Coronavirus (Covid-19) update -
24 December 2020
Welcome to the Christmas Coronavirus (Covid-19) update for East Devon residents with information we hope will be of interest to you.
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A Christmas message from the Leader and Chair of East Devon District Council
We would like to wish all the residents of East Devon a very Happy Christmas. This is a very difficult time for all of us and the District Council is here to help. We're working hard now and into the New Year to support those in need and keep our services running and COVID-19 safe. Please be very careful with the health of yourself and others.
| Cllr Paul Arnott, Leader |
Cllr Cathy Gardner, Chair |
| East Devon District Council |
East Devon District Council |
| Member for the Coly Valley ward |
Member for the Sidmouth Town ward |
Devon to remain in Tier 2 High Alert from Boxing Day
 For information on what you can and cannot do in an area in Tier 2 of local restrictions.
The details of the changes to the local restrictions by area from 0001 on Boxing Day.
Updated information on the Christmas Day bubble with family and friends
If you live in Tiers 1, 2 or 3 you may form a Christmas bubble with two other households on Christmas Day only. This applies to East Devon which is currently in Tier 2.
If you live in a Tier 4 area, you must follow the rules in your tier over the Christmas period.
East Devon District Council services – Christmas update
East Devon District Council will close for Christmas at 1pm on Thursday 24 December and will re-open for the New Year at 8.30am on Monday 4 January 2021.
In an emergency, please contact our 24-hour helpline on 01395 516854.
Public Toilets
East Devon’s twenty Covid-safe public toilets will be closed on Christmas Day and will open as usual from Boxing Day onwards.
Due to the level of staffing needed for the required enhanced cleaning for Covid 19 compliance, the council has decided to close the Public Toilets on Christmas Day (24 hours) to allow staff to be with their extended families on the one day where they can meet their family and friends.
Recycling and waste collections
Over the Christmas and New Year period your collection days will change, please see our website for information about your refuse and recycling or clinical collections during this period. You can also find this information on your East Devon App and by asking your Alexa device.
Remember to see in this New Year safely at home
 On New Year's Eve it is important to remember that as a Tier 2 area in Devon you should not be mixing indoors with people who are not from your household or social bubble. Be safe and celebrate the start of the New Year from home with your own household or social bubble.
If you do go out remember the importance of social distance, wearing a face covering when in a public space where social distancing is not possible and washing your hands properly and regularly.
 Grants closing and opening this week for East Devon businesses: check which deadlines affect you
Two new grants have been launched this week:
(1) Businesses which have been forced to close under Tier 2 restrictions from 2nd December and are registered for business rates can apply for Local Restrictions Support Grants (Closed) V2 ;
(2) Pubs which receive more than half of their income from drinks, are registered for business rates and are in Tier 2 from 2nd December can apply for a one-off £1,000 payment from the Christmas Support Payment for wet-led pubs.
 Dates of next East Devon virtual Council meetings
Over the next fortnight the following East Devon District Council virtual meetings are taking place:
- Planning Committee on Wednesday 6th January at 10am
- Cabinet on Wednesday 6th January at 6pm
- Planning Committee on Thursday 7th January at 10am
The meetings can all be viewed on our YouTube channel by searching for 'East Devon District Council' or by subscribing.
 The gallery is closed from 25 December – 6 January inclusive, reopening on 7 January.
Coming up in January!
 Folklore and traditions of Holly, Ivy and Mistletoe
With winter upon us our nature reserves are looking sparser and devoid of colour in the trees, but as our Ranger Penny explains, there is plenty of tradition with those plants most associated with the winter period:
“Holly, ivy and mistletoe have been used in Europe since pre-Christian times to celebrate the winter solstice (December 21st) because they remain green throughout the winter these plants symbolised eternal life. Bringing greenery into the home would ensure that new growth would return in the spring and ward off evil spirits, but it was unlucky to bring either into a house before Christmas Eve.”
Read Penny’s full article here: https://eastdevon.gov.uk/news/e-newsletter-articles/countryside-newsletter/december-2020/folklore-and-traditions-of-holly-ivy-and-mistletoe/
Thank you to everyone who have visited one of our nature reserves, attended our events and engaged with nature across the district this year. We wish you a very Happy Christmas and a prosperous new year.
The Wild East Devon Team
To keep in touch with the Wild East Devon Team follow them on Facebook and Twitter.
If you, or a friend or family member are clinically extremely vulnerable, or in need of help and support during the Coronavirus restrictions, we have information on our website to help, if you are:
- Feeling isolated
- Unable to access food or other services
- Not sure on where to go for help and advice
 If you are in crisis and in need of urgent mental health support in Devon, the 24/7 First Response Service is here to help. Call free 24/7 on 0808 196 8708.
Trusted sources of advice and information
Please make sure that you only follow advice from trusted, official sources:
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