This is intended to keep you updated on the latest developments linked to Covid-19. The bulletin includes information on:

• Stoke-on-Trent to enter tier 4 restrictions from 31 December
• Services that will reduce or close due to tier 4 restrictions
• Hands, face, space
• Protect your loved ones by getting a COVID-19 test
• Schools update
• Support services across the city

Stoke-on-Trent to enter tier 4 restrictions from 31 December

Following the Prime Minister’s announcement earlier today, Stoke-on-Trent will be moving to tier 4 from 0.01am on Thursday, 31 December.

Tier 4 restrictions and guidance must be followed from then, in a bid to reduce the spread of the virus.

This means:

• You must not leave or be outside of your home unless you have a specific purpose or a ‘reasonable excuse’, including work, volunteering, essential shopping, education, childcare, exercise, medical reasons, to escape harm and for communal worship and funerals.
• Non-essential retail must close, unless for click-and-collect, drive-through or delivery.
• You must not leave your home to travel unless for work, education or other legally permitted reasons. If you need to travel you should stay local – meaning avoiding travelling outside of the part of a city where you live – and look to reduce the number of journeys you make overall.
• Do not meet socially indoors – in any venue, public or private – with those you do not live with or those not in your support bubble. You can meet one other person outside your household outdoors, but should maintain 2m social distance.

You can read the full national guidance here.

Read more on website: www.stoke.gov.uk/tier4information

FAQS can be found on our website here.

Services that will reduce or close due to tier 4 restrictions include:

• The council’s four leisure centres: Dimensions Leisure Centre, Fenton Manor Sports Complex, New Horizons Leisure Centre and Wallace Sports and Education Centre will close, with direct debits suspended with immediate effect for members. Stoke-on-Trent Gymnastics Centre and Northwood Stadium will also close. Residents are encouraged to visit the social media for channels for the venues, where alternative ways to provide health, fitness and wellbeing advice and information will be posted.

• The council’s four indoor markets in Stoke, Hanley, Tunstall and Longton will be open for essential items only.

Some other services may be affected by the restrictions, as we continue to receive information and guidance from government.

Hands, face, space

There are three simple actions we must all do to keep on protecting each other:

• Wash hands - keep washing your hands regularly
• Cover face - wear a face covering in enclosed spaces
• Make space - stay at least 2 metres apart - or 1 metre with a face covering or other precautions

For more information on national guidance, visit https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus

Protect your loved ones by getting a COVID-19 test

It's important to do the right thing, to protect vulnerable family members - if you develop COVID-19 symptoms self-isolate and get a test. 

Lateral flow testing is available to those who do not have any of the three common symptoms and have not had a positive COVID-19 test in the 10 days prior to symptoms starting. Those with mild non-specific symptoms such as a headache, feeling tired or lethargic should also book a lateral flow test. Lateral flow testing is continuing over the festive period (testing will not be available on New Year’s Day). The tests are quick and free and give you a result within 30 minutes. Book at www.stoke.gov.uk/bookacovid19test

If you have one or more of the three main symptoms then you are not eligible for lateral flow testing and should instead book a test through www.nhs.uk/coronavirus or by calling 119 at one of the regional test centres. The NHS Test and Trace service will be open every day over Christmas and the New Year, providing and processing tests for those who need them and tracing contacts of positive cases.

Schools update

Earlier today, the Secretary of State for Education, Gavin Williamson, also announced an adjustment to the plans for the start of the new school term. We are currently working through the details on this with our schools and will provide more information as soon as possible.

Support services across the city

There are lots of brilliant organisations in our city which can help with a range of issues you may be facing. There is now a dedicated page on the city council's website with a list of some of these organisations which can offer support for issues including:

• Mental health
• Domestic abuse
• Homelessness
• Financial problems

You can find out more by going to https://www.stoke.gov.uk/supportservices

The 24-hour mental health helpline is also available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and it will continue to operate over the Christmas period. If you feel anxious or low and need some support, please call 01782 234233.

The #StokeonTrentTogether network is also available to help you access a range of support such as help with food and shopping. Please visit https://corona19.vast.org.uk/ for more information.

Stay Connected If you enjoyed reading this update, why not check out the other updates and newsletters we offer by clicking here