 Local pharmacies can provide expert advice and a fast route to medication for minor ailments like aches and pains, sore throat, coughs, colds, flu-like symptoms, runny noses, earache and skin rashes.
Pharmacies are open until late and at weekends with no need for an appointment, so they should always be considered as first port of call for common ailments. Most pharmacies also have a confidential consulting area for privacy.
In addition, Devon’s Pharmacy First scheme means that trained pharmacists in participating branches can issue medication which normally has to be prescribed by a GP for the following conditions:
- Urinary Tract Infections (UTI) for women aged 18-64
- Impetigo
- Nappy rash
- Conjunctivitis for one-year-olds
Pharmacists can also access basic information about a patient’s health and medication if the patient gives them permission to view their Summary Health Record.
To find your nearest pharmacy and check opening times, go online at www.nhs.uk or call the free helpline NHS 111
If you're aged 30 or over, or if you turn 30 before 1 July 2021, you can now book your COVID-19 vaccine.
The NHS COVID-19 app lets you know when you’re at risk through Bluetooth contact tracing. So keep it on when you go out.
When meeting up with people, it is safest to be outside as COVID-19 particles are blown away.
 Testing is playing a vital role in keeping life moving for us all.
You should do a rapid test twice a week (every 3 to 4 days) to check if you have the virus. If people test positive and self-isolate, it helps stop the virus spreading. They are quick and easy to use and you can get them for free.
Order tests online
You can get a pack of 7 rapid tests sent to your home.If you do tests at home, you'll need to report your results online or on the phone.
Collect tests to do at home
You can collect up to 2 packs of 7 rapid tests from a local pharmacy or test site.If you do tests at home, you'll need to report your results online or on the phone.
Go to a test site
You can get tested at a rapid lateral flow test site.If you go to a test site:
- you may need an appointment, so check before you go
- a trained helper might be able to help you do the test
- you'll get a text or email with the result when it's ready
School, college and nursery testing
If you attend or work at a school, college or nursery you can get rapid tests through your school, college or nursery.If you're in a childcare or support bubble with someone who attends or works at a school, college or nursery, you can get a rapid test at a rapid lateral flow test site or order tests to do at home.You're advised to do a test twice a week. Primary school-age children and younger do not need to test.
Employee and university testing
Some employers and universities offer rapid tests. Ask your employer or university if they provide rapid tests.
You should not travel to any Red or Amber list countries.
The traffic light system means new rules on testing and quarantine for passengers.
International travel will be different, check before you book
 The second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine helps to provide longer-term protection.
Don't delay in getting your second dose when it is offered to you.
For more information, go to
 Applications for the Local Restrictions Support Grant for National Lockdown covering the period of 16 February 2021 to 31 March 2021 will close at midnight on 31 May.
If you have not applied yet, this is your last chance.
The Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) fourth grant covers the months February, March and April and is worth up to £7,500.
Crucially, for the first time since the scheme launched, the SEISS scope has been widened so it now includes 2019/20 tax returns. This means that some 600,000 recent self-employed starters are now eligible for SEISS 4, but if that's you, it WON'T be possible to backdate and claim the previous grants.
While 100,000s are newly eligible, there are millions who are STILL excluded, namely those who fall foul of the strict profit thresholds or those who are directors of limited companies and take dividends.
Applications are open until 11.59pm on 1 June. Make your claim by visiting the official claims portal.
- Anyone eligible should have been contacted by HMRC. If you didn't get a letter, text or email from HMRC saying you were eligible but think you are, you can check by signing into the online claims service above.
- If you believe you should be eligible but aren't, contact HMRC by calling 0800 024 1222. If you're still told that you're ineligible but you believe that this is incorrect, you can appeal HMRC's finding.
Tourism and hospitality sector businesses in the South West can join a free webinar on reopening safely and in line with the Government roadmap with talks from a panel of experts and a Q&A session.
A panel of experts from public health, trading standards and environmental health has been called together to answer your questions.
- 1 June from 4pm
- Chaired by Devon Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by Buy With Confidence
 For up to date information on cases across Devon, visit the Devon County Council Coronavirus dashboard:
Avoid misinformation on Coronavirus - only follow advice from official, trusted sources.
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