The good news is that despite issues nationally with public access to Covid-19 testing, Devon’s public health director Virginia Pearson has said that test numbers in Devon increased from 6,500 two weeks ago to 8,500 last week and that the number of cases remained relatively low.

But as has been shown elsewhere, the position can change rapidly and Devon and Kernow local medical committees have expressed concern that numbers are being underreported locally because of problems with testing..

There are four main things we can all do to help:

• Follow the Rule of Six guidelines and don't meet in groups of more than six inside or out.

We are reaching the time of year when there are often lots of coughs and colds which can have symptoms similar to Covid.  The government has said that you should only request a test if you have:

• a high temperature
• a new, continuous cough
• a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste

If you don’t have these specific symptoms,  the government says you should not book a test., even if:

• your employer, school, or travel company has asked for a negative test
• someone in your household has symptoms
• you have been in close contact with someone who has coronavirus
• you have been abroad and are quarantining

By following the guidance and not taking unnecessary risks we increase the prospects of keeping Teignbridge near the bottom of the list of infection numbers.

Week long focus on recycling

Monday sees the start of the annual national Recycle Week, which year recognises the sacrifices key workers and citizens have made to keep recycling going and create positive change in the world around us.

 We'd like to say a huge thank you to everyone in Teignbridge for their huge efforts during the Covid lockdown to reduce waste through recycling, enabling resources to be used in a more sustainable way.

In the first quarter of this financial year in Teignbridge alone we recycled almost 8,000 tonnes of waste – an increase of some 800 tonnes on the same period last year, mainly due to an increase in kerbside recycling and garden waste.

Figures released by Recycle Devon show a 12 per cent increase in kerbside recycling rates across Devon between April and June 2020.

As well as thanking everyone for their contribution, Recycle Week is also an opportunity for everyone to see if there is more they can do themselves to increase the amount of material being recycled.  Why not follow these top tips:

• Recycle more bathroom items like shampoo and shower gel bottles, toilet roll tubes and bathroom cleaners
• Make sure nappies and polystyrene never go in the recycling bin
• Make the most of your wardrobe by repairing clothes, donating to charity or repurposing
• Make a meal plan, write a shopping list and check use by dates to reduce food waste

More info

Opposition to national consultation proposals for increased housing

The council will be responding to the current government planning consultation strongly opposing proposals that could lead to a doubling of annual housebuilding across the district.

Under the consultation which ends on 1 October, the government is proposing that the method of assessing local housing need might change.

If the proposals are implemented the number of homes that would have to be built in Teignbridge each year would  increase from the current Government requirement of 760 to 1,532.

Executive Member for Housing, Council Gary Taylor said: "As a Council we will be responding to the consultation, welcoming changes designed to make the planning system more responsive but strongly opposing the housing numbers which will adversely impact on our communities and environment.". 

A consultation on the wider planning reforms also being proposed closes on 29 October.

A chance to get active and try something new

Tomorrow sees the start of the first Great British Week of Sport, designed to highlight the positive impact that sport and activity has on our physical, mental and social wellbeing.

It runs in partnership with the European Week of Sport, showcasing the benefits of an active lifestyle across the continent.

Through a mixture of virtual and physical initiatives from grassroots to elite level the campaign hopes to improve the health of Britain following the Coronavirus pandemic, and to play a crucial role in the nation’s recovery.

A timetable is available with a different focus for each day and you can follow #BeActive on social media to keep in touch with what's happening.