Coronavirus Doncaster: Update
Introduction
Hi, my name is Dr Rupert Suckling and I am the Director of Public Health in Doncaster.
Today, the UK COVID-19 alert level was lowered from Level 4 to Level 3. Whilst this is of course good news, it is important to remember that the pandemic is not over. We will still need to follow the guidance, keep to physical distancing and wash our hands regularly.
This week, we saw more shops start to reopen across the borough. Of course, we need to make sure we enjoy them safely. Let's all continue to keep 2 metres distance from others if we're out shopping.
Visit these links Frenchgate and Lakeside for more information about the physical distancing measures in place, hand sanitising stations and the importance of following the guidelines when shopping to help keep yourself and others as safe as possible. The council's One Stop Shop at the Civic Office has also now reopened for people who can't access our services online or by telephone. Find out more about what to expect in the article below.
If you travelling on public transport, remember that face coverings are mandatory.
Local schools welcomed more children and young people this week but we recognise that there will still be concerns. The council webpage schools information offers guidance on some of the issues that may be on your mind right now.
This week is Loneliness Awareness Week and it is now more important than ever to think about loneliness and how we can support those at risk of loneliness. Small things can make a big difference whether that's a text, voice on the end of the phone or a note popped through the letterbox, as these are ways of letting people know others are thinking of them. It's important that we don't lose the community spirit that has shone through over the last few months.
The Government is addressing loneliness by now allowing adults who live alone, or single parent with dependent children, to form a ‘support bubble’ with one other household. These are small steps that allow us to feel some sense of normality again as we gradually and safely ease our way out of lockdown.
Before I sign off, a quick reminder that there's still time to tell us how the coronavirus pandemic is affecting you and your family via our Doncaster Talks survey Find out more further down in this week's newsletter.
Dr Rupert Suckling
Director of Public Health
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One Stop Shop and birth registrations update
Council services which have been suspended or affected due to the coronavirus pandemic are gradually being re-introduced and considerable planning has gone into preparing work spaces, adapting services and ways of operating so a level of service can be offered.
The One Stop Shop at the Civic Office, Waterdale is now open again, Monday to Friday 8.30am to 5pm, for customers who are unable to access council services online or by telephone.
There are limits to the number of people inside the One Stop Shop at any one time and you will be asked to queue outside maintaining physical distancing. Prior to entering, you will need to have your temperature checked by a member of staff using a no contact forehead thermometer and you may not be able to enter if it is at the level where coronavirus symptoms are suspected. There will also be a one way system with a different entry and exit. Please be aware that there will be no access to the computers to access services on-line at this present time to ensure safety.
Birth registration appointments are now available at the One Stop Shop by appointment only - visit the Registering a birth web page to arrange an appointment.
Pictured below is one of the first dads to register the birth of his child with us this week. Baby was left at home with mum; where possible we're asking only one parent to attend.
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For other council services, please call 01302 736000 if you can’t find what you need online or for St Leger Homes enquiries call 01302 862862 or visit www.stlegerhomes.co.uk
Here are all the council services affected or suspended due to coronavirus
The NHS Test and Trace service - how it works and beware of scams
The NHS test and trace service ensures that anyone who develops symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) can quickly be tested to find out if they have the virus and helps trace recent close contacts of anyone who has tested positive. By playing your part through the actions set out below, you will directly help to contain the virus by reducing its spread.
- If you develop symptoms, you must continue to follow the rules to self-isolate with other members of your household and order a test to find out if you have coronavirus
- if you test positive for coronavirus, you must share information promptly about your recent contacts through the NHS test and trace service to help them alert other people who may need to self-isolate This webpage has information about the information you will be asked for and how information will be used
- if you have had close recent contact with someone who has coronavirus, you must self-isolate if the NHS test and trace service advises you to do so. More information is available here
Please be aware of phone scammers who are posing as NHS Test and Trace staff, saying you need a testing kit, asking for an address and £50. This is a scam. Test and Trace is free and you shouldn't be asked for cash. Staff will NEVER ask you for financial information, PINs or passwords.
