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30 October 2020
 Plymouth’s Director of Public Health issued a warning this week that the city was within days of becoming a ‘high risk’ area, following a surge of 350 in a week.
Dr Ruth Harrell warned that the current rapid rate could lead to Plymouth becoming a Tier 2 area, meaning further restrictions for residents and businesses.
Cases are now rising faster here than at any other time in the pandemic and there are now around 150 cases per 100,000 residents, well above the average for the South West. The rate continues to double every two weeks.
Dr Harrell said: “This affects everyone. Cases aren’t limited to any one age group or area of the city and the increase isn’t due to one or two big outbreaks; we are seeing cases across our community – within couples, families, schools, care homes and businesses. This means that we’ve all got to do our bit to help stop this rise.”
Some wards at Derriford Hospital are once again being used to care for patients with suspected and confirmed COVID. Visiting hours have also been restricted for the safety of staff and patients.
Remember:
- Hands – wash your hands frequently
- Face – wear a face covering in enclosed spaces
- Space – stay two metres apart where possible, or at least one metre
You should also try to:
- Stay at home as much as possible
- Work from home if you can
- Limit contact with other people
For the latest information and advice visit the GOV.UK and NHS websites.
We are now publishing a daily COVID-19 update on our Twitter and Facebook feeds – follow @plymouthcc or visit facebook.com/PlymouthCityCouncil. As we are providing daily statistics, we expect some fluctuation in day-to-day rates and today’s figures were down – but the trend is still very much up.
The NHS COVID-19 app has been updated to better estimate distance between users and increase the accuracy of close-contact notifications it sends out.
By improving the accuracy of how the app estimates distance, it can better assess whether someone is at risk of having caught the virus and therefore needs to isolate.
This means the app will better protect users, their loved ones and our communities. Read the blog on how the technology has been improved.
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 The rising number of COVID-19 cases in Plymouth means we all need to celebrate Halloween and Bonfire Night differently this year.
Unfortunately, the risks of spreading the virus mean trick or treating and traditional Halloween parties are out and our public bonfire and firework display on the Hoe has had to be cancelled – but it doesn’t mean we can’t have some fun.
Check out our website for some ideas for enjoying a spooktacular – but safe – Halloween with family and friends. Remember, though, that the Rule of Six applies both indoors and outdoors and includes children.
We, the Fire and Rescue Service and Devon and Cornwall Police are discouraging bonfires and firework displays at home as this increases the risk of serious accidents or injury and places an unnecessary burden on all the emergency services.
Heavy rain and winds are forecast to hit the whole country this weekend and our crews will be on standby to deal with any issues that arise.
They’re out every day, checking and clearing known flooding hotspots and will respond to problems across the city as quickly as they can to keep traffic moving and the public safe.
If you need to report an urgent issue like serious flooding or a fallen tree please call 01752 668000. Non-urgent issues can be reported on our website.
Keep an eye on the Met Office website for the latest weather advice and our social media channels for any important updates.
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Signs have been placed on eight roundabouts around the city to alert motorists and protect cyclists.
Over the past five years, Plymstock, Cattedown, Charles Cross, St Andrews Cross, Pennycomequick, Devonport Hill/Durnford Street and Devonport Hill/Kings Road roundabouts have seen the highest numbers of collisions between cyclists and motorists.
Bournemouth Borough Council has credited similar signage at their roundabouts as having reduced collisions between cyclists and drivers by 32 per cent in the past 12 months.
We will continue to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the signs in improving road safety at these locations.
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 Are you struggling with your mental health? Support is available from Livewell South West.
Urgent mental health support can be accessed by phone on 01752 434922 (adults) or 01752 435122 (under 18s) or online.
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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