Covid 19

There is a lot of information covering a range of issues - please scroll down

 

 

17th May 2021

 

5th May 2021

People aged 40+ now eligible for life saving vaccination     Our vaccination programme continues to make strong progress with more than 1.3million doses now administered.   Teams are focused this week on making sure that those who are due their second dose can receive their vaccination, as well as beginning to offer first doses to people in the recently eligible group – those aged 40 and over.   Invites are being sent to people aged 40 and over as we work our way down the age groups as quickly as supplies allow.   To date, more than 9 out of 10 people aged 50 and over, with a long term health condition or a carer have received their first dose,  and of those aged 70 and over, more than 8 out of ten have now also had their second dose.   We are also on track to offer a first dose to all adults by the end of July subject to vaccine supply.  If you are in the eligible groups and you are yet to have your vaccination, please join the thousands of others locally who are helping to protect themselves and others. You can book your vaccination now by using the online service, by calling 119 or wait to receive an invitation from your GP-led local vaccination service.       "I am now eligible and have gone online to book my appointment but can only see vaccination centres in London, do I have to travel that far?"     The National Booking System both online at nhs.uk/covidvaccine or over the phone by calling 119 only shows services with available appointments. If a vaccination centre or service currently does not have any available appointments it will not show up in the list when you log into the system.   Currently there are a limited number of first dose appointments available in Sussex in line with vaccine supply. We have been assured that this is a short-term issue and we encourage eligible people who have been invited to receive their vaccination to keep checking the National Booking System for appointments.    This is only in relation to first dose appointments and second dose vaccination deliveries are continuing across Sussex and we encourage everyone to attend your second dose appointments when it is your turn.       Local vaccination services hit 200,000 milestone     Alliance for Better Care, the GP Federation leading vaccination services in Crawley, Haywards Heath and East Grinstead, has passed the 200,000 vaccination milestone this Bank Holiday weekend. As well as services in West Sussex, ABC also runs vaccination services in Surrey. Well done to the whole team - from vaccinators, coordinators, to the many volunteers supporting these services.       Stars join forces with NHS to boost vaccine uptake   An all star line up has joined forces with the NHS to encourage people to come forward and get the lifesaving covid-19 vaccine when they are invited in a new short film.   Sir Lenny Henry, Liz Hurley and David Walliams join TV actors Lydia West and Navin Chowdhry to dispel myths around vaccination to boost uptake of the NHS Covid jab.    The film is the second commissioned by Professor Lord Ara Darzi, the leading doctor who is the Co-Director of the Institute of Global Health Innovation, part of the Imperial REACT COVID Surveillance Study Group and volunteered on Covid wards at the height of the pandemic.   The new film also shows stars ‘auditioning’ as they tackle common rumours and misconceptions around the Covid vaccine and encourage everyone to get jabbed when it is their turn.   This film to support the Covid-19 vaccine was organised by Lord Ara Darzi who leads Imperial REACT COVID Surveillance Study Group.       More information   Much more information about the vaccination programme is available on our website, including details of the services available in each area, latest data, stakeholder briefings, answers to frequently asked questions and links to all the national leaflets and materials. Thank you for your support in helping to keep our local communities updated and informed about this fast-moving and unprecedented vaccination programme. > Find more information about the Sussex COVID-19 vaccination programme

 

 

 

 

 

 

3rd May 2021 - Update from West Sussex

Your latest COVID-19 update In the seven days to Saturday 24 April there were 123 new confirmed cases of coronavirus. Compared to the previous week, confirmed cases are falling. Remember to keep checking infection rates in your area by visiting our Data Dashboard and please share the link with family and friends. Symptom-free COVID-19 Testing Around 1 in 3 people with COVID-19 won’t display any symptoms. Regular testing can help identify and stop the spread of the coronavirus. Rapid test kits can be ordered at www.westsussex.gov.uk/communitytesting. Symptom-free COVID-19 test kits that can be used at home are available and it's recommended that you regularly test if you: leave home to work, volunteer or provide care have children attending school are visiting someone or attending an appointment in a hospital setting if you’re meeting up with friends outdoors, for a drink, a picnic, a walk or to exercise. Regular testing is an essential part of the easing of restrictions, helping identify variants and stopping individual cases from becoming outbreaks. Barry Newell, our Public Health and Resilience Advisor talks about testing in our latest podcast. Order free packs of rapid lateral flow test kits to be delivered direct to your home at www.westsussex.gov.uk/communitytesting If you test negative this does not completely rule out infection with COVID-19, as there can be false negative results. To protect yourself and others, you must continue to follow the current restrictions in place and remember: hands, face, space and fresh air. Remember to check-in for test and trace It is a legal requirement for anybody over the age of 16 to check-in to venues such as hairdressers, pubs, cafes, gyms when they visit. Simply give your name and contact details or check in using the COVID-19 app. Doing this protects each other and helps us to not only keep West Sussex safe but everyone safe from the spread of COVID-19. Download the NHS COVID-19 app and remember to check in to keep yourself friends and family safe as lockdown restrictions continue to ease. How to keep infection rates low Finally, remember that the ways we can keep COVID-19 infection rates down are: regular testing of people without symptoms – even if you’ve had your vaccine keeping our social contacts within the rules – act like you have it getting your vaccine as soon as you are invited hands, face, space and fresh air. We regularly update the adverts we use across our social media channels as well as posters. Please help us by sharing these free adverts with clubs, teams, venues or groups in your community who might not otherwise see them. Thank you for your continued support and let’s continue to do all we can to stop the spread of coronavirus. Act like you have it. #KeepWestSussexSafe Read more Aged 40 and over? Vaccinate now People aged 40 and over have now become eligible for their vaccination. This is in addition to those who are clinically extremely vulnerable, those with an underlying health condition or learning disability, unpaid carers and health and social care workers. To book your vaccination, visit nhs.uk/covidvaccine call 119, or wait to be contacted by your GP-led local vaccination service. If a vaccination service is not displaying on the national booking service, it just means that there aren’t any appointments available on that day. More appointments are released daily in line with vaccine supply so please check back. To date, more than 1.2 million vaccinations have been given across Sussex as the roll out continues, with thousands of first and second dose appointments taking place this week. Also, after a very successful 'Quiet Session' this month, Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust is pleased to be able to offer further dedicated ‘Quiet COVID-19 Vaccination Sessions’ for people requiring their first vaccination. For more information on these, please read the latest newsletter about the Sussex vaccination programme. If you are eligible and have not yet had your vaccine please book it and don’t forget to follow government guidance around ‘hands, face, space and fresh air’ once you’ve had your vaccination. Read more Don't forget to vote next week A number of elections, including the election of West Sussex County Councillors, are taking place next Thursday (6 May). For those who are voting in person (or for those voting as someone’s proxy), polling stations will be open from 7am – 10pm and will be COVID-19 safe, but you may want to plan ahead for how to vote: Check your poll card because your polling station may have changed since the last election Polling stations are usually busier early in the morning and after school, so you may want to go at a different time when it’s likely to be quieter. For more information on voting and COVID-19, visit The Electoral Commission website. If you were planning to vote in person or are someone’s proxy, but find you can’t go to the polling station for reasons related to COVID-19, you’ll be able to apply for an emergency proxy vote up until 5pm on polling day. The full results for the West Sussex County Council election will be published on our website and you can also find out the results as they come in by following us on Twitter. Read more Rediscover West Sussex this Bank Holiday! From our sparkling coast and lively seaside towns to the wide open spaces and beautiful views of the South Downs, as well as the many parks, forests and rivers in between, there’s plenty of room to get outside. Most of our beautiful gardens are now open and bursting with seasonal colour, and many of our favourite vineyards have re-started tours and tastings. Our historic market towns, villages and inns are offering delicious alfresco dining opportunities, just remember to book ahead. For great ideas for what to do on your doorstep visit www.ExperienceWestSussex.com. But please remember if you’re going out and about this Bank Holiday weekend, enjoy the countryside respectfully. Respect wildlife. Always keep dogs on leads near livestock and please keep to footpaths and bridleways so as not to disturb ground nesting birds and other wildlife. Litter, particularly masks, can be dangerous to animals. Make sure you take your rubbish home with you or put it in a bin. Protect the landscape by ensuring you are following the Countryside Code, which sets out how visitors to rural areas can behave safely and responsibly. Enjoy our beautiful parks and countryside by exploring local walks and cycle paths while maintaining social distancing. If you arrive somewhere that’s very crowded, please consider returning at a quieter time or a different day. Read more Remember - book to recycle Don’t forget that a booking system is now operating at six Household Waste Recycling Sites in West Sussex: Bognor Regis, Crawley, Horsham, Littlehampton, Shoreham-By-Sea and Worthing. The aim of the trial scheme is to provide fair access to as many residents as possible in any given week, in a way that is safe for staff and visitors, and avoids disruption to local residents, businesses and the highway network. You do not need to be at the site at the exact start time of your appointment - you can arrive at any time within your allotted slot. Appointments are 15 minutes long in the case of Bognor Regis and Shoreham-By-Sea sites, or 30 minutes at the other trial sites. See your confirmation email for more information. You can book a slot up to 14 days in advance and must book at least one day before you intend to visit the site. If you would like to give feedback on the trial, please email: wastes.servicescontracts@westsussex.gov.uk Click on the link below for more information or to book a slot.  Read More Virtual reading group still going strong   The West Sussex Libraries Virtual Reading Group on Facebook is still going strong for those who aren’t ready to return to reopened library buildings. It was set up during lockdown to help #KeepWestSussexSafe and now has nearly 700 members. Visit the West Sussex Libraries Virtual Reading Group on Facebook to find out more. Read more Focus on the local economy You can read the latest monthly ‘snapshot’ of COVID-19's impact on the West Sussex economy now on our Business West Sussex website. March’s report contains many interesting facts and figures including: West Sussex has seen a 3% decrease in people furloughed since January 2021 Over £183m has been paid to West Sussex businesses in coronavirus support grants by local authorities (as of 18 January 2021). Click on the link below to see the full report, plus all previous reports issued since they were started in June 2020.  Read more Children - have your say Children who live in West Sussex are being encouraged to tell the government about their experiences of the coronavirus pandemic and their hopes for the future. 'The Big Ask' survey is being led by the Children's Commissioner for England, Dame Rachel de Souza and will run until 19 May. It will be the largest consultation with children in England and hopes to help shape the way the government approaches issues affecting children. There are four main versions of the survey, aimed at children in the age groups four to five years old, six to eight years old, nine to twelve years old and thirteen to seventeen years old. There are also two easy read versions of the survey, and an adult version for parents, care leavers and people who work with children to share their views. Please encourage the children and young people you know to take part via their school or college or the Children's Commissioner's website. Read more Know someone who would like to receive this eNewsletter? If anyone you know who would like to sign up for this bulletin, please forward this eNewsletter to them and they can sign up here. Thank you for your support.