Green bin collections
Green bins (garden waste) are returning and you'll soon be notified by post of your new temporary collection date. In the meantime, you can check your dates at
Bins and boxes for waste and recycling
As we're restarting on a monthly basis, some households may not have their bins collected until mid-July.
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Learning Disability Awareness Week - Friendship is just the tonic
 This week has been Learning Disability Week - the theme of the week is the importance of friendships during lockdown.
As the week draws to a close, Tracey Helliwell, Clinical Team Leader for Learning Disabilities, NHS Doncaster Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), shares what it's been like working during the coronavirus pandemic and how the team continues to support individuals with a learning disability and/or autism.
Friendship is just the tonic
Helping Doncaster’s men stay healthy – Dr David Crichton
This week is national Men’s Health Week, an important opportunity for all men to think about their health and wellbeing. The theme for this year is ‘staying safe’ with a particular focus on:
- Taking action to avoid spreading the virus – regular handwashing, observing the physical distancing rules;
- Taking action to get the best out of lockdown and the ‘new normal’ – including ideas and tips on the men’s health forum website, and
- Advice on how to beat ‘underlying conditions’ – supporting men to be as healthy as they can.
In his latest blog, Dr David Crichton, local GP and Clinical Chair, NHS Doncaster Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) says: “Men’s Health Week is a good opportunity to remind ourselves to take steps to be healthier. But you don’t have to do it alone, there are many online groups and apps that you can access for ideas and support.
“As Father’s Day approaches and we celebrate fatherhood, paternal bonds and the influence of fathers in society, it is also an opportunity to reflect on the actions we can take to improve our own health.”
Tell us how the coronavirus pandemic is affecting you and your family - survey closes midnight on Sunday 21 June
Doncaster Talks is a conversation with residents, communities and businesses across Doncaster.
Last year, Doncaster Talks gathered over 3,500 views from local people which helped to shape the council’s planning and budget for 2020/21.
Now, more than ever, it is an important time to hear from you and gather your thoughts and feelings as the council plans for the future. With this in mind, a short survey was launched to understand your views during the coronavirus pandemic. We recognise that the crisis is affecting everyone in different ways and we want to hear from as many people as possible to help shape what we do next.
It is available to access at COVID-19 survey until midnight on Sunday 21 June
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Free course on managing stress
If the answer is yes, then you may wish to book onto a free course run by Rotherham Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust (RDaSH).
The course includes six sessions delivered via YouTube, it teaches you tools to manage and reduce your symptoms and there is also a workbook for you to keep. To book onto the course or for further information, call the Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) Team on 01302 565650. Visit iapt.rdash.nhs.uk
10,000 cake slices in 12 weeks for Doncaster key workers - well done Lynsey!
A few weeks ago, we featured an article about local cakemaker Lynsey Chambers from Sprotbrough, who during lockdown was busy baking delicious treats for key workers across Doncaster.
Over 12 weeks of lockdown, Lynsey baked an impressive 10,000 pieces of cake!
Lynsey received donations to help buy the ingredients but now has some money leftover. She is going to kindly donate the £320 to Kev’s Wheels appeal
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Public transport updates
If you travel by public transport, keep informed of the latest updates by visiting the South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive (SYPTE) website. New timetables will be added to travelsouthyorkshire.com/servicechanges on Saturday 20 June.
Sharing is caring
Don’t forget to share the messages in this newsletter with people who may not be online, whilst following government guidance on physical distancing.
And finally…
Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals Trust launch Rainbow Garden appeal
Staff at Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals (DBTH) Trust have launched a fundraising appeal to develop memorial Rainbow Gardens at Doncaster Royal Infirmary (DRI) and Bassetlaw Hospital sites.
Colleagues from across the Trust suggested that gardens be created in memory of the local people who have sadly lost their life to the virus, including their beloved colleagues Kevin Smith and Dr Medhat Atalla.
To support the Rainbow Garden’s appeal, you can donate on the Just Giving Page Rainbow Garden's appeal or contact the fundraising team on 01302 644244.
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