News

In this bulletin

NHS Test and Trace service launched

The government is introducing the service to help return life more to normal, in a way that is safe and protects our NHS and social care.

Anyone who tests positive for coronavirus (COVID-19) will be contacted by NHS Test and Trace to find out about who they’ve been in close contact with recently. Then, if necessary, those they’ve interacted with will be notified and told they must self-isolate at home to help stop the spread of the virus.

New lockdown restrictions from today – 1 June

From today some of our lockdown restrictions that have been in place have changed.

1) Nurseries and other early years settings and reception, year one and year six in primary schools have reopened in a safe way;

2) Outdoor retail and car showrooms, where social distancing is generally easier, have been able to reopen; and

3) Up to six people can meet outside (in parks, gardens and other private outdoor space) – provided those from different households continue strictly to observe social distancing rules by staying two metres apart.

Register your food business with us

Just a reminder that all food services operating in our district – including temporary and not-for-profit businesses – are required by law to register with us. Registration is simple, free and can’t be refused.

In this bulletin

The government has launched new coronavirus business support finder tool.

Apply for a business rates grant now

Many of the businesses that are eligible for the government grants have still not applied for money to help get them through the Coronavirus lockdown restrictions.

Minimise the risk of Legionnaire’s Disease post COVID-19

The Royal Society for Public Health are holding a webinar at 1pm on Thursday 23 April for owners of buildings, including hotels and other accommodation sites, offices, health clubs, commercial buildings etc. that have been closed or partially closed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Important information for local businesses

Barnstaple & District Chamber of Commerce Ltd are holding a series of webinars and online meet-ups which aim to support local businesses through the pandemic.

In this bulletin

£17m of government grants paid out so far

NDC has paid out £17m to 1500 businesses in the last week. We’ve had 1800 applications so far which means around half of eligible businesses are yet to apply.

Look after your mental health during lockdown

As part of their Every Mind Matters campaign to support our mental health, Public Health England has launched new Covid 19 resources to help us all during the outbreak.

Important information for employers

The government has announced a Step by Step Guide for employers who want to apply for the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme if they have had to furlough staff.

Museum of Barnstaple & North Devon would like your lockdown experiences

Covid-19 has dramatically changed our home life, working environments and communities. As we reflect on our experiences so far and look to support each other through the next three weeks, the museum is launching an archive for recording your Covid-19 stories.

Bulletin 7 April
Looking after your mental health
Changes to benefits announced
Changes to waste and recycling collections
Be scam aware
Update on business grants
Register yourself if you are extremely vulnerable

The Easter bank holiday weekend is approaching and North Devon Council is reminding residents to check when to put their waste and recycling out for collection.
There will be no waste or recycling collections on Good Friday (10 April). Collections due that day will be made on Saturday 11 April instead.
All waste and recycling collections in the week commencing Monday 13 April will take place one day later that week (running from Tuesday 14 to Saturday 18 April).

We’ve started the week today by welcoming the first cohort of trainees for the new Healthcare Assistant roles. Welcome all! These positions will provide essential support to health and social care providers. More than 600 people have registered so far, and with more to follow we hope.
We’ve also taken a decision to increase the amounts we pay to care providers, so that in turn they can pay their care workers significantly more per hour. We think that this will help boost recruitment to the sector, and it should help care providers retain staff once we’re beyond coronavirus (COVID-19).