 

 

 

 

15th April 2021 Vaccination Update

 

Latest update on the AstraZeneca vaccine

 

 

Since the start of the pandemic over 4 million COVID-19 infections have been confirmed in the UK causing more than 120,000 deaths. Over 30 million people have received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine since the start of the programme, which Public Health England (PHE) estimate has prevented at least 6,000 deaths in the first three months of 2021. Analysis of infection data since the introduction of the COVID-19 vaccines in the UK demonstrates that vaccination is highly effective and substantially reduces the risk of infection and severe COVID-19 disease. All medical treatments have potential harms as well as potential benefits. Recent reports of an extremely rare condition involving the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine and blood have understandably left some people with questions. For the vast majority of people the benefits of being vaccinated far outweigh the risks of blood clotting.  > Read more about the update and what you should do about your vaccination

 

Am I likely to suffer any side-effects from receiving the vaccine? Most side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine are mild and should not last longer than a week.

 

These include: • a sore arm where the needle went in • feeling tired • a headache • feeling achy • feeling or being sick • If you have a high temperature you may have coronavirus or another infection. If your symptoms get worse or you are worried, call 111.   Serious side effects are very rare. If you do experience any of the following from around 4 days to 4 weeks after vaccination you should seek medical advice urgently by calling 111: • shortness of breath, chest pain, leg swelling or persistent abdominal pain • a new, severe headache which is not helped by usual painkillers or is getting worse • a headache which seems worse when lying down or bending over or • an unusual headache that may be accompanied by: • blurred vision, nausea and vomiting • difficulty with your speech • weakness, drowsiness or seizures • new, unexplained pinprick bruising or bleeding. You can call NHS 111 for expert help and advice 24/7, and guidance on where to go for further help if you need it.

 

 

More than 8 out of 10 people with Learning Disabilities now vaccinated

 

We have now vaccinated more than 84% of people with Learning Disabilities across Sussex. This is a significant achievement and is thanks to close work between vaccination services, local authority partners, community and voluntary partners and our communities. A group of self advocates who have a learning disability in East Sussex are working to encourage everyone to have their vaccine. Tim, Daniel, Sonia and Graham telling us about their experiences of getting the vaccine:

 

 

The second video shows Sarah and Sonia talking about the GP Learning Disability Register and the vaccine:

 

Dominic Steel, also a self-advocate in the IMT provides the voice-over for both videos.

 

 

Vaccination services this Saturday

 

To mark the death of His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh there will be a national one minute silence at 3pm on Saturday 17 April. Covid-19 vaccination sites across West Sussex will continue to offer vaccines this Saturday to those who have appointments.

 

If you have an appointment, whether for your first or second dose, it’s really important that you attend it as planned. Where possible our vaccination sites will pause for two minutes as a mark of respect at 3pm.

 

 

Have your Covid-19 vaccination during Ramadan to help save lives

 

Fasting plays an important feature in Islam, as it does in many other religions. In Islam, adult Muslims, who are able to, are required to fast during the month of Ramadan. This year is different due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As COVID-19 testing and vaccination appointments continue during the fasting month, and the new lateral flow test is now available nationally, some Muslims have raised questions. Key points relating to the uptake of testing and vaccination during Ramadan are presented in this infographic.

 

 

 

More information

 

Much more information about the vaccination programme is available on our website, including details of the services available in each area, latest data, answers to frequently asked questions and links to all the national leaflets and materials. Thank you for your support in helping to keep our local communities updated and informed about this fast-moving and unprecedented vaccination programme. > Find more information about the Sussex COVID-19 vaccination programme

 

11th March 2021 Vaccination Update

 

 

 

10 March 2021

 

Symptom-free Covid-19 community testing now available in West Sussex

 

MARCH 4TH 2021

People aged 60 and over are now eligible for their COVID vaccination

 

This week people aged 60 to 64 will be starting to receive their invitations to book their COVID jab.   Letters will be arriving from the national booking service inviting them to visit www.nhs.uk/covid-vaccination or call 119 free of charge to arrange their appointment. By following these steps, anyone in this group will be able to book an appointment at the larger vaccination centres or pharmacy led services.   Extending the programme to those aged 60 and over means that everyone in the first seven priority groups are now eligible for their vaccination, with people aged between 50 and 60 set to be invited shortly.   The NHS is encouraging everyone who has been invited to take up the offer. It doesn’t matter when you were invited, you can still come forward and protect yourself.

 

 

Easy guide to the current eligible groups

 

Please see an easy guide which sets out which groups are eligible and how you can book your vaccination if you are in these groups.   This is a handy guide and can be shared within your communities, networks and organisations.

 

 

Starting to prepare for second doses

 

Across our local area, vaccination services are preparing to offer second doses. While the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine gives a good immunity to the virus, two doses are needed to have the best chance of full protection. Second doses are being scheduled up to twelve weeks after the first. It is really important that people get both doses to get the greatest benefit from the vaccine.   If you don't already have your date for your second dose, please be patient. Unless you have already booked both doses through the national booking service, you must have your second dose at the same place that you received your first. They will contact you to arrange your appointment, but this may not happen until around ten to eleven weeks after your first appointment.

 

 

 

Help on bereavement and loss

AYA bereavement and loss flyer pdf

 

Vaccination Update 4th February

Vaccination Update 4th Feb 21

 

 

 

2021Vaccination Update 2nd February 2021

2nd Feb 21 VACCINATION UPDATE

 

 

 

Vaccination Update 25th January 2021

Vaccinations for the over 80s and care homes

 

·         The first bit of good news is that by the end of last week, all residents in care homes for older people in the district have been vaccinated, unless they have recently had an outbreak of Covid. When an outbreak occurs, the NHS has to wait 28 days before they can deliver the vaccination to those care homes affected. Any care home located in the district that has not been completed will be re-visited as soon as possible.

 

·         Further to this, by the end of this week (w/c 25 Jan), the vast majority of those 80 and over in the district will have been vaccinated. Anyone who has not yet been contacted, or has been unwell and not been able to attend an appointment, will remain on the list and will be contacted at the first opportunity.

 

·         Those who are housebound and unable to leave their home will receive their vaccination through the ‘roving service’ which has also been used to vaccinate those in care homes.

 

·         If you are a carer to someone who is housebound, you can be vaccinated at the same time as the person you are caring for. This will be arranged when the NHS contact you.

 

·         Please wait to be contacted for your appointment and do not contact your GP.

 

Vaccination data

 

·         At the moment, data on how many people have been vaccinated is published nationally. This has started to be published at Sussex level and it is expected to be broken down further in the coming weeks. At the moment, you can access the figures here: https://www.england.nhs.uk/statistics/statistical-work-areas/covid-19-vaccinations/

 

Vaccination sites

 

·         The GP-led vaccination sites in the South of the district, located in Selsey and Tangmere, have been very active and are making good progress. More than 3,000 over 80s will have been vaccinated by the end of last week (w/c 18 Jan).

In the North of the District, we have the Pulborough site, which has been operating for the past couple of weeks and Midhurst, which started vaccinating last week. They have also been making great progress and they hope to move onto the over 70s priority group this week. Petworth Surgery is also expected to offer the vaccination shortly.

 

·         The NHS has listened really carefully to the concerns raised by residents in Chichester and they are currently exploring alternative sites that could be used. Identifying and then getting a site approved is complex and has to be approved by NHS England, but they hope to be in a position to update us on this very soon. One of the reasons why some sites were not considered in the first instance is because they were not available to use in the long term. However, the current situation has changed this and provided the NHS with further options.

 

·         This week, a large vaccination centre will be launched in Brighton. Residents in the district who are still due to receive their vaccine, may be invited to have their vaccination in Brighton, Epsom Racecourse or at a Hampshire site. If you do not want to travel to one of these sites, or are unable to do so, you can wait until your local GP-led vaccination service is able to vaccinate you. All vaccination centres work from one central booking system – so that all of those involved in the vaccination programme can see if someone has been vaccinated or not, and when they are due to receive their second dose.

 

·         You may also be aware that some pharmacists will shortly be offering the vaccine, including one site in Midhurst. The approval of pharmacists as vaccine providers has been carried out at a national level by NHS England. It is expected that the Midhurst pharmacy will go live later this week with appointments being made available through the national booking system (the same as the large vaccination centres.) More pharmacies are expected to join the programme in the coming weeks and we will work with our NHS colleagues to share this as soon as it is confirmed.

Community guide_Jan 2021_amended

Looking out for our neighbours_web_a

Vaccination Update 21st Jan 2021

COVID-19 vaccination briefing 21st Jan 21

 

 

New Covid support schemes launched to help district businesses during lockdown

 Jan 16th 2021

New Government schemes have been launched in the Chichester District to help businesses that have been affected by the current Coronavirus lockdown.

