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16 October 2020
Plymouth has been put under 'medium local COVID alert level' under the Government’s new three tier risk rating.
That’s the lowest of the local COVID alert levels and is what we expected to see for Plymouth.
Our levels are significantly below the average for England; but, in line with the rest of the country, we are seeing increases both in the number of people testing positive, and in the number of people who are becoming very ill with this disease.
The update published on our website this week showed we had 162 cases in a seven day period. This is the highest number so far during the pandemic. We expect the figures to fluctuate from week to week but it is clear that everyone needs to carry on taking this virus seriously. This means following the guidance in our everyday lives; reducing our social contacts, keeping our distance and wearing a face covering when needed.
It is also really important that we follow the guidance to stay at home and isolate if we, or a household member, develops any symptoms, and get tested.
One of the worst aspects of COVID-19 is we can pass it on without even knowing we have it. We may be tired of the reminders about washing hands, social distancing and wearing face coverings, but they really are our best defence against the virus at the moment.
So stay well, protect others and keep Plymouth safe.
Ruth Harrell, Director of Public Health for Plymouth
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What does medium alert mean?
Medium alert level areas are subject to the national restrictions that continue to be in place. This means:
- you must not socialise in groups larger than six, indoors or outdoors
- most businesses and venues can continue to operate in a COVID-secure manner
- some businesses are required to ensure customers only consume food and drink while seated, and must close at 10pm
- businesses selling food for consumption off the premises can continue to do so after 10pm as long as this is through delivery, click-and-collect or drive-through
- exercise classes and organised sport can continue to take place outdoors, or indoors if the rule of six is followed.
You should continue to:
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Getting a test for COVID-19 is now easier for many Plymouth residents following the opening of a new local test centre in the city centre.
We helped secure the extra coronavirus testing capacity for Plymouth by providing the lower ground floor of the Guildhall for the centre, which is being sponsored by the DHSC and operated by Serco.
The centre is operating in addition to the regional test centre at the former Seaton Barracks site. It has been selected as it is easier for many people to get to without using a car. Anyone going for a test is being asked to walk or cycle to and from the site and not use public transport or taxis.
Testing is available only for those with coronavirus symptoms – a high temperature, a new, continuous cough, or a loss or change to sense of smell or taste.
Anyone with one or more of these symptoms should book a test online or by calling 119. The new centre is provided as an option when booking a test, subject to availability.
A highly-successful Plymouth business park is to expand so it can support more firms.
An acre plot at the Plymouth International Medical and Technology Park in Derriford is to be used for more light industrial and office space.
The development will be highly sustainable incorporating solar panels, EV charging points, high levels of insulation, efficient heating, solar reflective glass and a sustainable drainage system.
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People in Plymouth are being urged to make safety a priority this Bonfire Night and think twice before arranging a bonfire party.
Plymouth’s public bonfire and firework display on the Hoe has had to be cancelled due to COVID-19, as have many other organised events.
But the message from the City Council, Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service and Devon and Cornwall Police is clear: put safety first this year.
Fires and firework displays held at home can be very dangerous. The more people who have their own displays, the higher the likelihood of serious accidents or injury which places an unnecessary burden on all the emergency services.
If you do decide to have a bonfire, remember the ‘rule of six’ which means meeting in a group of more than six people, including children of any age, is against the law.
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More than 10,000 people have visited The Box since it opened a few weeks ago.
The city’s new museum, gallery and archive has been fully booked each day, with visitors sharing their overwhelmingly positive feedback on social media.
98 per cent of The Box’s Trip Advisor reviews give the £47m venue an ‘excellent’ rating and more than three quarters of its Google Reviews are ‘five star’.
The Box Kitchen & Bar has also received great feedback for its Devon-inspired menu and unique setting under the fourteen ships’ figureheads.
The venue has also received positive media coverage, including major articles in all the daily broadsheets and features on local and national BBC and ITV news.
This blog by Plymouth's Greenbeanz Photography contains some great pictures and captures the vision behind The Box.
More free tickets have now been released for October and tickets for the rest of 2020 go live from 12pm on Monday 19 October.
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Have you been in the services? If so, you could be eligible for discounted rail travel with the new Veterans Railcard.
The card is for anyone who has served at least one day in the UK Armed Forces, or Merchant Marines who have seen duty on legally defined military operations.
It will save veterans 1/3 off most rail fares to help reconnect them to loved ones and connect them to new training and work opportunities.
The Veterans Railcard will be available for use on journeys from 5 November.
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Useful links
Book a test for COVID-19
NHS coronavirus (COVID-19) website
Plymouth City Council's COVID-19 website
Check your bin day
Plymouth news
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