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25 September 2020
There have been a lot of changes this week as the Government introduces new measures to stop the rise in coronavirus cases in England.
The number of positive cases in Plymouth is also rising, though levels in the city remain below the national average.
Here are some of the key changes:
New NHS COVID-19 app launched
 The more people who download and the use the NHS COVID-19 app the safer Plymouth will be.
It's the fastest way of knowing when you're at risk from coronavirus and the quicker you know, the quicker you can alert your loved ones and others in our community.
Hundreds of Plymouth businesses and other venues are now displaying QR code posters that work with the app.
They make it much quicker and easier to check-in when visiting the wide range of businesses and venues that now need to record your visit by law.
The app also has a number of tools to protect people, including risk alerts by postcode, a symptom checker and test booking.
Read more here.
Rules on face coverings extended
The rules on when you need to wear a face covering have been extended and you now have to wear one when:
- using a private hire vehicle or taxi
- visiting hospitality venues such as pubs and restaurants, except when you seated at a table to eat or drink
- working in hospitality and retail.
See the full guidance on face coverings.
Working from home
The Government now says office workers who can work effectively from home should do so over the winter.
Updates for Plymouth
Our COVID-19 web pages include new information for parents on when to send their children to school and when not to, the number of COVID-19 cases in Plymouth each week and advice on staying safe, reflecting the recent changes.
If you are heading out to enjoy yourself this weekend, don’t forget it all stops at 10pm.
By law, pubs, bars and restaurants now have to shut their doors at 10pm, with last orders at 9.30pm. They can also only operate table service.
When you arrive you must check in – it is the law. The easiest way to do this is to download the NHS COVID-19 app and scan the QR code as you go in.
Other restrictions:
- If you get a taxi you must wear a face covering.
- If you want a takeaway, it’s delivery only after 10pm as premises close to customers at 10pm.
- You are not allowed to socialise if there are more than six people in your group – so a house party with more than six people is against the law.
The new restrictions are aimed at tackling the rise in COVID-19 cases and there’s been an all-out effort from the licensing trade, businesses, the Council and Devon and Cornwall Police to adjust to the measures. Teams will be out on Saturday to remind, explain and enforce as people get used to the changes
With the return of thousands of students, we and the police have also been working with the University of Plymouth, Marjon and Plymouth College of Art, who all have senior level taskforces and protocols to respond to suspected and confirmed cases of COVID-19.
Students have been issued guidance on how to stay safe in their homes, on campus and when out and about.
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 Plymouth’s latest piece of major public art has been officially revealed.
‘LOOK II’ is made from 22 cast iron blocks and stands 12 feet high on West Hoe Pier, where Sir Francis Chichester landed in 1967 after sailing around the world.
The sculpture was made by world-renowned artist Antony Gormley and commissioned by The Box and the Council.
In a nod to the departure of the Mayflower in 1620 and the many other voyages of adventure and exploration that have started from and finished in Plymouth, it looks out across Plymouth Sound towards the horizon.
It also links with the theme of migration – symbolising the tensions between going and staying, putting down roots and yearning for adventure and a life free from the constraints of history.
We will be reopening Devonport and Estover libraries next week.
You can browse the shelves, borrow items, collect reservations, pre-book a PC for up to 45 minutes and, of course, see our lovely library staff again.
You will need to wear a face covering and check-in with the NHS Test and Trace app (or provide your contact details) on arrival.
Library opening days and times from Monday 28 September:
- Central Library open Monday to Saturday, 10am to 4pm
- Estover Library open Tuesday, 10am to 4pm
- Devonport Library open Wednesday and Friday, 10am to 4pm
- Efford Library open Monday, 10am to 4pm
- Plymstock Library open Tuesday and Thursday, 10am to 5pm
- St Budeaux Library open Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 10am to 4pm
- Southway Library open Monday and Thursday, 10am to 5pm
Crownhill, North Prospect and Peverell libraries are due to reopen in the next few weeks and we will let you know about these soon.
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A new Public Space Protection Order covering the entire city is being introduced to crack down on alcohol-related anti-social behaviour.
The order makes it an offence for someone to refuse to stop drinking alcohol or hand over bottles or cans believed to contain alcohol, when asked to by a police officer or authorised officer.
It replaces smaller PSPOs currently in place in Stonehouse, the city centre, Devonport, North Hill, Mutley, Tothill Park and Freedom Fields and comes into effect from Tuesday 20 October.
It is hoped that the new PSPO will provide a consistent approach across the city, leaving no room for confusion over boundaries or prohibitions.
A public consultation was run in November and 83.7 per cent of responders were in agreement that a citywide PSPO would be of benefit to the city.
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Work to demolish the dated Western Approach footbridge will get underway on Sunday evening.
After laying down a timber crashmat to protect the road, the demolition team will take down the bridge, walking ramps and lift shafts using large mechanical hydraulic shears and munchers on excavators.
Western Approach and the car park will be closed from 6pm on Sunday to 6am on Wednesday, while works are carried out.
Removing the footbridge will open up Frankfort Gate, create extra light and space in this part of the city centre, discourage anti-social behaviour and help to boost business locally.
A new crossing will be laid diagonally across the northbound side of Western Approach, following the walking routes of locals going from Frankfort Gate to King Street.
The improvements are part of our long-term plan to regenerate Colin Campbell Court and to link the city centre to the sea.
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A dodgy dog dealer must pay a massive £4,075 for breeding a variety of different breeds without the required licences.
Lloyd Herbert pleaded guilty to two breaches of the Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations at Plymouth Magistrates Court.
Herbert made 287 Facebook posts to advertise puppies and dogs for sale between 1 October 2018 and 12 February 2020. He advertised at least 10 separate litters, as well as buying and advertising another 42 separate dogs for sale, 18 of which were imported from Poland.
Two separate licences would have been required for these activities – one for breeding dogs and a second licence for selling animals as pets, costing a total of around £730.
Herbert was fined £1,000 for each offence and forced to pay £1,875 in legal costs. He must also pay a £200 victim surcharge. You can check if a breeder is licenced here.
Dozens of artists and makers will showcase their work at the sixth annual Plymouth Art Weekender, which shines a creative spotlight on our city.
This eclectic artistic event brings together 65 events in 33 locations across the city today, tomorrow and on Sunday.
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Latest Government guidance
COVID-19 FAQs: what you can and can't do
What to do if you have coronavirus symptoms
NHS coronavirus (COVID-19) website
Plymouth information
Plymouth City Council's COVID-19 website
Check your bin day
Plymouth news
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