Friday 6 August 2021
Public: coronavirus (COVID-19) advice for Devon on our website
Please pass this onto district, borough, parish and town councillors as appropriate. The bulletin can be shared as a link by clicking the 'View it as a Web page' link at the top. Find previous bulletins on our web page.
Do it for Devon
Stick with us and keep following the guidance to keep everyone safe and well.
We need the support of local residents and visitors to keep Devon safe. While cases are high and rising, everybody needs to continue to act carefully and remain cautious. This is why the government is keeping key protections in place
#RespectProtectEnjoy #DoItForDevon
Devon's claim to date that case rates in the county are below the England national average is no longer possible.
The latest data shows that Devon's weekly case rate average is now is above the national average for the first time since the beginning of the pandemic.
And Exeter's case rate in particular is among the country's highest.
Cases are predominantly in children and younger adults, with the highest case rates in those aged 16 to 24 year olds.
"A lot of it is to be expected, with the gradual lifting of restrictions that we’ve seen over several months, and people having more opportunities to mix socially,”
says Devon’s Deputy Director of Public Health, Tina Henry.
“A similar pattern is currently seen in many other cities like Exeter with a younger population profile.
“But we’re not seeing that follow through to hospitalisations, although hospitals are very busy right now. That’s largely thanks to the vaccine, which is why it’s so important to take both vaccinations when they’re offered to you.
"We’re now appealing especially to the younger adults to make sure that they get double vaccinated.”
We can also all do our bit to protect ourselves, families and neighbours, by:
- Limiting our social contacts to stop the virus spreading
- Meeting others outside, because that’s safer than meeting inside
- Continuing to wear face coverings when indoors in public places
- Washing your hands properly and regularly
- Having the jab if you are an adult and haven’t yet had it. Please have both doses as soon as you can
- Self-isolating if told to do so by NHS Test and Trace
- Self-isolating and arranging a PCR test if you show any symptoms of having the virus – the high temperature, new and continuous cough, or change of your usual sense of taste or smell
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CCG Members' briefing - coronavirus vaccination in Devon
Please see below for the latest coronavirus vaccination briefing for Members from NHS Devon, Devon’s Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG):
You can view current and previous copies on the Provider Engagement Network (PEN) website.
Report on the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic highlights positive signs of recovery
While the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic has been more widespread across Devon than previous recessions, there are positive signs of recovery.
Our economy shrank by nearly 10 per cent last year, in line with the UK average. But research we've commissioned shows that economic output and unemployment is expected to recover by next year.
That recovery is likely to be slower in all of Devon's district areas outside of Exeter, particularly in Mid and West Devon.
But today's economic report shows many positive signs of recovery, including a strong bounce-back in recruitment; millions of pounds of investment and job creation; falling unemployment; above UK's average footfall for South West retail; and our multi-million pound recovery programme supporting small and medium sized enterprises, employment and skills, the green recovery and the hardest hit towns and communities.
Read the highlights on our News Centre.
Team Devon set to bid for more devolved powers for the county
Council leaders across Devon say they want to take advantage of a government offer to devolve more powers from London. They are planning to build on the close working relationship they developed in Team Devon as they responded to the challenges of COVID-19.
Team Devon saw Devon County Council coming together with district, town and parish councils to respond swiftly to all the extra needs and requirements of residents during the pandemic. Now, Team Devon leaders have agreed to develop a bid to Government for devolved powers.
Devon County Council Leader John Hart, who chairs Team Devon, said:
“I believe we have delivered for Devon during the pandemic and used the additional money that was available effectively and efficiently on behalf of our residents.
“Our regular meetings of council leaders and chief executives from the county and all the districts – along with town and parish representatives – brought us closer together and the trust we built up meant that we could act swiftly and decisively.
“We want to build on that cooperation and trust in a Deal for Devon.
“It would require the government to support us to do the very best we can for Devon and its residents and businesses as we drive the recovery, tackle climate change, boost skills, improve our infrastructure and connectivity and confront the very real problems we have to face such as the shortage of affordable housing.
