarket vouchers for families who qualify for free school meals so their children don’t go hungry over the school holidays. That scheme is operating again over the summer, with vouchers worth £15 per child per week of the holiday being sent to families to help them buy food to replace the meals their child would have received at school during term-time. More information about the free school meals holiday voucher scheme is available on our website.
We've also received almost £1.7 million to deliver the Department for Education’s Holiday Activities and Food programme to provide a wide range of activities and nutritious food for children and young people over the holidays, free to children aged from five to 16 who receive benefit related free school meals.
The children who take part will enjoy fun and enriching activities, such as sports, arts and crafts, drama, cooking and circus skills, in a safe and sociable environment and have the opportunity to develop new skills or knowledge and try out new experiences, make friends and have fun. At least one meal per day will be included and the children will improve their knowledge and awareness of healthy eating. There's more information about the Holiday Activities and Food programme on our website.
Many families in Devon have seen their financial circumstances change due to the coronavirus pandemic. 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 support as soon as possible. It's the quickest and easiest way for your eligibility to be assessed and you will get an instant decision. You can also call 0345 155 1019.
 COVID-19 vaccinations – where can I get one?
More than seven million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been delivered across the South West region.
Dr Michael Marsh, NHS England and NHS Improvement South West Medical Director, said:
“With the summer months upon us it’s imperative everyone accesses their free vaccination. A huge amount of work has taken place in the South West to ensure you can access yours easily at vaccination centres, pharmacies, your GP and walk in centres.
“If you’re over 18 years old you’re entitled to it and we urge you to come forward as soon as possible and get it done. It’s the only way to ensure you, your loved and our communities are protected.”
You can book a vaccination appointment today, using the online booking system, calling NHS 119 or attending a walk-in clinic.
Details of pharmacies and other vaccination sites offering walk-in COVID-19 vaccinations are online. They include these drop-ins:
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Exeter Vaccination Centre, Greendale - every day from 8.30am to 7.00pm for all cohorts, all doses, both AstraZeneca and Pfizer (2nd dose at 8 weeks from 1st dose)
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Exeter Cathedral - Saturday 10 July from 11.00am to 6.00pm for Pfizer 1st and 2nd doses (2nd dose at 8 weeks from 1st dose)
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Exeter Quayside, Piazza Terracina - Sunday 11 July from 11.00am to 6.00pm for Pfizer 1st and 2nd doses (2nd dose at 8 weeks from 1st dose)
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Barnstaple Leisure Centre - Sunday 11 July from 8.30am to 5.00pm for Pfizer 1st or 2nd doses (2nd dose at 8 weeks from 1st dose)
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Follaton House, Totnes - Saturday 10 July from 9.00am to 1.00pm for Pfizer 1st and 2nd doses (2nd dose at 8 weeks from 1st dose)
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Buckfastleigh Medical Centre - Thursday 15 July from 3.00pm to 7.00pm for Pfizer 1st and 2nd doses (2nd dose at 8 weeks from 1st dose)
You can find out more about the COVID-19 vaccine on the NHS website.
 New funding to help Devon economy build back better and encourage the green sector
We've launched a new Natural Capital Challenge Fund to help the Devon economy to build back better and encourage the green sector in the county.
With two coastlines, two national parks and five Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), Devon’s environment is a key asset and the pilot funding scheme will aim to capitalise on this to develop the county’s green economy aspirations.
A total funding pot of £300,000 is available to provide one off grants of up to £50,000 to support Devon-based businesses, social enterprises, charities, and community groups to create employment and training opportunities with initiatives such as improvements to biodiversity, tree planting, sustainable use of materials, reducing emissions, and increasing protection from flooding.
The funding scheme will also contribute towards the response to the Climate Emergency to help reduce carbon emissions in Devon to net zero by 2050. The project itself will provide the potential to save an estimated 3,000 tonnes of carbon, and restoration or recovery of 50 hectares of habitat.
Applications must be submitted by 5.00pm on Friday 20 August and funding must be spent by the end of March 2023. For more information and to download the application pack please visit our website.
 Local NHS is under severe pressure
People in Devon are being urged to only go to their local emergency department in immediately life-threatening cases.
The NHS in Devon is under severe pressure at the moment, meaning GP surgeries, hospitals, community health services, mental health services and social care are all extremely busy. High numbers of emergency attendances, combined with the need for some health and care staff, or their children, to self-isolate and the impact of COVID-19 admissions are affecting services.
Here’s what you can do to help – choose the right service for your needs, and if it’s not urgent, please be patient and wait to be seen in the right place.
Before contacting your GP, you can look up your symptoms online using the NHS App, the NHS website or 111 online and there may be steps you can take to help yourself before needing to contact a healthcare professional. Parents can download the Handiapp for information on childhood illnesses.
Don’t forget your local pharmacist can provide health advice and help with minor illnesses like colds, rashes, sunburn, hay fever and diarrhoea. You don’t need an appointment and they can even provide you with the right medicines at the same time.
NHS 111 service is available 24/7 to provide advice, treatment and care. Just ring 111 or visit 111.nhs.uk and the service will provide advice and refer you to another service if you need it. If you need to be seen in person, they can book you a time slot.
There is a network of minor injury units in Devon who can provide the treatment you need – often they’ll see you quicker, and closer to home.
24/7 mental health lines are available in Devon and Torbay on 0808 196 8708 and Plymouth on 0800 923 9323.
 Watch NHS Devon's webinar about vaccines and pregnancy
Last week the NHS in Devon hosted a free live webinar for anyone to attend who wanted to know more about the COVID-19 vaccine in relation to fertility, pregnancy or breastfeeding.
The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisations (JCVI) has advised that pregnant and breastfeeding women should be offered COVID-19 vaccines in line with the rest of the population. So far tens of thousands of women have been vaccinated, mainly with Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, and the government says no safety concerns have been identified.
Women and families from across Devon joined the webinar to hear from the expert panel and ask questions. A recording was made of the webinar for people who were unable to make the live event. You can watch it on the NHS Devon Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) YouTube channel.
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