Coronavirus (Covid-19) update - 26 June 2020
Welcome to the weekly Coronavirus (Covid-19) update for East Devon residents. We are working to keep you informed through this email update and the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pages on our website, which have all our latest information, and links to the Government, the NHS and our community.
Please forward this email to anyone you think would find it useful and encourage them to sign up.
You can also can share this update on social media and in any online groups you're part of by using this link to the update on our website.
If you are heading out this weekend keep your distance and take your litter home
 The weather may have been glorious over the last few days but it is really important to remember that the social distancing rules of 2 metres still apply in England and if you are meeting up with friends outside of your own household (or social bubble) you can only meet up in a group of 6. After the great progress we have all been making over recent months it has been very concerning to see the large crowds that have been congregating on our beaches in East Devon.
In addition to the large crowds we have experienced an unprecedented demand on our services keeping our streets clean and our bins emptied. If you are using our beaches help us in keeping them clean by being respectful, clearing up your litter and taking it home if bins are full - after all, you managed to carry it there in the first.
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Save your skin from the sun
Most of us welcome hot weather, but when it's too hot there are health risks. UV levels over the last few days are very high as the sun is as strong as it can be at this time of year.
It's more important than ever to protect your skin and we've put together some information to answer some important questions about sun cream and why we should all be wearing it.
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Public Toilets update - extra toilets to open and extended opening hours from Monday 29 June
A reminder that from Monday 29 June the following public toilets will be open from 8am to 8pm:
- West Street Car Park, Axminster
- Cliff Path (West End, Steamer Steps), Budleigh Salterton (reopening on 29 June)
- East End (Lime Kiln), Budleigh Salterton
- Jubilee Gardens, Beer
- Foxholes Car Park, Exmouth
- Magnolia Centre, Exmouth (reopening on 29 June)
- Manor Gardens, Exmouth
- Phear Park, Exmouth (reopening on 29 June)
- Queens Drive/Old Lifeboat, Exmouth
- King Street, Honiton
- West Walk, Seaton
- Connaught Gardens, Sidmouth
- Market Place, Sidmouth (reopening on 29 June)
- Triangle, Sidmouth
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Update on what you can and can't do after 4 July
 From the 4 July in England, the rules are changing. Where you cannot maintain 2 metres distance, you can stay 1 metre apart – as long as you follow certain precautions.
If you want to find out more on what you can and can't do after 4 July.
 Community Hub update
Since it was set up on 30 March our Coronavirus Community Hub Hotline has received on average 50 calls per day since opening. It is supporting people with finding help for food deliveries and picking up prescriptions.
Individuals or organisations can now request or offer community support by filling out one of our online forms. You can search by postcode on the East Devon District Council Coronavirus Community Support Hub to find your local group or organisation providing support at this time.
Call the Community Hub hotline now on 01395 571500 if you, or a group you know, needs help or you would like to volunteer. The line is open normally Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.
Guidance for the clinically extremely vulnerable from July 6
 The guidance for the clinically extremely vulnerable is changing on Monday 6 July, for example from this date those shielding from coronavirus can gather in groups of up to 6 people outdoors and form a ‘support bubble’ with another household. This timeline sets out when changes will be made.
Business update
The easing of coronavirus restrictions from 4 July means more of East Devon’s businesses will be able to open as long as they follow the secure guidelines.
To receive our regular business updates simply visit our website, add your email address and choose the ‘business’ topic.
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National Recycling Awards 2020 - Ask Alexa
We are delighted to announce our East Devon District Council Recycling Team are Finalists at the National Recycling Awards in the Innovation Awards - Technology category for the ‘Ask East Devon’ – smart speaker technology to improve recycling initiative'.
Good luck to the team in December when the winner will be announced, but meantime why not ask Alexa about your own recycling.
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Thelma Hulbert Gallery update
Reopening plans
Thelma Hulbert Gallery (THG) is reopening its door on Saturday 11 July. The new opening times will be: Thursday – Saturday, 10 -5 for private guided tours of their acclaimed ARTIST ROOMS Richard Long exhibition.
Please could you help the Gallery by completing a quick survey to hear your thoughts about returning to visit.
If you would like to book a free tour, please reserve your ticket via Eventbrite.
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Wild East Devon update
Summer Events update
Our summer events programme has been on hold since March due to the impact of Covid-19. We’re now pleased to be able to resume event son our nature reserves albeit adapted in different ways to comply with the latest government advice.
While our regular events programme is still cancelled until further notice, we are now in a position to be able to provide socially-distancing, bespoke guided tours of the nature reserve for one household of up to five people.
Enjoy half a day with a Wild East Devon ranger on a private small group walk around one of our stunning nature reserves.
The walk will ensure the social distancing rules are upheld but allow visitors to reconnect with the outdoors and recharge their mental and physical wellness whilst under the leadership and expertise of a Wild East Devon Ranger taking you around a spectacular Devon nature reserve. Step into the fresh air and stunning quiet outdoor landscapes for this intimate half day guided walk for a couple, family or small group of friends.
Dates and locations can be tailored to suit you. To book, please ring the team on 01395 517557.
Look out for August events when we hope to be getting back into the swing of our regular events including meditation, willow weaving, yoga, pond dipping and much more.
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To keep in touch with the Wild East Devon Team follow them on Facebook and Twitter.
Trusted sources of advice and information
Please make sure that you only follow advice from trusted, official sources:
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