 

“A new top-up grant scheme is now live for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses that have been required to close during the current national restrictions, and a further scheme offers financial help to businesses that don’t meet the criteria for this grant but that are still impacted by the current coronavirus restrictions,” explains Councillor Peter Wilding, Cabinet Member for Finance at Chichester District Council.

 

“If you own a business in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors, and are required to close, I would urge you to visit our web pages as soon as you can to see whether you are eligible for two new schemes: the Closed Business Lockdown Payment, which is a one-off top up grant worth up to £9,000, and a support grant called the Local Restriction Grant (Closed Addendum: 5 January onwards). Details on the eligibility criteria and how to apply for these schemes is available at: https://www.chichester.gov.uk/covidbusinesssupport.

“We also want to make other types of businesses aware that support is available through the Additional Restrictions Grant scheme. This is for businesses that have not been required to close but are still being affected by the current national lockdown. You can find out more and apply here: https://www.chichester.gov.uk/covidbusinesssupport.

 

“In addition, a range of other business support schemes are still open to help district businesses that were affected by the second national lockdown in November 2020 and last year’s local tier restrictions. Businesses can find details on all the available Government schemes, and apply, at: https://www.chichester.gov.uk/covidbusinesssupport.

 

“Our teams are continuing to work incredibly hard to ensure that all grants are paid out to businesses as quickly as possible. They are also on hand to help businesses identify which scheme, or schemes, they can apply for.”

 

Chichester District Council is also still issuing its business recovery grants. More information can be found at www.chichester.gov.uk/covidrecoverygrants

 

Businesses are urged to sign up to the council’s eBiz newsletter at https://www.chichester.gov.uk/business  to receive updates on the support that is available to them, and notifications when support schemes open for applications.

 

 

 

 

 

 

West Sussex COVID-19 vaccination stakeholder briefing 140120

West Sussex COVID-19 vaccination stakeholder briefing 120120

VACCINATION BRIEFING JAN 11TH 2021

Chichester COVID-19 vaccination briefing - 080120 (2)

 

 

 

 

04 January 2021

 

West Sussex COVID-19 Vaccination Update

 

Introduction

 

Work continues at pace to roll out the vaccination across Sussex.

 

Vaccinations are taking place in

 

• Hospital hubs;
• GP led vaccination services;
• Roving service to care homes and housebound; and
• Planning for large vaccination services (formerly known as mass sites).

 

Hospital hubs

 

Hospital hubs in Sussex were launched at the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton on 08 December 2020. Teams at the hospital have been vaccinating those over the age of 80 who were attending the hospital and health and care staff.

 

In West Sussex, Worthing Hospital went live as a hospital hub last week, Princess Royal Hospital in Haywards Heath went live today and St Richard’s Hospital and East Surrey Hospital (for residents in the north of the county) go live this week.

 

Princess Royal Hospital is one of the first in the country to use the new AstraZeneca vaccine.

 

Other hospital hubs in Sussex include The Conquest Hospital in Hastings (went live last week) and Eastbourne Hospital (due to go live this week).

 

GP led vaccination services

 

GP led vaccination services went live on the 15 December.

 

These are sites run by groups of GP practices working together. In total in Sussex there are 15 sites which have gone live to date.

 

To date there have been eight sites in West Sussex which have started vaccinating their patients who are over the age of 80:

 

• Crawley – two sites
• Horsham – two sites
• Pulborough
• Storrington
• Haywards Heath
• Angmering

 

Further sites in West Sussex are going live this week:

• Bognor Regis
• Durrington on Sea, Worthing
• Shoreham by Sea
• Crawley
• Goring by Sea, Worthing

 

There are then further sites expected next week following final approvals, including Chichester.

 

A full list of sites is available here: https://www.sussexhealthandcare.uk/keepsussexsafe/sussex-covid-19-vaccination-programme/covid-19-vaccination-sites/

 

Care homes – roving service

 

This week, Sussex Primary Care Networks (PCNs), GPs and Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust have started vaccinating residents and staff in care homes, with the first eight care homes now vaccinated across Sussex. Care homes in West Sussex will be vaccinated over the coming weeks starting with those with over 50 residents.

 

COVID-19 vaccination scam alert

 

We are aware that some people are receiving fraudulent calls and text messages offering the COVID-19 vaccination. In some cases, people are asked to press a number on their keypad or to send a text message to confirm they wish to receive the vaccine. Doing so is likely to result in a charge being applied to their phone bill. In other cases, callers are offering the vaccine for a fee or asking for bank details.

 

People are warned to be alert to these scams. The vaccine is only available from the NHS and the NHS will contact you when it is your turn. At present, appointments are only being offered to members of the public over 80 years old.

 

The NHS will:

NEVER ask you to press a button on your keypad or send a text asking you to confirm you want the vaccine.

NEVER ask for payment for the vaccine or for your bank details.

If you receive a call you believe to be fraudulent, hang up. If you believe you have been the victim of fraud or identity theft you should report this directly to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040. Where the victim is vulnerable, report it to Sussex Police online or by calling 101.

 

More information

 

The roll out of the COVID-19 vaccination programme continues to be an incredible effort from our Trusts, member practices and from teams across the CCGs, showing true partnership working at its best. 

 

We continue to publish all of the latest information on the vaccine of the Sussex Health and Care Partnership website including a public FAQ, which you may find useful. An FAQ with suggested replies to common enquiries is also attached to this briefing to help you with the questions you may be receiving.

 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS about vaccinations and when you will receive it

NHS FAQ's Comms (1) Jan 5th 2021

 

 

 

 

 

 

4th January 2021

Latest COVID-19 figures New national restrictions have been announced by the Prime Minister and are now in place. The infection rate has increased significantly across all District and Borough areas of West Sussex. The latest COVID-19 infection rate across West Sussex, for the seven days up to 30 December, is now up to 555.2 per 100,000. This is above the national average for England of 518.5 per 100,000. Latest coronavirus cases for West Sussex. National lockdown restrictions You must stay at home and only leave for a limited number of reasons, including shopping for basic necessities, for exercise or to go to work where you cannot do so from home. Those with severe underlying health conditions will once more be required to shield. Colleges, primary and secondary schools will remain open only for vulnerable children and the children of critical workers. All other children will learn remotely until February half term. Early Years settings, such as nurseries, remain open. You cannot leave your home to meet socially with anyone you do not live with or are not in a support bubble with (if you are legally permitted to form one). You may exercise on your own, with one other person, or with your household or support bubble. Indoor gyms and sports facilities will remain closed. Outdoor sports courts, outdoor gyms, golf courses, outdoor swimming pools, archery/driving/shooting ranges and riding arenas must also close. If you think you may have any coronavirus symptoms, isolate immediately and book a test today. There is availability at your local walk or drive-through sites that may be closer than you think. You can book a test online or by calling 119 to get an appointment to visit a test site. Changes to our services Some of our services will change as a result of the new lockdown restrictions. Front line services to our most vulnerable residents will continue, including social care provision for children, young people and adults. The county’s Household Waste Recycling Sites (HWRS) remain open but in order to keep safe people should avoid travel to the sites unless waste cannot be safely stored or put out for normal kerbside collection. West Sussex libraries are currently closed for browsing and only open for returns, collections and our select and collect service. Ceremonies will not go ahead until national lockdown restrictions are lifted. The only ceremonies that can go ahead are in exceptional situations. For the latest updates on our services, visit our website. Support is available The county council’s Community Hub will continue to offer practical help and advice in confidence by calling 033 022 27980 or by completing the online form. The Hub is open seven days a week between 8am-8pm. Information and systems for providing free school meals for those not attending school will be coming in due course and will be communicated with schools and eligible families. Contact the Community Hub if your family needs support in the meantime. Mental health support is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, by calling the Sussex Mental Healthline on 0800 0309 500. Support for people at risk of harm as a result of domestic abuse is available from the WORTH Specialist Domestic Abuse Service by calling 07834 968539 or 033 022 28181, or emailing DomesticAbuseServicesCentral@westsussex.gov.uk. This service is available Monday-Friday, 9.00am-5.00pm. Support is available to employers and the self-employed, including sole traders and limited company directors. You may be eligible for loans, tax relief and cash grants, whether your business is open or closed. Vaccination programme The phased roll-out of the COVID-19 vaccination programme is continuing across Sussex. As the NHS rolls out vaccines, we’d like to remind people of 3 things: The NHS will contact you when it’s your turn, so please do not contact them beforehand. Please act on your invite when it comes. Remember Hands, Face, Space. It will save lives and help the NHS. In Sussex, the vaccine is currently available from three ‘hospital hub’ sites and from 15 GP-led local vaccination services, covering 56 practices, with many more due to start offering the vaccine over the coming weeks. The vaccination programme will continue to expand in Sussex over the coming weeks and months as more vaccine becomes available. Be aware of COVID-19 vaccination scams. To protect yourself and your family members from fraud and criminals, remember the following points: The NHS will never ask you to press a button on your keypad or send a text to confirm you want the vaccine, and never ask for payment or for your bank details. The NHS is currently not making house calls to deliver or discuss the vaccine. If you receive a call you believe to be fraudulent, hang up. If you believe you have been the victim of fraud or identity theft report this directly to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040. Where the victim is vulnerable, report it to Sussex Police online or by calling 101.

 

 

 

West Sussex to move to tier 4 of local outbreak restrictions - 26th December 2020

*The latest figures relating to West Sussex are available on the data dashboard on the county council website: https://wsx-c19-mobile.netlify.app/. The seven-day rate does not include the most recent days of data (this is true of the local dashboard and the national one). This is to allow time for test results to come through. The incomplete days of data can be seen as orange bars on the figure below the table here: https://wsx-c19-mobile.netlify.app/#latest_case_section

For urgent out-of-hours enquiries please call 07767 098415.

 

 

 

West Sussex moves into Tier 2

West Sussex will be in Tier 2 from next week

New local restrictions to control the spread of coronavirus will come into effect next week. The government has announced that from Wednesday (December 2), West Sussex will be in Tier 2. This is for areas with a higher or rapidly rising level of infections, and some additional restrictions will need to be in place.

