Coronavirus (Covid-19) update - 31 July 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.
 Coronavirus isolation period extended from seven to 10 days
People who test positive for coronavirus or show symptoms in the UK must now self-isolate for at least 10 days, rather than seven.
Until now, those showing key symptoms - a new continuous cough, a temperature or loss of taste or smell - have had to self-isolate for at least a week.
The new advice is in line with World Health Organisation guidance.
 It is now mandatory to wear a face covering in shops and supermarkets in England, as well as on public transport. Help keep others safe and make sure you have a face covering on you when you are heading out and about in East Devon.
Whilst recognising this will not always be possible, it is important to be aware that the risk of infection increases the closer you are to another person with the virus, and the amount of time you spend in close contact with them. Therefore, you are unlikely to be infected if you walk past another person in the street.
The government recommends that you keep two metres away from people as a precaution or one metre when you can mitigate the risk by taking other precautions.
East Devon Business Update
Pavement cafe licenses now available to hospitality businesses in East Devon
Until 31st September 2021, any business which use premises for the sale of food or drink for consumption on or off the premises – including pubs, cafes, bars, restaurants, snack bars, coffee shops and ice cream parlours - can apply to the district council for a licence to place furniture in the pedestrian areas of highways. It must be used in connection with the business premises for selling, serving or consuming food or drink and can include tables, chairs, umbrellas, counters, shelves, barriers and other articles used with the outdoor consumption of food or drink. Licenses must be applied for and will be determined within 14 days.
£20 million new funding to help smaller businesses recover from the effects of the coronavirus pandemic
Government has announced £20 million of new funding to help businesses across England get back on track. Small and medium sized businesses can access grants between £1,000 - £5,000 for new equipment and technology and specialist advice. The support will be fully funded by Government from the England European Regional Development Fund and distributed through Heart of the South West Growth Hub.
Call for eligible businesses to claim grants before 21 August deadline
More than 3,600 local businesses applying for Schemes 1 and 2 have received more than £42m in grants. A further 230 East Devon businesses received more than £2m in grants through scheme 3, the discretionary grant fund -- this scheme closed on 17 July and applicants are currently being contacted.
These grants have been vital to East Devon’s local economy – helping ensure the survival of shops, cafes, hotels, restaurants and many other businesses. The schemes have been well-received, with 94% of eligible businesses in receipt of grants.
Government has now advised schemes 1 and 2 must close, so the Small Business Grants Fund, the Retail and Hospitality & Leisure Grants Fund will be closed. Applications for these funds must be submitted by 21 August 2020.
Please check online https://eastdevon.gov.uk/coronavirus-covid-19/businesses-employers-and-employees/business-grants-support/ if you think that you are eligible and you have not yet been in touch with us. If you have any queries, please contact us as soon as possible by emailing businessrates@eastdevon.gov.uk.
If you have received an email or letter from us asking you to apply, please apply https://eastdevon.gov.uk/coronavirus-covid-19/businesses-employers-and-employees/business-grants-support/ (with your PIN number) or refuse https://eastdevon.gov.uk/coronavirus-covid-19/businesses-employers-and-employees/business-grant-refusal/ if you do not wish to receive the grant.
No applications submitted after 21 August 2020 will be considered.
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Eat Out to Help Out!
The 'Eat Out to Help Out' scheme starts in August and the Government has an online finder available to help diners locate places taking part. If you see the logo (left) that means diners that eat-in will benefit from a 50% discount, up to a maximum of £10 per person, on food and non-alcoholic drinks, any Monday to Wednesday in August. No voucher is required. Diners can take advantage of the offer as many times as they like during the month. Happy eating but remember to social distance!
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Local residents to receive important voter registration information
‘Don’t lose your democratic voice’
Households in East Devon will soon be receiving a form asking residents to check whether the information that appears on the electoral register for those living at their address is correct as part of East Devon’s annual voter registration canvass.
The aim of the form is to ensure that the electoral register is up-to-date and to identify any residents who are not registered so that they can be encouraged to do so.
