Welcome to this week’s COVID-19 update for Southampton
In this week’s message from the Leader of the council, Councillor Christopher Hammond talks to members of our cultural services team about the phased re-opening of our venues – SeaCity Museum, Southampton City Art Gallery, and the libraries The team also reflect on what they’ve been doing during lockdown to continue to allow people to engage with cultural services.
Please note that you must pre-book tickets for SeaCity Museum (now open) and Southampton City Art Gallery (opens next week). Face masks are also mandatory in all of our venues from 8 August.
You can watch the video on YouTube
 The latest data on Coronavirus in Southampton
The latest data shows that new cases of COVID-19 remain low in Southampton. But the virus has not gone away. It is still really important that we continue to follow guidance and take precautions to protect ourselves and others:
- Follow social distancing guidance (2 metres distance from anyone outside of your household, and where this is not possible at least 1 metre).
- Wash hands regularly.
- If you have symptoms or a positive test result for coronavirus (COVID-19), isolate immediately with members of your household for 10 days. Visit the NHS website to book a test or alternatively call 111 for advice.
- Wear face coverings in shops, on public transport and anywhere else where social distancing is difficult (more information below).
You can read about all the latest changes to guidance that have taken place this week on the UK Government coronavirus web pages
The Government has also postponed the opening of settings that were meant to open on 5 August until at least 15 August:
- Casinos, bowling alleys and remaining close contact services.
- Indoor performances will not resume.
- Pilots of larger crowds in sports venues and conference centres will not take place.
- Wedding receptions of up to 30 people will not be permitted but ceremonies can continue to take place, in line with COVID-Secure guidelines
Please note that Public Health England do make small revisions to their data retrospectively after publication day. This means that if comparing with previous weeks, the numbers may not correspond precisely.
To see our full dashboard we use to track the virus in Southampton, click here
Itchen Bridge toll reinstated
As of 10 August 2020, we will be reinstating the 24-hour Itchen Bridge toll charge.
Following the implementation of lockdown, the decision was taken on 31 March to suspend toll charges as one of several measures to support key workers across the city. Limited charging was subsequently introduced on 1 June between 07:00 and 18:00 on Monday to Friday, and between 08:00 and 18:00 on Saturday.
We have been monitoring the volume of traffic using the bridge and have determined to reinstate 24-hour charging to further manage the number of vehicles using the crossing.
Plans to mark the 75th anniversary of VJ Day
We will be encouraging residents to mark the 75th anniversary of VJ Day, which marks 75 years since the end of World War Two on Saturday 15 August, whilst still following government guidelines. Plans include an online remembrance ceremony, a map of the World War Two memorials in Southampton that can be discovered on foot and a mass sounding of the ships docked at the port at midday.
VJ Day marks both the surrender of Japan and the end of the Second World War. Southampton, as the home of The Spitfire and a key staging point for the invasion of Europe, played a pivotal role in bringing about VE Day on 8 May 1945 and subsequently VJ Day. It was also heavily targeted by the Luftwaffe in bombing raids that took a devastating toll on the city and its residents.
Hundreds of thousands of members of the Allied Armed Forces left British ports to serve overseas. Many were destined to endure up to four years in captivity in the Far East. Several thousand did not return, Over 22,000 Far East prisoners of war and civilians returned to Southampton in 1945.
We will be remembering the sacrifices that finally brought peace in 1945 in a way that ensures important social distancing guidelines are adhered to but also allows people to mark this occasion.
Find out more here
New face covering requirements
While the wearing of a face covering in enclosed spaces is already mandatory in shops, on public transport and anywhere else where social distancing is difficult, from tomorrow, 8 August, there will be additional places you'll be required to put one on.
The Government has extended the requirement to wear a face covering to other indoor settings where you are likely to come into contact with people you do not normally meet, such as museums, galleries, cinemas and places of worship.
Community conversations about COVID-19
As part of our Southampton COVID-19 Outbreak Control Plan, last week we hosted a series of conversations via Zoom with local leaders from the community, voluntary and faith sectors. After reviewing details of the plan with these community members, our Interim Director of Public Health, Dr Debbie Chase, answered questions from participants about our planning for future local outbreaks. She also addressed concerns about our local data on coronavirus, Government guidance on making venues COVID-19 secure and better ways of communicating with communities that may be disproportionately affected by the impact of the virus.
We’re working closely with our partners in community and voluntary groups and in the faith sector all over the city. We want to make sure we’re able to provide help to those who most need it.
If you need help, please call our helpline: 023 8083 4800. If you are looking for ways to help others please see our how you can help page
 A-Level results: advice and support
Results day for A Level and GCSE pupils can be stressful, especially this year, but please remember that help is available. If you haven’t decided what to do or are reconsidering your plans, it’s not too late!
The Access Southampton website has free helpful information and tips for young people receiving their results – from advice about leaving school and further education options, to how to apply for apprenticeships or find employment.
For Year 11 pupils, there is also the Flying Start Southampton website to help you plan and prepare for life, study, and work after school by providing resources to help make decisions about the next steps.
Very best of luck to everyone collecting their results over the next couple of weeks. We're proud of you!
 Is your business COVID-secure?
If you are reopening your business now or have recently reopened, please ensure that you have taken the proper precautions, including performing a risk assessment. The Government has provided guidance for you.
You may also need to review guidance on how to maintain a record of staff, customers and visitors to support NHS Test and Trace. This can be particularly important in some settings, like restaurants and shops.
The Joint Biosecurity Centre has now published Action Cards to provide the latest instructions to anyone responsible for businesses or organisations to identify, report and respond to coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreaks. These cards cover a range of businesses and organisations to provide specific advice on the issues each type of organisation may face now lockdown restrictions have been eased. The cards are designed to be printed or downloaded to keep on-hand in a business or organisation.
 1-2-1 cycle journey planning
With the new school year fast approaching, now might be the perfect time for your family to introduce some healthier travel habits. Cycling to school is a great way to fit regular exercise into your routine, do your bit for the environment and help your children arrive at school feeling more focused and ready to start the day. If you’d like to cycle to school but you’re not sure of the best route, you can now benefit from personalised journey planning support to help get you started.
Sustrans school officer Bike It Jenny, who supports our My Journey sustainable travel programme, is now offering 1-2-1 virtual sessions to help you plan possible cycle routes to school – or perhaps even some of the great local routes to the New Forest and country parks. The service is free and available to parents living in Southampton or with a child who attends a school in the city, as well as school staff.
To find out more and book your 1-2-1 session, click here
Help with major life events
We’re proud to offer a huge range of services to residents of Southampton, and we want to make these as easy as possible for you to find, access and understand.
That’s why we’ve put together a series of checklists to guide you to all the information you need as a resident during a major life event such as moving in or out of Southampton, starting a family, starting a new business, school applications or the death of a loved one.
Find out more here
|