 

---

Local support for NHS Test & Trace

A new service has just gone live to support the national NHS Test and Trace system.Working from West Sussex County Council’s COVID-19 Community Hub, the Local Tracing Partnership will take on responsibility for contacting individuals across East and West Sussex who have received a positive COVID-19 test result, but were unable to be contacted by the national NHS Test and Trace team within 48 hours.Residents in West Sussex who need to be contacted by the Community Hub, will receive a text, call or email from one of the below:Text: COVID TRACEPhone: 01243 642153Email: West Sussex County Council Local COVID Tracing Partnership

---

Immunisation job opportunities

The NHS is looking for people who can help deliver the biggest ever immunisation programme that Sussex has ever seen.They're looking for trained vaccinators and people who they can safely train to be vaccinators. This includes people who can work as flexibly as possible, including evenings and weekends.Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust (SCFT) also need people who can support the programme, including administrators, front-of-house staff, drivers and operations managers.If you can help, please look at the job opportunities being advertised on the SCFT website, where you can also apply.

Easing of Lockdown 25th November 2020

Latest update

The Prime Minister has announced the Government’s Covid-19 Winter Plan to set out its approach to ending the nation restrictions on 2 December. You can find the statement here https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/pm-statement-on-covid-19-winter-plan-23-november-2020

The Government has also set out the local restriction tier system that will be in place from 2 December, including what you can and cannot do in each tier: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/local-restriction-tiers-what-you-need-to-know. Tomorrow (26 December), we will find out which tier our area will be in.

The Government has also made an announcement around some changes to social contact restrictions over the Christmas period between 23 and 27 December. To find out how households can form a ‘Christmas bubble’, visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/making-a-christmas-bubble-with-friends-and-family/making-a-christmas-bubble-with-friends-and-family

Please remember: Hands, Face and Space; increase ventilation in enclosed spaces wherever possible; and if you have symptoms, get tested and isolate yourself from others when instructed.

You can find local coronavirus information at https://www.chichester.gov.uk/coronavirus while the very latest Government advice is available at https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus

Service status update

Our services are operating as usual, except for The Novium Museum, which is currently closed and will reopen when the national restrictions have been lifted. Our leisure centres, which are run in partnership with Everyone Active, will also be closed while the national restrictions are in place. An update on our services can be found at http://www.chichester.gov.uk/councilservicestatus


Local Restriction Grants for businesses
One of our current priorities is making sure that any business that has had to close between 5 November and 2 December due to the current national restrictions, applies for one of the Government’s local restriction grants. The process is really simple and our teams are ready to turn applications around as quickly as they can.

Find out more and apply at https://www.chichester.gov.uk/businessratesnovember2020.

Additional Restrictions Grants for businesses
Applications are now live for the Additional Restrictions Grant scheme. These grants are to help the following businesses in the Chichester District:

• Businesses who were open and trading the day before national restrictions were imposed but are not entitled to the Local Restrictions Support Grant scheme as they are not responsible for business rates (e.g. non-essential market traders, bed & breakfast, shared workspaces in the non-essential retail and hospitality sectors).
• Businesses who, while not legally forced to close are nonetheless severely impacted by the restrictions put in place to control the spread of Covid19 (e.g. businesses which supply the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors, or businesses in the events sector).

Businesses can apply for the Additional Restrictions Grants now by visiting: https://www.chichester.gov.uk/businessratesnovember2020

Applications are open until 13 December 2020. Further funding opportunities will be offered if restrictions are put in place in the future and/or if funds are still available.

 

Test and Trace Self-isolation payments

If you are on a low income and have been instructed to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace since 28 September, you may be eligible for a self-isolation payment of £500.

Please note that if the NHS COVID-19 app notifies you to self-isolate because you have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for coronavirus, but you have not been contacted by NHS Test and Trace by phone, email, letter or text message, you cannot currently apply for the Test and Trace Support Payment scheme. If you test positive for coronavirus, you will be contacted by NHS Test and Trace, even if you book your test and receive a positive test result through the app. This means you can apply for the Test and Trace Support Payment scheme.

To find out more about the scheme and to see if you are eligible, please see https://www.chichester.gov.uk/testandtracepayments.

Local support for NHS Test & Trace launches across Sussex

news release

26 November 2020

 

A new service has just gone live to support the national NHS Test and Trace system.

Working from West Sussex County Council’s COVID-19 Community Hub, the service will take on responsibility for contacting individuals across East and West Sussex who have received a positive COVID-19 test result, but were unable to be contacted by the national NHS Test and Trace team within 48 hours.

Contact will be made to these individuals via text, phone or email.

The local service will also be on hand to:

• Provide advice regarding positive test results and requirement to self-isolate;
• Collect details of the individuals’ contacts during their infectious period and enter them into the national NHS Test and Trace system for the national team to get in contact with;
• Offer additional support as required, including the wide range of help and advice available from the Community Hub service.

The service will operate between 8am-8pm seven days a week, including public and bank holidays.

Paul Marshall, Leader of West Sussex County Council, said: “Our COVID-19 Community Hub was set-up to support our most vulnerable residents when the pandemic started. The extension of our service to now include support for the national NHS Test and Trace system is another example of how we are doing all we can to keep residents safe and our case numbers down.

“We are also really pleased that our team is supporting our neighbouring county, East Sussex, with their local Test and Trace calls. This strong partnership working highlights how important it is that councils continue to work together to keep residents safe during this challenging time.”

Keith Glazier, leader of East Sussex County Council said: “The ability to trace everyone who has tested positive for COVID-19 is vital in our fight against the virus. We are pleased to be working with West Sussex County Council to deliver a local service which will be invaluable in helping us to increase the effectiveness of the national system.

“We know that many people are often reluctant to answer a phone call from a national number they don’t recognise, and hope a call from a local East Sussex phone number will result in more people being made aware of a positive test result and taking the necessary action to protect others in our community.

“Our residents are doing a fantastic job in following the guidance and keeping themselves and others safe, and we must continue to work together and do everything possible to stop the spread of the virus and bring the pandemic under control.”

Residents in West Sussex who need to be contacted by the Community Hub will receive a text, call or email from one of the below:

• Text: COVID TRACE
• Phone: 01243 642153
• Email: West Sussex County Council Local COVID Tracing Partnership

The Community Hub will then ask individuals for the following details:

• Their name, date of birth and postcode;
• If they live with other people;
• Any places they've been recently, such as a workplace or school;
• Names and contact details of any people they were in close contact with within the 48 hours before their symptoms started (if they know these details).

The Community Hub will NOT:

• Ask for bank details or payments;
• Ask for details of any other accounts, such as social media;
• Ask residents to set up a password or PIN number over the phone;
• Ask residents to call a premium rate number, such as those starting 09 or 087.

For further details about the local test and trace system, visit www.westsussex.gov.uk/localtracingpartnership.

​

For further information please contact the news desk on 0330 222 8090 or email pressoffice@westsussex.gov.uk.

For urgent out-of-hours enquiries please call 07767 098415.

Volunteer to help find the vaccine for COVID-19

Join the national effort and sign up for the NHS COVID-19 vaccine research registry. Be part of the fightback against the virus by volunteering to be contacted by researchers to take part in COVID-19 vaccine research. 

There are a number of vaccines being identified, but only large-scale studies can give researchers the information needed about how effective they are. 

The National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) is working with the NHS and aims to recruit as many people as possible onto the registry, which will allow people to be put in touch with the vaccine studies in the coming months. 

Researchers are looking for people from all backgrounds, ages and parts of the UK - including both people with or without existing health conditions - to take part in vaccine studies, to make sure that any vaccines developed will work for everyone. 

The service is available to anyone aged 18 or over, living in the UK. There is no obligation to join in any study, if you are contacted. But by taking part, you could help researchers find vaccines to protect us all more quickly - which in turn could help the NHS and save lives. 

Sign up today! 

PLAYGROUND - NOV 2020

The Crooked Lane playground will remain OPEN during this second lockdown. Please make sure that your children keep a distance; use hand sanitizer or wipes after using the equipment; do not eat or drink in the play area; do not use the play area if you or your children have shown symptoms.

New Restrictions from 6th Nov 2020

• New national restrictions start today
• Community hub is here to help
• Self-isolation reminder
• New working restrictions
• Keeping in touch

New national restrictions start today

To help reduce the spread of COVID-19 new national restriction measures have come into force today, Thursday 5 November, and will remain in place until Wednesday 2 December. Click here to find out how this will affect West Sussex County Council services, including libraries, Household Waste Recycling Sites, registration services and ceremonies.

You can also find the latest weekly case numbers on our website.   

The new tougher national restrictions include staying at home, only travelling if it is essential, and not meeting people socially. Restrictions do allow people to exercise or meet in a public, outdoor space with people they live with, their support bubble (or childcare bubble), or with one other person. It is vital that anyone who thinks they need any kind of medical care comes forward and seeks help. Further information, including working from home, business closures and the financial support available can be found on the government's website below.

---

Community hub is here to help

Our COVID-19 Community Hub remains open and continues to focus on helping the most vulnerable in our county, providing support, information and guidance. More details about how the Community Hub can help our vulnerable residents, their families and carers can be found on our website.

But if your request is urgent, for example, you are going to run out of food or medication within the next three days, please call: 033 022 27980.

---

Self-isolation reminder

You must self-isolate if:

• You have symptoms of COVID-19 (and arrange a COVID-19 test)
• You have a positive test result
• You are told to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace
• You are living with someone who has symptoms or has a positive test result.

If you develop symptoms you must immediately self-isolate and arrange a test. You must only get a test if you have symptoms. This is because an early COVID-19 test could be negative and actually you are still developing infection and could be spreading COVID-19.  