With Devon County Council and Police and Crime Commissioner elections taking place in May 2021, this is an opportunity for residents to make sure that they will be able to take part.
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Devon ranks among the lowest for COVID cases
With so much coverage in the national media about a potential second wave of coronavirus, we wanted to reassure you about our continued efforts in East Devon to contain the virus. The number of COVID-19 cases in Devon is still very low, with no linked cases or community spread, and we want to keep it that way.
Everyone has done well so far to comply with prevention measures and national guidance so it's vital that we all keep it up and to work together to help prevent a second peak by maintaining social distancing, regularly washing our hands and wearing face coverings in enclosed spaces.
The Local Outbreak Management Plan for Devon was launched last month, and we continue to work closely with partners and with the very latest local data and intelligence to help monitor the situation very closely and respond rapidly if necessary.
With partners we are actively planning for a range of possible scenarios including a potential outbreak in specific settings, ensuring robust plans are in place and testing these. We are also encouraging prospective visitors to think about their stay in the South West and be respectful of local communities and the environment.
Events to restart on East Devon District Council land
The relaxation of lockdown rules and new guidelines from the Government has enabled East Devon District Council (EDDC) to agree that the process for hiring EDDC land can commence again from 3rd August.
The council facilitates over 300 events across East Devon parks, gardens and beaches every year. Events range from local community events, markets, live theatre, fun fairs and weddings. Event Organisers will all be required to adhere with Covid-19 secure guidelines to ensure their event is safe to take place and permissions will be subject to any future changes in guidance.
The Events team at the council can offer advice to any potential event organiser on the safety measures they may need to undertake for their event to take place and a specific Covid-19 risk assessment which shows how social distancing, hand sanitising and the safety of attendees is maintained will need to be completed by all event organisers before permission is given for an event to take place.
Further information about booking at event on East Devon District Council land can be found by reading more:
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East Devon District Council to re-open a further 15 play areas and 6 outdoor gyms from Monday 3 August
As announced last week in our Residents Update, East Devon District Council is continuing to reopen its play areas and outdoor gym equipment . From next Monday 3rd August a further 15 play areas and 6 outdoor gyms will reopen:
The following sites will re-open from Monday -
Play areas:
- Bonners Glen, Axminster
- Norman Crescent, Budleigh Salterton
- Byron Way, Exmouth
- Imperial Recreation Ground, Exmouth
- Ivydale, Exmouth
- Keats Close, Exmouth
- Maer Play Trail, Exmouth
- Thomas Close, Exmouth
- Heron Road, Honiton
- Jerrad Close, Honiton
- Pale Gate Close, Honiton
- Upland Chase, Honiton
- Willow Walk, Honiton
- Woodman's Park, Honiton
- Bakers Close, Sidmouth
Outdoor gyms:
- Gym - Lime Kiln, Budleigh Salterton
- Gym - The Green, Budleigh Salterton
- Gym - Phear Park, Exmouth
- Gym - Sunken Gardens, Exmouth
- Gym - Land of Canaan, Ottery St Mary
- Gym - Stowford, Sidmouth
A reminder the Virtual Sidmouth Folk Festival is Online this week!
Remember the Sidmouth folk festival is not taking place in the town this year, but you can still enjoy it online!
Check the programme out on the website from this coming Tuesday 28th July
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Thelma Hulbert Gallery update
Wild East Devon update
New: Family Activity Sessions at Seaton Wetlands
Bring your family to join the Wild East Devon Education Rangers for a fun-packed hour of either pond dipping/bug hunting, stream dipping or natural crafts. We'll be exploring, discovering wildlife and getting creative in the spectacular setting of Seaton Wetlands Nature Reserve.
Each event will focus on a different activity including pond and stream dipping, brilliant bug hunting and natural crafts to give an opportunity for families to work and play together and learn outdoor skills.
With a highly qualified and experienced nature reserve Education Ranger leading the session, your family will have great fun as well as learn all about the fascinating variety of wildlife that call the wetlands home.
Running every Thursday in August, 4 sessions a day. Book your place by ringing the team on 01395 517557 or
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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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