Kicking off the new year with another lockdown was not what any of us wanted, especially given the efforts made locally over recent months to keep Covid-19 infection numbers comparatively low.

But as the new strain of the virus spreads rapidly across the country, it's important that we all put our frustrations to one side, follow the lockdown rules and stay at home unless it's absolutely necessary to go out.

Our Managing Director Phil Shears said:  “Although we're currently an 'island' of low infection rates, we can't take for granted that this will continue, and we only need to look at our neigbouring areas to see how quickly this can change.”

With the vaccine being rolled out across the country, including in Devon, there is reason to be optimistic that by observing the rules we can reduce infection rates and the number of people tragically dying from Covid.

This week we've focused on ensuring our staff can work safely from home to support our communities and the most vulnerable and maintain essential services for all our residents.

Steve Brown, Director of Public Health Devon (Designate) has added his voice to the 'stick to the rules' message.

“The new strain of coronavirus is exceptionally good at spreading between people, which is why the government is imposing new national restrictions requiring everyone to stay at home as much as possible and to minimise their time with others, except those in their immediate household or bubble.

“The vaccination programme, although now starting to be delivered to priority groups, will take a time to reach everyone. While its arrival and roll out is very positive news, we must not wait for it, nor rely on it alone.

“Right now, I ask everyone to pull together and to follow the new national lockdown restrictions."

Our Covid website  is regularly updated with the latest information and advice as well as points of help locally, and we are liaising with the local Community and Voluntary Services to ensure local community groups have the support they need.

Financial support

Our Hardship Fund is still available for people struggling to make ends meet during the pandemic and a range of support for businesses is also on our website.  Our teams are currently working on making the additional business grants announced this week available and more information will be on our website shortly.

Guidance on shielding and protecting people who are clinically extremely vulnerable

The Government has updated the guidance on shielding and protecting people who are clinically extremely vulnerable during the national lockdown.

Being clinically extremely vulnerable does not make you more likely to catch coronavirus.  It does though mean that you are more likely to be more seriously affected by it, were you to catch it.  It’s therefore really important that you follow the guidance set out for you.

Anyone living in a household with someone who is clinically extremely vulnerable is advised to follow the general lockdown guidance

Stay healthy, improve your fitness and stay safe

Sadly, like many other businesses, our leisure centres and Shaldon Golf course have had to close, but our team has posted information on our leisure website on topics like membership and payments while our centres are closed.

Remember you can download our Teignbridge Leisure App and work out from home.  Free exercise classes are being live streamed so you can compensate for missing any classes via the on-demand tab. We've designed the app so you can workout anywhere and at any time.

Could you help the vaccination
roll-out?

The NHS is seeking the help of people who could be Steward Volunteers, helping  by guiding people at COVID-19 vaccination sites. Volunteers may also be asked to support with stewarding at flu vaccination sites and support the NHS with non-clinical tasks such as signposting people around a health site or helping them check in.  

Delays in some recycling collections

Due to large volumes of recycling over the Christmas period, some of our rounds are running behind schedule. Please continue to put your containers out as scheduled and leave them out until they are collected.

Please only report your bin as missed if you have been overlooked and your neighbours' bins have been collected. If your whole street has been missed, arrangements will be in place to return.

We are sorry for any inconvenience caused by the delays.  Our crews are working hard to catch up and thank you for your patience and support at this busy time.

National workplace scheme funding awarded

71 young people at risk of long term unemployment will be offered jobs in local businesses – thanks to an application facilitated by Teignbridge Council to the national Kickstart scheme which was given the go ahead this week.

The funding will provide the wages (national minimum wage) for a 25 hours a week placement for six months, for young people not in education, employment or training, and will provide skills-based training and opportunities for progression and permanent employment within local organisations.

Teignbridge Council is directly taking on 14 of the 71 placements, with the remainder being recruited by a range of employers, such as accountancy firms, market traders and manufacturing organisations attracting a variety of roles.

Once the contractual details are finalised, the roles will be advertised through the DWP and applicants required to undertake an informal selection process.

More information on local Kickstart placements is available on our website or on the national Kickstart scheme website.