Self-isolation means you:

• Stay at home

• Do not go outside
• Do not go to work
• Do not go shopping

 How long do I self-isolate for?

If you have symptoms or have tested positive for coronavirus, you'll usually need to self-isolate for at least 10 days.

You'll usually need to self-isolate for 14 days if:

• Someone you live with has symptoms or tested positive
• Someone in your support bubble has symptoms or tested positive
• You've been told to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace

Even if you get a negative test during your self-isolation, as a close contact you still need to self-isolate for the full 14 days.

---

New working restrictions

With the new national restrictions, residents are asked to work from home where possible.

Anyone working in an office must make sure they practise social distancing, that the workspace is properly ventilated and that they travel safely to and from work, avoiding public transport where possible.

Please be vigilant to maintain social distancing during staff breaks.

If you develop symptoms you must stay at home – or return home if you are already in the office.

If you have been asked to self-isolate you must continue to do so for the remaining time, even if you receive a negative test result.

---

Keeping in touch

Please forward this e-newsletter to anyone you think would find it useful and encourage them to sign up.

For daily updates, follow us on social media @WSCCNews and @WestSussexCC.

We are also now on nextdoor, the app designed with communities in mind. Follow the link and join the conversation.

Thank you for your support. Keep safe.

---

Latest Lockdown information 5th Nov 2020

Monday 2 November 2020

Issued by the Communications Team – publicrelations@chichester.gov.uk

www.chichester.gov.uk/coronavirus

www.twitter.com/ChichesterDC

www.facebook.com/ChichesterDistrictCouncil

This briefing is to keep you updated on the evolving situation around coronavirus (COVID-19) and the actions being taken in the district.

Who does it affect?

• Residents and businesses within the district
• Chichester District Council staff and councillors
• Parish councils
• Community groups and charitable organisations

In this briefing

·         Latest update

·         Service Status

·         Staying safe outside of the home - Hands, Face, Space

·         Businesses and Venues

·         Furlough Scheme Extension and Business Support Grants

·         Protecting the vulnerable

·         Hardship Fund

·         Self-isolation payments

·         Weddings, civil partnerships, religious services and funerals

·         Going to work

·         Childcare and children’s activities

·         Visiting relatives in care homes

·         Travel

·         Weekly local data

·         Winter edition of initiatives magazine

·         Share this with a friend

Latest update

The Prime Minister announced that from Thursday 5 November new national restrictions will apply in England in order to try and control the spread of the coronavirus. You can find the full guidance here https://www.gov.uk/guidance/new-national-restrictions-from-5-november

When we reduce our day-to-day contact with other people, we reduce the spread of infection. That is why, from Thursday 5 November, the Government is taking the following action:

1.    Requiring people to stay at home, except for specific purposes. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/new-national-restrictions-from-5-november#stay-at-home

2.    Preventing gathering with people you do not live with, except for specific purposes. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/new-national-restrictions-from-5-november#meeting-with-family-and-friends

3.    Closing certain businesses and venues. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/new-national-restrictions-from-5-november#businesses-and-venues

These new measures have been carefully judged to achieve the maximum reduction in growth in the number of cases, preventing the NHS from being overwhelmed, whilst ensuring that schools, colleges and universities stay open and ensure that as many people as possible continue to work.

Complying with the new measures will help limit the spread of coronavirus, reduce the impact on the NHS and save lives. They will be underpinned by law which will make clear about what you must and must not do from 5 November. The relevant authorities, including the police, will have powers to enforce the law – including through fines and dispersing gatherings.

Further guidance is expected to be released over the next few days and we will share this with you as soon as we can.

 

Service status

Chichester District Council services are operating as usual, except for The Novium Museum, which will close on Thursday and reopen when the national restrictions have been lifted. Our leisure centres, which are run in partnership with Everyone Active, will also be closed during the lockdown. An update on our services can be found at www.chichester.gov.uk/councilservicestatus

Staying safe outside of the home - Hands, Face, Space

You should minimise time spent outside your home and when around other people ensure that you are two metres apart from anyone not in your household or support bubble.

Remember - ‘Hands. Face. Space’:

·         hands – wash your hands regularly and for 20 seconds

·         face – wear a face covering in indoor settings where social distancing may be difficult, and where you will come into contact with people you do not normally meet

·         space – stay 2 metres apart from people you do not live with where possible, or 1 metre with extra precautions in place (such as wearing face coverings or increasing ventilation indoors)

Businesses and venues

To reduce social contact, the Government has ordered certain businesses and venues to close. These include:

·         all non-essential retail, including, but not limited to clothing and electronics stores, vehicle showrooms, travel agents, betting shops, auction houses, tailors, car washes, tobacco and vape shops.

·         indoor and outdoor leisure facilities such as bowling alleys, leisure centres and gyms, sports facilities including swimming pools, golf courses and driving ranges, dance studios, stables and riding centres, soft play facilities, climbing walls and climbing centres, archery and shooting ranges, water and theme parks.

·         entertainment venues such as theatres, concert halls, cinemas, museums and galleries, casinos, adult gaming centres and arcades, bingo halls, bowling alleys, concert halls, zoos and other animal attractions, botanical gardens.

·         personal care facilities such as hair, beauty and nail salons, tattoo parlours, spas, massage parlours, body and skin piercing services, non-medical acupuncture, and tanning salons.

Food shops, supermarkets, garden centres and certain other retailers providing essential goods and services can remain open. Essential retail should follow COVID-secure guidelines to protect customers, visitors and workers.

Non-essential retail can remain open for delivery to customers and click-and-collect.

Playgrounds can remain open.

You can find out more here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/new-national-restrictions-from-5-november#businesses-and-venues

Furlough Scheme Extension and Business Support Grants

The Prime Minister announced that the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme – also known as the furlough scheme – will remain open until December, with employees receiving 80% of their current salary for hours not worked, up to a maximum of £2,500. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/new-national-restrictions-from-5-november#financial-support

The flexibility of the current Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme will be retained to allow employees to continue to work where they can.

Employers small or large, charitable or non-profit, are eligible and because more businesses will need to close, they will now be asked to pay just National Insurance and Pensions contributions for their staff during the month of November – making this more generous than support currently on offer.

The Job Support Scheme will not be introduced until after Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme ends. Wherever you live, you may be able to get financial help through the:

• Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme - https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-what-to-do-if-youre-employed-and-cannot-work

• Job Support Scheme (from 1st November) - https://www.gov.uk/guidance/check-if-you-can-claim-the-job-support-scheme

• New Style Employment and Support Allowance - https://www.gov.uk/guidance/new-style-employment-and-support-allowance

In addition, business premises forced to close in England are to receive grants worth up to £3,000 per month under the Local Restrictions Support Grant and £1.1bn is being given to Local Authorities, distributed on the basis of £20 per head, for one-off payments to enable them to support businesses more broadly. Mortgage holidays will also no longer end on 31 October.

As soon as we receive the details about the Local Restrictions Support Grant, we will update you on this.

Announcement: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/furlough-scheme-extended-and-further-economic-support-announced

Protecting the vulnerable

The Government’s shielding programme will not be active during the forthcoming national lockdown. Instead, those who are considered clinically extremely vulnerable to coronavirus will be contacted by the Government with detailed advice to follow while the new restrictions are in place. You can find out more details here https://www.gov.uk/guidance/new-national-restrictions-from-5-november#protecting-people-more-at-risk-from-coronavirus

We are working with partners to put in place a range of support for vulnerable people during this challenging period. This includes working with West Sussex County Council (WSCC) to deliver emergency food and other supplies during lockdown to people who had no other means of accessing assistance and supporting rough sleepers off the streets.

The most vulnerable people in our district are being supported through West Sussex County Council’s Community Hubhttps://www.westsussex.gov.uk/fire-emergencies-and-crime/coronavirus-covid-19-advice-and-information/community-hub-covid-19/ . We would encourage anyone who needs support to contact the Community Hub. The best way to do this is online but there is also a dedicated telephone helpline available for residents who need it: 033 022 27980. We are trying to keep the resources available through the hub for those who are most vulnerable, so if you do have support in place already, such as from family or friends, then please continue to use their support.

Many of our local voluntary groups are also preparing to respond to assist those most in need, including picking up prescriptions and carrying out shopping.

If you are living alone and feeling isolated, please also remember that our Chichester Wellbeing and Social Prescribing services are also available to help. They can be reached at https://chichester.westsussexwellbeing.org.uk/ or by calling 01243 521041.

Hardship fund

We have been administering a hardship fund to give £150 to people in receipt of Council Tax benefit to help towards their Council Tax bills. This can be increased as part of a discretionary scheme and we are also able to help with rent payments through our Discretionary Housing Payments scheme. We are also supporting local community groups who have seen an increase in demand through our grants process, which has been enhanced by £250k to help local voluntary groups. Details of all these schemes, which we hope will assist families who are experiencing financial pressures during this time, can be accessed through our website www.chichester.gov.uk

Self-isolation payments

If you are on a low income and have been instructed to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace since 28 September, you may be eligible for a self-isolation payment of £500. To help stop the spread of coronavirus, people across England are now required by law to self-isolate if they test positive for the virus, or if they are instructed to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace. The self-isolation support payments are there to help people on low incomes and to encourage people to self-isolate if instructed. We are processing applications and issuing these payments on behalf of the Government. To find out if you are eligible please see https://www.chichester.gov.uk/testandtracepayments

Weddings, civil partnerships, religious services and funerals

You can find the latest advice here https://www.gov.uk/guidance/new-national-restrictions-from-5-november#weddings-civil-partnerships-religious-services-and-funerals

Going to work

To help contain the virus, everyone who can work effectively from home must do so. Where people cannot do so (for instance people who work in critical national infrastructure, construction or manufacturing) they should continue to travel to work/attend their workplace. This is essential to keeping the country operating and supporting vital sectors and employers. Public sector employees working in essential services, including education settings, should continue to go into work. The risk of transmission can be substantially reduced if COVID-secure guidelines are followed closely. Extra consideration should be given to those people at higher risk.

