Coronavirus (Covid-19) update -
23 September 2020

Following the Government's announcement yesterday on new coronavirus restrictions being introduced in England, here's an update on the changes which are being implemented immediately.

The Government is:

• Changing guidance to ask people to work from home where they can
• Placing new restrictions on operating hours for hospitality, leisure, entertainment and tourism businesses,
• Putting more COVID-19 secure guidance for businesses into law
• Expanding the range of settings where these legal obligations regarding specific COVID-19 secure guidelines will apply
• Higher fines of up to £10,000 for businesses who break Covid-19 rules and the penalty for failing to wear a mask or breaking the rule of six will double to £200 for a first offence.
• Reducing the list of exemptions to the ‘rule of six’
• Pausing the planned 1 October changes for a return of business events and socially distanced crowds at sporting events.
• Expanding the settings in which face coverings are required

The following links give further information on the new restrictions:

• Coronavirus (COVID-19): What has changed - 22 September
• Staying alert and safe
• Meeting with others safely (social distancing)
• What you can and can't do - coronavirus outbreak frequently asked questions
• Safer travel guidance for passengers
• Safer transport guidance for operators
• The Prime Minister's address to the nation

Covid-19 alert level

Earlier this week, the four UK Chief Medical Officers recommended that the UK coronavirus alert level move from level 3 to level 4 as the transmission of coronavirus is rising.

Keeping COVID-19 under control

We want 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 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 by maintaining social distancing, regularly washing our hands and wearing face coverings in enclosed spaces - Hands, Face and Space.

There is a Local Outbreak Management Plan for Devon 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. Up-to-date information about the number of cases in Devon is also available.

Keeping you informed

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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.