“We believe Team Devon is ideally placed to negotiate a Deal for Devon with the government. So we’ve asked our officers to start preparing proposals that we can discuss with Ministers and Whitehall over the summer so that we can be at the head of the queue when the Levelling-Up White Paper is published.”
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Furlough rules have now changed for employers
The government's Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, known as furlough, changed on Sunday 1 August 2021.
Under the scheme, employees receive 80 per cent of their current salary, capped at £2,500 a month.
Since the beginning of July, employers have been asked to contribute 10 per cent towards the wages of furloughed workers for hours their staff do not work. But from Sunday 1 August, and throughout August and September, employers will have to pay 20 per cent of the employees’ wages, and the government will pay 60 per cent of wages, to a maximum of £1,875.
For more information, please visit the government's website.
 Keep up with COVID-19 testing this summer
It's summertime (at last!), and the livin' might seem easy now most legal COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted, but please don't make the mistake of thinking the pandemic is over.
Coronavirus will be a feature of our lives for the foreseeable future, so we need to learn to live with it. Regularly testing yourself to check if you have COVID-19, and self-isolating if you do have it so you don't unknowingly infect someone else, is a vital part of controlling the virus.
If you do not have COVID-19 symptoms then you are encouraged to take a simple rapid lateral flow device (LFD) test at least twice a week, particularly when meeting with people you don't live with – and get the results within 30 minutes.
If you do have symptoms of coronavirus, no matter how mild, get a PCR test as soon as possible and self isolate with your household until you get the results.
You can find out more about how to access COVID-19 testing in Devon on our website.
 Campaign launched to help people get healthy this summer
A survey of over 5,000 adults has revealed that the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted people’s eating and physical activity habits, with over 41 per cent of people in England saying that they have put on weight since the first lockdown in March 2020.
Public Health England has launched the latest Better Health campaign to encourage adults across the nation to lose excess weight, eat more healthily and get active this summer.
The NHS Better Health website offers free evidence-based support and guidance to those working towards a healthier weight and encourages them to introduce changes that will help them eat better and get active.
There's also a range of NHS apps you can download, including the updated 12 week weight loss plan, couch to 5k, drink-free days, easy meals and food scanner.
Visit the NHS Better Health website for free tools and support to start leading a healthier lifestyle today.
Children less likely to experience long-term COVID-19 symptoms
Children are less likely to experience long-term symptoms of coronavirus, according to a recent study published in The Lancet Child and Adolescent Health journal.
It looked at 1,734 children aged between five and 17 who had tested positive for coronavirus between September 2020 and February 2021.
Fewer than one in 20 experienced symptoms for four weeks or more, and just one in 50 had symptoms lasting more than eight weeks. Children aged between 12 to 17 took about a week to recover, while in younger children the illness lasted about five days. The most common symptoms were headaches and tiredness, sore throat and loss of smell.
The study also looked at children with symptoms of coronavirus, but who had tested negative. Fewer than one in 100 children had symptoms lasting 28 days.
Could you offer a child their forever home?
Across Devon, Plymouth, Somerset and Torbay there are 93 children waiting for adoption.
Adopt South West needs more people to adopt brothers and sisters, older children and children with additional needs.
Could you offer a child their forever home?
If you would like to learn more about adoption there are online information events taking place throughout August and September.
The next adoption information event is Tuesday 17 August at 5.30pm to 7.30pm.
During the online session you'll learn more about the adoption process and the different options available to you. You'll also have the opportunity to hear from a local adopter about their experience and talk to an adoption social worker to find out more about the application process.
To find out more and to begin your adoption journey visit www.adoptsouthwest.org.uk
Carers UK urge unpaid carers to make sure they're vaccinated
Helen Walker, Chief Executive of Carers UK, is urging all carers - people who are looking after family members or friends - to make sure they're double vaccinated.
"Hundreds and thousands of unpaid carers have now received their COVID-19 vaccine, a hugely important step in protecting themselves and the people they care for from coronavirus,” she says.
"Those who are vaccinated are less likely to get seriously ill or die from COVID-19. They're also less likely to pass the virus on to others.
