***CORONAVIRUS INFORMATION***
Letter to Local Authorities from Local Government Minister Simon Clark – 23 April 2020 WHO CAN HELP YOU DURING THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC UPDATED ON 15TH APRIL 2020 UK Government & NHS The UK Government coronavirus (COVID-19) page will keep you up to date with how the government is responding, and includes guidance on social distancing and staying at home. Please ensure you stay up to date on the latest announcements and guidance from the government. The UK NHS Coronavirus (COVID-19) page includes a wide range of health related information. This page gives clear information on when people need to self-isolate and how long for. You can also complete this survey to help the NHS understand more about how and where coronavirus (COVID-19) is affecting people currently: www.nhs.uk/coronavirus-status-checker A full range of business support measures have been made available to UK businesses and employees. This page helps businesses find out how to access the support that has been made available, who is eligible, when the schemes open and how to apply: www.businesssupport.gov.uk/coronavirus-business-support/ Devon County Council Please click here to visit Devon County Council’s main coronavirus webpage. East Devon District Council Please click here to visit East Devon District Council's main coronavirus webpage NHS Volunteers The NHS is “rallying the troops” for the war on coronavirus, with volunteers being called up to help vulnerable people stay safe and well at home. NHS Volunteer Responders can be called on to do simple but vital tasks such as: – delivering medicines from pharmacies; – driving patients to appointments; – bringing them home from hospital; – or making regular phone calls to check on people isolating at home. To find out more, please click here: www.england.nhs.uk/2020/03/your-nhs-needs-you-nhs-call-for-volunteer-army/ To request help from an NHS Volunteer Responder, please fill out the form here: www.goodsamapp.org/NHSreferral CORONAVIRUS IMPLICATIONS Office Closure Ottery St Mary Town Council has taken the decision to close its offices due to the Coronavirus pandemic for an undetermined period of time. Members of staff will work from home in order to maintain services to the best of their ability during this difficult time The Council will still be contactable on 01404 812252 or by email to: Christine McIntyre, CEO – enquiries@otterystmary-tc.gov.uk Kerry Kennell, Deputy CEO and Jane Bushby, Administrator – admin@otterystmary-tc.gov.uk Emails will be checked regularly and information will be posted on this website.
Business Continuity Plan
The Council will adhere to its Business Continuity Plan and Scheme of Delegation signed off at the Extra Ordinary Council Meeting held on 23rd March 2020 and will try to maintain services as far as practicable
People in need of help and assistance
Responsibility for vulnerable and elderly people who receive help and support to live in their own homes lies with Devon County Council and East Devon District Council. However Ottery Community Volunteers has been formed to coordinate help and assistance for vulnerable and elderly members of the community and an emergency centre has been set up in part of the Council`s building to effect this. The contact telephone numbers/e-mail addresses for this are:- 01404 600013 and help@ottery.online
General Advice - The Council asks members of the public not to panic and stockpile food and other supplies as this tends to make the situation worse for those who are unable to easily get to the shops or have funds available to purchase large amounts.
Advice from the NHS is to regularly wash your hands for at least 20 seconds, especially when you get home or into work, use a tissue to cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze, dispose of used tissues in the bin and wash your hands. Try to avoid close contact with anyone who is ill and do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean. Finally, keep any eye on the news for regular updates, advice and guidance.
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