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/new-national-restrictions-from-5-november#going-to-work

Childcare and children’s activities

Parents will still be able to access some registered childcare and other childcare activities (including wraparound care) where reasonably necessary to enable parents to work, or for the purposes of respite care. Find further details here https://www.gov.uk/guidance/new-national-restrictions-from-5-november#childcare-and-childrens-activities

Visiting relatives in care homes

You can find the guidance here https://www.gov.uk/guidance/new-national-restrictions-from-5-november#visiting-relatives-in-care-homes

Travel

You can find the latest guidance here https://www.gov.uk/guidance/new-national-restrictions-from-5-november#travel

Weekly local data

If you are interested in finding out the latest number of cases in the county, you can access it here https://www.westsussex.gov.uk/fire-emergencies-and-crime/coronavirus-covid-19-advice-and-information/covid-19-alert-level-weekly-data-and-outbreak-control-plan/

Winter edition of initiatives magazine

The winter edition of our residents’ magazine initiatives will be delivered to your door at the beginning of November. This was produced before the national lockdown was announced and so some of the campaigns we have highlighted within the magazine are now being adapted to reflect the current situation. One of these campaigns urges you to support local businesses. This is something we very much still want you to do – and so we hope to highlight which businesses are offering online shopping, deliveries and click and collect services over the coming weeks. Please keep an eye on this on our website www.chichester.gov.uk/countdowntochristmas and our social media channels for further details on this.

Share this with a friend

As the situation around coronavirus changes, it’s important that people across our district have the most up-to-date information possible. Please encourage your friends and family to sign up to this newsletter so that we can all be prepared and play our part in the fight against the virus. Sign up at www.chichester.gov.uk/newsalerts

Government Covid App

Dear residents and partners, The new NHS COVID-19 app launches today. It allows you to report symptoms, order a coronavirus test, and check into venues by simply scanning a QR code. We’re encouraging all residents to download the new app to help prevent the spread of coronavirus in West Sussex. Some of our businesses, such as restaurants and pubs, will be legally required to display a QR code poster for you to scan. This means that if you visit the venue and later test positive for coronavirus, other app users who were there at the same time may be sent an alert, if necessary. The app does this while protecting your anonymity. Nobody, including the government, will know who or where a particular user is. Instead, your postcode district (the first part of your postcode) helps the app work out where the virus is spreading. Without a vaccine or treatment, we all need to do everything we can to help stop the spread of coronavirus in our county. The new app is an important part of the government’s programme. By downloading and using the app, you’ll be helping to protect those around you – friends, family, colleagues and local communities. More information about the app is available on the GOV.UK website.  Earlier this week, the Prime Minister announced new guidelines to help reduce the spread of coronavirus. Please ensure you are following the rules – you can remind yourself of the very latest guidance online. Finally, a reminder that our community hub service is still running for elderly and vulnerable residents who may need extra support during this difficult time. If you, or someone you know needs extra help please visit our community hub page. Thank you for your continued support.

NHS COVID TESTING - please read! September 18th 2020

NHS Test and Trace have issued the following messages for stakeholders on coronavirus testing.

To stop the spread of the virus remember Hands. Face. Space: wash your hands regularly, use a face covering when social distancing is not possible and try to keep your distance from those not in your household.

There is now very high demand for coronavirus tests and it is vital we test people with symptoms to help stop the spread of the virus.

·         If you have coronavirus symptoms, you must get a test.·         If you don’t have symptoms, don’t get a test.·         We all need to play our part to protect the NHS Test and Trace service for those who really need it.

A recent survey at testing sites found a quarter of people turning up did not have symptoms. If you don’t have coronavirus symptoms, and have not been advised to take a test by a doctor or a public health professional or by your local council, you should not be booking a test. Healthcare professionals will be checking those for symptoms at testing sites.

If you have any coronavirus symptoms you must isolate immediately for 10 days (don’t wait for a test or a test result before doing so)

If you are identified as a contact of a positive case you must isolate for the full 14 days (even if for some reason you got a negative test during that period)

You should NOT get tested:

If you have returned from abroad or are about to travel, you are returning to the workplace, you have been in contact with a confirmed case or if another member of your household has symptoms. You may be advised to isolate if you have been in contact with a confirmed case but you should only get a test if you have symptoms.

By following these simple rules, we can ensure people who need a test can get one.

When to get a test or not:

·         Only get a test if you have coronavirus symptoms or have been asked to get tested a doctor or a public health professional or by your local council. The main symptoms of coronavirus are a high temperature, a new, continuous cough and a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste. Most people with coronavirus have at least one of these symptoms.·         Do not use this service to get a test in order to travel to another country. We do not provide certificates for travel purposes. You can pay for a private test.·         If your employer, school, or travel company has asked for evidence of a negative coronavirus test result, we are unable to provide this service. You should only get tested if you have symptoms.

If someone in your household starts to have symptoms, then they must get tested and the rest of your household should self-isolate with them whilst they wait for the results. If you or other members of the household don’t have symptoms, then you should not get a test – only people with symptoms should get tested. Most people who are tested in person get their results the next day.

Guidance on self-isolation:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-stay-at-home-guidance/stay-at-home-guidance-for-households-with-possible-coronavirus-covid-19-infection

If you have been in close contact with someone who has coronavirus you should not get tested unless you have coronavirus symptoms. A negative test result does not change the period of time that you will be required to self-isolate.

If you have been abroad and are quarantining, you should not get tested unless you have coronavirus symptoms. A negative test result does not change the period of time that you will be required to quarantine.

·         Do not stockpile tests. If you develop symptoms in future you will be able to book a test. There is no need to order a test in case of future use.·         If you have symptoms and need to book a test, you can do this online or by ringing 119. Do not call 111 which is an urgent care service and cannot help with tests.

***********************************************************************

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Plans for protecting West Sussex residents from the spread of COVID-19 are published

01 July 2020

 

Plans for how West Sussex will cope with any local outbreak of COVID-19 have been published by West Sussex County Council.

Every County and Unitary Council has been asked to publish its plans to deal with local pockets of the virus which may appear.

The West Sussex plan, which includes details about the public health response, what action businesses and members of the public might be asked to take, and how this will be communicated, can be found on our website.

Amanda Jupp, Cabinet Member for Adults and Health at West Sussex County Council, said: “COVID-19 has affected our way of life and everyday routine extensively. We have been asked to make unprecedented sacrifices in order to limit the spread of this virus and as national restrictions begin to lift, it is important for us to make sure that here in West Sussex we are able to monitor and manage any rise in cases locally.

“I know that a considerable number of people, as well as our businesses, are very keen to get back to a more normal life, but I also recognise that this will cause a certain amount of anxiety. We want to ensure that we get the balance right between keeping our residents safe and well while getting our economy back on track.”

To ensure the plan is delivering for residents, a Local Outbreak Engagement Board (LOEB) will be established as a sub-group of the County Council’s Health and Wellbeing Board (HWB). This is chaired by Amanda Jupp and will report to the quarterly Health and Wellbeing Board, which is held in public. Dates and times of the meetings are available on our website

 

District Despatch - CDC

District Dispatch

Over the past few weeks, we’ve seen temperatures soar and lockdown restrictions eased. This has provided people with a welcome opportunity to go out and about and enjoy what the district has to offer, and is a positive sign for our local businesses – many of whom have reopened or are about to reopen.

This return to some sort of normality is welcomed by all of us, but it is vital that people continue to observe social distancing; clear up their litter; park safely; and be respectful to others. We want to let you know what we are doing as an authority; what you can do to help; and what is outside of our control.

We have seen an increase in the amount of litter that is being generated, especially on our beaches and in our car parks. We want to assure you that our teams are working flat out to keep on top of this, but we ask that if you find a bin is full, or you can’t find somewhere to place your rubbish, please take it home with you. Even though we are regularly clearing up and emptying bins, the sheer volume of people using our car parks and beaches has meant that we have seen an increase in littering. Our litter enforcement officers will be patrolling busy areas and fining anyone who is caught littering, and we will be increasing our messaging from our Against Litter campaign, to remind people that they have a role to play in making sure that our district is kept beautiful. If you are spending the day out in the district, you may also be interested to know that all of our public conveniences remain open and are cleaned regularly.

We have boosted parking patrols, especially in our coastal area, and we will continue to do this. We’ve also met with the West Wittering Estate who own and run West Wittering beach and car park to discuss concerns raised by local residents. They are gradually increasing parking capacity, and they are advising anyone who has not booked that they should not visit West Wittering beach. We have been Penalty Charge Notices to anyone who parks illegally and we are looking at other possible measures that could be taken. We are also working closely with West Sussex County Council, which is responsible for the roads, and the Police, who have the powers to deal with anti-social behaviour, to discuss what further action could be taken, especially at times when we are expecting hot weather.

As we all know, it is vital that we all observe social distancing rules, as part of our fight against coronavirus. While our Civil Enforcement Officers, Foreshore Officers and Community Wardens have all been closely monitoring this and offering advice, they do not have any powers to enforce social distancing measures. It’s also important to note, that we do not have control over privately run areas, such as West Wittering beach. We’ve produced signage which has been displayed across the district, reminding people that they must stay safe and leave a space; and we’re currently working on another project which will further expand on this work. We’ve also made a video with our local businesses welcoming shoppers back to our High Streets at www.chichester.gov.uk/supportlocal Our health protection team and economic development teams have also been offering advice to businesses that are reopening and we have provided free downloadable signage designs.

This weekend also sees the reopening of many pubs and restaurants across the district. We have written to all of them offering advice and guidance, especially as the government has eased restrictions around licensing and planning, to help them get back on their feet. What we would ask is that you plan ahead because many pubs and restaurants will be working to a strict ‘bookings only’ policy to limit numbers; please make sure that you follow social distancing guidance at all times; and avoid large gatherings or congregating outside licensed premises.