"So it's especially important to take up the vaccine if you're an unpaid carer to protect yourself and the people you care for.
"So please join the millions of people who've had their double jab and stand together against COVID-19."
If you are an unpaid carer, aged over 18 and you haven't received your vaccine yet, you can book an appointment at a time and a place convenient to you through the national booking service online or by ringing 119.
You could also be vaccinated at one of hundreds of walk-in centres across the country without the need to book in advance.
 Don't be a selfish parker
With coronavirus restrictions easing we are now able to venture further from home and residents and visitors are enjoying more of Devon's beautiful beaches and countryside.
As popular beauty spots get busier, selfish and anti-social parking becomes a major frustration, so drivers are being asked to be kind and respect each other and make sure they park responsibly.
This includes not leaving vehicles obstructing pavements or blocking driveways, taking up more than one space or using designated bays they are not eligible to use. Most importantly drivers should be careful not to block access for emergency vehicles.
Our civil enforcement officers work hard to keep our roads and streets clear and safe for everyone to use. They ensure that local roads are kept clear so traffic can flow, ensure that on-street parking is not abused so there's space to park and that communities are not blighted by illegal parking.
Make walking and cycling your first choice for shorter journeys
Many of the temporary 'pop-up' measures introduced last year to support walking and cycling during the coronavirus pandemic lockdown are now being made permanent.
Exeter, Sidmouth and Newton Abbot have all seen active travel measures made permanent, creating safer environments for pedestrians, cyclists and residents.
We've spent over £25 million in walking and cycling projects across Devon in the last few years, and extending the county's extensive leisure trail network to help make Devon the place to be naturally active.
The Department for Transport has launched a 'Summer of Cycling and Walking' campaign, aiming to make cycling and walking the natural first choice for short journeys, and to inspire the nation to take up and enjoy the benefits of active travel as lockdown restrictions ease.
Improving your financial fitness
Have you got money worries because of coronavirus? If so, you’re not alone. An estimated 20 million adults have seen their financial situation worsen significantly as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, according to the Financial Conduct Authority, which regulates the banking sector.
The Couch to Financial Fitness project is inspired by the popular Couch to 5K physical improvement programme. It guides people through three simple activities a week over four weeks, to help them understand money basics, followed by a five-week extension to strengthen financial habits.
It is now available to everyone via the recently-launched MoneyHelper website, part of the government-backed Money and Pensions Service.
 Can you help promote the Tour of Britain Devon Stage?
The Tour of Britain is the UK’s leading professional cycling race and the biggest free to watch spectator event in the country.
Devon will host Stage Two of the 2021 Tour of Britain on Monday 6 September with a 185 kilometre (115 mile) route between Sherford and Exeter.
Hosting the Tour of Britain provides an amazing opportunity to engage with communities, reach new audiences and introduce a variety of people to cycling.
We would be very grateful if you can help promote the race by sharing information with your partners and reaching out to your local communities and encourage them to get involved. This toolkit contains a number of downloadable resources, which can be shared digitally or physically. You could help by posting the social media messages included in the toolkit on your social media channels, or sharing information via any newsletters you may produce. We have also included artwork that you can print and display.
If you’re able to help promote the race, and / or you know of anyone else that may also be willing to get involved and help, please let us know.
 Chris Cranston is retiring after keeping Devon safe and moving for almost 30 years
Our Network Operations Manager, Chris Cranston, is retiring after almost 30 years with Devon County Council.
He’s familiar to residents, often seen and heard across the air waves, from national BBC News at Ten to Devon’s local TV and radio stations, providing a reassuring presence with his years of experience in helping to keep the county moving come wind, rain, snow and all manner of weather in between, 365 days of the year.
Members' Area
Don't forget your new Members' Area - SharePoint site is your one-stop-shop to access resources to aid you in your role as a Devon County Councillor. Key documents from the Council's various service areas, including induction resources, are posted in the Document library, and the Who's who? highlights the best person for you to contact for an efficient resolution.
By pulling together across the Council, with our partners and our communities, we are doing everything we can to help us all through this incredibly difficult time. Thank you to you and your community and stay safe and well.
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