Coronavirus Doncaster: Update
Introduction
Hi, my name is Dr Rupert Suckling and I am the Director of Public Health in Doncaster.
First of all, I would like to thank you for your ongoing hard work and commitment in helping to keep Doncaster's infection rate down. Our infection rate is still low and is just above 3 infections per 100,000 people.
By following the advice and guidance of regularly handwashing, keeping your distance and wearing face coverings as the basics, as well as following other guidance, Doncaster is faring well in keeping the rate down.
Remember, if you think you have any symptoms of Coronavirus it’s vital you self-isolate (along with the rest of your household) and book a test for yourself as soon as possible.
Find further information and data on local Coronavirus cases here.
This week saw a return to school for a lot of our children and young people. I know how incredibly hard schools, and everyone involved in education, have been working to make them as safe a learning environment as possible. I hope the return to school has been a good one and students thrive being back.
Finally, you may be aware that Doncaster has been chosen by the Government to pilot a return of crowds to elite sporting events via the St Leger Festival next week at the racecourse. Whilst this may be welcome news for some people, I am also aware that this is a cause of concern for others. You can read the Public Health perspective on this below.
Watch my latest video update here.
Dr Rupert Suckling
Director of Public Health
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St Leger Festival Update
Doncaster has been chosen by the Government as one of the elite pilot events to introduce spectators back to sports fixtures. This will take place across the St Leger Festival next week, from Wednesday 9 September to Saturday 12 September, at the racecourse.
Additional reassurances are now in place to help reduce the risk of this causing an increase in Coronavirus cases across Doncaster.
The racecourse’s management has assured the council that it has undertaken a significant amount of planning to safely hold the event to follow COVID-19 guidance and is working with the local authority which scrutinises event safety.
From a public health point of view, Dr Rupert Suckling has set out 10 tests to be met to protect the welfare of the borough:
- No significant increase in the borough’s Coronavirus rate in Doncaster ahead of the pilot event
- Coronavirus-specific safety requirements met
- Closely managing elements of the event including spectators onsite (including at the finishing post) the potential risk from cheering as a spreader of infection, and the wearing of face coverings
- Transport plans to get to and from the venue
- Ensuring there is no entrance for people from geographical areas with Coronavirus restrictions
- Accurate data is captured on attendees to help validate who is attending and plan for their arrival and attendance
- Enhanced Test and Trace on site and a request to use the NHS app
- Real time event monitoring to manage any issues and review how each day has gone. This will enable any changes to be made for the next day
- Coronavirus questionnaire with attendees on their health after the event which is part of the feedback the Governments wants on test events
- Critical Incident risks addressed throughout the event such as managing gatherings of people, public disorder risks across the borough
If not all of the Public Health tests are met, then the Festival organisers do have an option to hold the event behind closed doors without spectators.
New uniform, new shoes, new bag...new worries?
As most of our kids returned to school this week after such a long time away, it's more important than ever that we spot when our little ones are anxious or worried.
Maybe creating a 'Worry Monster' can help eat their concerns away...
All you need is an empty tissue box, some craft supplies, a supervising adult and a little imagination!
Watch the video on how to create your own worry monster here:
Our webpage has further information on how to manage your child’s worries, the how-to guide to create a Worry Monster and much more:
Green bin collections return to normal
From this week, green bin (garden waste) collections have returned to normal across Doncaster and are once again being collected every two weeks.
Earlier this year, green bin collections were suspended due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, to enable prioritisation of the collection of black and blue bins, before temporary monthly collections took place throughout June, July and August.
The fortnightly collections of green bins will continue until the end of November in line with other years provided by our contractors.
Council services update
We have a webpage detailing the council services affected or suspended due to Coronavirus:
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