Our play parks will also be open again by the weekend. Please make sure that you refer to the guidelines that we have placed at each site, to make sure that you and your children stay safe.

We’ve also been working very closely with West Sussex County Council and our other partners on a Covid-19 Local Outbreak Plan. The plan works hand in hand with the test and trace system, providing a strategy on how we will reduce the spread of the virus if infections start to increase locally. If we see a local spike in coronavirus cases, the plan will ensure a speedy response to contain the virus and prevent it from spreading further. This could range from making sure that infected individuals self-isolate; to locking down a specific local setting; or even introducing a wider local lockdown where we will all need to follow this agreed plan. Let’s hope it does not come to this, but it is vital that we plan for every eventuality.

I think that we all agree, that the past few months have been incredibly tough for everyone, and we all desperately want to get back to normal. However, we all have a role to play to help us achieve this. What you can be assured of is that we as a council are doing everything we can to support our local communities and businesses during what are incredibly challenging times. You can find out more about this at www.chichester.gov.uk/coronavirus or by visiting our social media sites.

 

Terri Foster	10:46 AM (9 minutes ago)
to Terri

25th June 2020

Thursday 25 June 2020

Issued by the Communications Team – publicrelations@chichester.gov.uk

www.chichester.gov.uk/coronavirus

www.twitter.com/ChichesterDC

www.facebook.com/ChichesterDistrictCouncil

This briefing is to keep you updated on the evolving situation around coronavirus (COVID-19) and the actions being taken in the district.

Who does it affect?

• Residents and businesses within the district
• Chichester District Council staff and councillors
• Parish councils
• Community groups and charitable organisations

In this briefing

• Latest update
• Stay alert
• Service changes
• Business grants update
• Support Your Local Businesses video
• Free Chichester District Wellbeing courses
• Parking offers
• Refuse, recycling, parks and toilets
• Community hub
• Waste crime
• Shielding announcement
• Self-employed new parents can claim support grant
• Information for parents and carers of children in early years or educational settings
• Dairy response fund opens for applications
• Virtual Festival of Chichester
• Armed Forces Day – 27 June
• Stay in touch

Latest update

This week, the Prime Minister set out further changes to lockdown measures in England to enable people to see more of their friends and family, help businesses get back on their feet and get people back to work.

From Saturday 4 July the following will apply: 

• Pubs, restaurants and hairdressers will be able to reopen, providing they adhere to COVID Secure guidelines - updated guidance for all workplace settings can be found at: https://bit.ly/sectorsocialdist
  
  
• Two households will be able to meet up in any setting with social distancing measures - updated guidance on social distancing can be found at: https://bit.ly/SDUpdated
  
  
• People will be able to enjoy staycations in England with the reopening of accommodation sites. Guidance on opening up the visitor economy can be found at: https://bit.ly/sectorsocialdist
  
  
• In order to begin restoring the arts and cultural sector, some leisure facilities and tourist attractions will also be able to reopen, if they can do so safely. This includes outdoor gyms and playgrounds, cinemas, museums, galleries, theme parks and arcades, as well as libraries, social clubs, places of worship and community centres. Guidance on opening up the visitor economy can also be found here: https://bit.ly/sectorsocialdist

Following a review, the Prime Minister has also set out that where it is not possible to stay two metres apart, guidance will allow people to keep a social distance of ‘one metre plus’. This means staying one metre apart plus mitigations, which reduce the risk of transmission. 

Stay alert

We can all help control the virus if we all stay alert. You can find more information on what you need to do at www.chichester.goc.uk/coronavirus and the very latest government advice is available at www.gov.uk/coronavirus

Service changes
Please visitwww.chichester.gov.uk/councilservicestatus for the latest information.

Business grants update

We have been busy distributing the latest financial support being made available to small businesses. Just over £1 million has been paid out to 136 businesses in the district from the Local Authority Discretionary Grant Fund. The deadline for applications was 14 June 2020. Applications continue to be processed and further funding will be issued over the coming week.

Support your local businesses video

We have just finished producing a short video as part of our Support Local campaign, which we are delivering in association with the Chichester Observer and Midhurst and Petworth Observer. The video features businesses from around the district welcoming shoppers back and highlighting the incredible amount of work that has gone in to making premises as safe as possible. You can watch the video at www.chichester.gov.uk/supportlocal

Free Chichester District Wellbeing courses

Our Chichester Wellbeing team are re-launching their free Move it and Lose it workshops online to help residents make small and simple changes to lose weight, get fit, and lead a healthier lifestyle.  

Led by a Registered Nutritional Therapist, the workshops are designed to help people lose weight, get back on track and feel healthier. The workshops involve giving advice and information on eating a healthy diet for life. The workshops re-start on Tuesday 28 July.

The team are also offering free online and telephone support through this difficult time for you or your loved ones to improve your health and wellbeing.  They can support you with reducing your alcohol intake, stopping smoking and weight loss. Call 01243 521041for an appointment or email info@chichesterwellbeing.org.uk.

You can also follow them on Facebook: @Chichesterwellbeing.

Parking offers

Don’t forget that if you are paying to park in Chichester District Council car parks you can select two hours and get a third free if you use the Mipermit app over the next three months. We are also offering free parking at Avenue de Chartres car park on Saturdays and Sundays for the next three months.  Find out more at www.chichester.gov.uk/parking

Refuse, recycling, parks and toilets

We are continuing to empty your bins as usual, including household waste, recycling, green recycling and trade waste. The teams have been working hard to make sure that all services are running. Our parks, gardens and public toilets remain well maintained and open. Please remember to maintain social distancing when using our parks and toilets.

Community hub

We are continuing to work in partnership with West Sussex County Council and its Community Hub which is there to support the most vulnerable residents in our communities. We have been supporting the hub by collecting and delivering food, supporting volunteers, calling people to check that they are okay.

You can contact the Community Hub if you, or someone you know, need help, or if you want to volunteer your services in these difficult times. This will be available seven days a week and staff will be on hand to respond to enquiries from 8am-8pm. The team will be contacting the most vulnerable to tell them how to get help. The best way to contact the hub is online; if you have access go to www.westsussex.gov.uk/covid19communityhub.

A dedicated telephone helpline is also available for residents who are unable to go online: 033 022 27980. We are trying to keep the resources available through the hub for those who are most vulnerable, so if you do have support in place already, such as from family or friends, then please continue to use their support.

Waste crime

We are continuing to urge households to play their part in preventing waste crime during the coronavirus pandemic.

There are some easy steps you can take to take to avoid unwittingly contributing to waste crime:

·         check the people taking away your rubbish are registered waste carriers. Ideally they should have a copy of their registration documents on them; ask to see these. You can check their licence number at https://environment.data.gov.uk/public-register/view/index or call 03708 506506 and the Environment Agency can check for you·         get a written receipt/transfer note showing their contact details, a description of your waste and details of where they are taking it·         note down the make, colour and registration number of the vehicle that’s taking your waste away.Find out more information about our fly tipping campaign here: www.chichester.gov.uk/flytipping

Shielding announcement

People who have been shielding from coronavirus over the last three months will be able to spend more outside their homes from Monday 6 July.

Clinically extremely vulnerable people will be able to spend time outdoors in a group of up to six people including those outside of their household, while maintaining social distancing.

Those who are clinically extremely vulnerable and live alone or are single parents with children will also be able to create a ‘support bubble’ with one other household of any size, following the same rules already in place for the wider population.

From Saturday 1 August, the guidance will then be relaxed so clinically extremely vulnerable will no longer be advised to shield.

They will continue to have access to priority supermarket delivery slots if they have registered online before 17 July for a priority delivery slot. NHS Volunteer Responders will also continue to offer support to those who need it, including collecting and delivering food and medicines. The food and medicine boxes facilitated by the National Shielding Service will stop as of 1 August as individuals are advised they can visit shops and pharmacies.

To register and access a priority delivery slot: www.gov.uk/coronavirus-extremely-vulnerable

From 1 August, those who need to work and cannot do so from home will be able to return to work as long as their workplace is coronavirus secure.

Clinically extremely vulnerable people should continue to follow strict social distancing measures, taking particular care to minimise contact with others outside their household and practise good, frequent handwashing.

The government will be writing to all individuals on the Shielded Patient List with updated information on shielding advice and the ongoing support that will be available to them.

You can find more information at www.gov.uk/government/news/plans-to-ease-guidance-for-over-2-million-shielding

Self-employed new parents can claim support grant

The Government has announced that self-employed parents whose trading profits dipped in 2018/19 because they took time out to have children will be able to claim for a payment under the self-employed income support scheme (SEISS).

Parents who took time out of trading to care for their children within the first 12 months of birth or adoptive placement will now be able to use either their 2017-18 or both their 2016-17 and 2017-18 self-assessment returns as the basis for their eligibility for the SEISS.

Further details of the change for self-employed parents will be set out by the start of July in published guidance. Find out more at www.gov.uk/government/news/self-employed-new-parents-can-claim-support-grant

Information for parents and carers of children in early years or educational settings

The Department for Education (DfE) has updated the guidance on what parents and carers need to know about early years providers, schools and colleges during the coronavirus outbreak. Read more at www.gov.uk/government/publications/what-parents-and-carers-need-to-know-about-early-years-providers-schools-and-colleges-during-the-coronavirus-covid-19-outbreak

Dairy response fund opens for applications

The dairy response fund has opened for applications from eligible dairy farmers in England in need of support following the coronavirus outbreak. The deadline for applications will be 14 August. More details can be found at: www.gov.uk/government/news/fund-to-support-dairy-farmers-opens-for-applications

Virtual Festival of Chichester

You can enjoy talks, concerts, online art viewings and quizzes as part of the Virtual Festival of Chichester which runs until the end of July. There will be at least one event per day and events will be placed online each day for a 7.30pm start. To find out more and to access the programme, see https://festivalofchichester.co.uk/the-virtual-festival-of-chichester-line-up-and-how-to-access-the-events/

Armed Forces Day – 27 June

Saturday 27 June will be the twelfth annual Armed Forces Day and the first to be marked virtually.  Chichester District Council will be flying its special flag at East Pallant House in support. For more information see www.armedforcesday.org.uk/?utm_source=GCSL_SEL&utm_medium=Twitter&utm_campaign=ArmedForcesDay

Stay in touch

Make sure you stay in touch with our daily updates on:

www.chichester.gov.uk/coronavirus

www.facebook.com/ChichesterDistrictCouncil

www.twitter.com/ChichesterDC

www.instagram.com/ChichesterDC

www.linkedin.com/company/chichesterdc

You can also now sign up for our email newsletters at www.chichester.gov.uk/newsalerts

 

Chichester Wellbeing offers free, friendly advice to residents  25th June 2020

Chichester District residents can access a range of free online and telephone support from Chichester Wellbeing to improve their health and wellbeing during this difficult time.

Chichester Wellbeing offers a range of services including alcohol support, a stop smoking service, and weight loss workshops, all of which are currently being delivered online or by telephone to comply with Government social distancing guidelines.

People looking to cut down their drinking can book a free, confidential one-to-one session with a Specialist Alcohol Wellbeing Advisor. Sessions are individually tailored to meet the client’s needs and involve creating a realistic and manageable plan to help them meet their goals. The alcohol support service offers six to eight sessions per client and is available to anyone over the age of 18.

Chichester Wellbeing can also help those looking to quit smoking. The team are qualified Smoking Cessation Advisors and are able to offer free one-to-one behavioural support, including Nicotine Replacement Therapy to help people quit.

Anyone looking to lose a few pounds can join a virtual programme of Move it and Lose it workshops. These sessions help people to make small and simple changes to achieve sustainable weight loss and lead a healthier lifestyle. The programme focuses on healthy eating, nutrition and education, covering a wide variety of topics to help people lose weight and keep it off in the long term.

The team also offers one-to-one telephone appointments for residents looking to make small changes to their lifestyles to improve their wellbeing. The aim is to help people set achievable goals. The information provided aims to support and motivate people to lead a healthy lifestyle which can also include helping people to access other local services which may benefit them. 

“These past few months have been incredibly hard for us all, which is why Chichester Wellbeing is here to help,” says Councillor Roy Briscoe, Cabinet Member for Community Services and Culture at Chichester District Council. “The coronavirus pandemic has encouraged many of us to take a closer look at our health and wellbeing and identify ways we can improve it, whether that’s cutting down on alcohol, quitting smoking, or losing weight. No matter what your goals are, it’s much easier to meet them when you have dedicated support in place. Our Wellbeing team can offer something for everyone so I would encourage you to get in touch to find out more.”

People can make an appointment with Chichester Wellbeing by calling 01243 521041 or emailing info@chichesterwellbeing.org.uk. People can also find out more by following the Chichester Wellbeing Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/ChichesterWellbeing/

 

 

 

 

25th June 2020

District Dispatch

This week there has been a lot of positive news, with the government giving the green light for more of our businesses to open from 4 July.

The changes announced mean that our district’s hospitality industry and many of our pubs, restaurants, cafes and hair salons can now start to make preparations to reopen their doors. The news is also a huge boost for our local tourism industry as hotels, bed and breakfasts, campsites and caravan parks will also be able to reopen, just in time for the summer holiday period.

I was also really pleased to learn that our museums, galleries and playgrounds will now be able to open. Our parks and gardens team and our Novium Museum team are currently working hard, examining the Government guidance and putting in place numerous safety measures so that they are ready to welcome you at a suitable date. We will keep you posted on their progress.

As even more businesses start planning to welcome back customers, our teams including our Economic Development, Licensing, Health Protection and Planning departments will be here to support them, offering practical advice and guidance. We are currently awaiting further details about how the Government intends to relax the laws around making it easier for cafes, restaurants and pubs to serve people outside. I am sure that this will be a huge help for many of our businesses here in the district.

I hope you will also be interested to learn that we have just finished producing a short video as part of our Support Local campaign, which we are delivering in association with the Chichester Observer and Midhurst and Petworth Observer. The video features businesses from around the district welcoming shoppers back and highlighting the incredible amount of work that has gone in to making premises as safe as possible. I would like to thank everyone who has been involved in this video, which you can watch at www.chichester.gov.uk/supportlocal

Our council is continuing to focus on our recovery from this terrible crisis, and next month our councillors will be discussing a report on how we move forward from these difficult times and how we can best support our communities across the district.

We are all looking forward to returning to some kind of normality and we all have a role to play in helping us to achieve and maintain this. We can do this by continuing to follow the government’s advice; and by continuing to support our local businesses and communities.

I am really heartened to hear that those people who have been shielding will soon be able to start seeing more people and get out and about in the community a bit more. I know that the past three months have been extremely tough for many of you who have had to isolate yourselves. Thankfully, there is now light at the end of the tunnel.

I would also like to say a huge thank you to all those who have been supporting those who have been shielding, including the Community Hub, and those who have been carrying out a variety of tasks such as delivering shopping, collecting prescriptions and making those all-important calls to check that people are okay. I know that your actions have made a huge difference and it is very much appreciated by everyone in the district.

I want to finish by reminding you that this Saturday is national Armed Forces Day and our council offices at East Pallant House will be flying our special flag in support.  This year, thousands of our military have played a key role helping in the fight against the pandemic and have been supporting our NHS, and so I urge everyone to show their appreciation for our forces at the weekend. Like many events this year, these will largely take place virtually, and you can find more information about the day at https://www.armedforcesday.org.uk/

 

HEAT WAVE - HOW TO COPE AND WHAT TO DO

Incident Information from WSCC Resilience and Emergencies TeamThe Met Office has issued a Level 3 Heat Health Alert.There is a 90 % probability of Heat-Health criteria being met between 0900 on Wednesday and 2100 on Friday in parts of England.View the full warning at the Met Office Heat Health Watch site.  Hot weather can affect your health. The people most likely to be affected are the elderly, the very young, and people with pre-existing medical conditions.Heatwave and Covid-19 Please note that additional information and tips for Covid-19 and the heatwave has been issued by the government. Fans should not be used if someone in your home has been confirmed or suspected as having Covid-19, as this could increase the spread of infection If no-one in your home has Covid-19 or suspected Covid-19, angle fans away from you to limit the spread of germs. Remember that fans are ineffective in temperatures above 350C and cause increased dehydrationParacetamol (and aspirin) may be used to manage COVID-related symptoms but it is recommended that they are not used solely to reduce body temperature. Always consult your pharmacist, GP or NHS 111 for advice Keep cool and hydrated by regularly sipping cold water-based drinks and avoid alcohol Use sponges or cloths made damp by cold water to help control your temperature Close blinds and curtains to help control the temperature of your home Check on the wellbeing of vulnerable friends and family who may be shielding or who are isolated. Remember to observe social distancing guidance The full guidance can be found here. In General If you know or look after someone that may be susceptible to the effects of this hot weather period please help make sure that they stay cool and well, and if possible check in advance that they are prepared for this hot spell. Please follow this advice to keep cool and comfortable and reduce health risks:Shut windows and pull down the shades when it is hotter outside. If it's safe, open them for ventilation when it is cooler.Avoid the heat: stay out of the sun and don't go out between 11am and 3pm (the hottest part of the day).Keep rooms cool by using shades or reflective material outside the windows. If this isn't possible, use light-coloured curtains and keep them closed (metallic blinds and dark curtains can make the room hotter).Have cool baths or showers, and splash yourself with cool water.Drink cold drinks regularly, such as water and fruit juice. Avoid tea, coffee and alcohol.Plan ahead to make sure you have enough supplies, such as food, water and any medications you need.Identify the coolest room in the house so you know where to go to keep cool.Wear loose, cool clothing and a hat if you go outdoors. For more informationMet Office Heat-health watchNHS Choices Heatwave: be preparedWSCC Wellbeing https://www.westsussex.gov.uk/campaigns/heat-alert/WSCC Dealing with extreme weatherWSCC Preparing for emergenciesFollow us on Twitter for regular updates @WSCCNews @WSCCResilience @wspublichealthFollow the Resilience and Emergencies Team on Twitter and Facebook.Or find out more at the West Sussex County Council website.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thursday 11 June 2020

Issued by the Communications Team – publicrelations@chichester.gov.uk

www.chichester.gov.uk/coronavirus

www.twitter.com/ChichesterDC

www.facebook.com/ChichesterDistrictCouncil

This briefing is to keep you updated on the evolving situation around coronavirus (COVID-19) and the actions being taken in the district.

Who does it affect?

• Residents and businesses within the district
• Chichester District Council staff and councillors
• Parish councils
• Community groups and charitable organisations

In this briefing

·         Latest update

·         Service changes

·         Support Local

·         £1.8 million of funding for small businesses now available

·         Chichester Farmer’s Market makes a welcome return

·         Stay safe, leave a space

·         Parking incentives introduced

·         Sign up to our email newsletter

·         Refuse, recycling, parks and toilets

·         Residents encouraged to have their say on interim housing policy

·         Council urges premises to carry out post-lockdown Legionella checks

·         Bereavement support during COVID-19

·         Community hub

·         Face coverings mandatory on public transport

·         Face masks mandatory at NHS Hospitals

·         Waste crime

·         Rough sleeping charities to receive £6 million funding

·         Places of worship reopening for individual prayer

·         How direct payment holders can use the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme

·         Dairy response fund

·         Stay in touch

Latest update

Non-essential retail confirmed to reopen from Monday 15 June

The Business Secretary has confirmed that shops in England selling non-essential goods will be able to reopen from Monday 15 June, thanks to continuing progress in meeting their five tests.

High street retailers and department stores, including book shops, electronics retailers, tailors, auction houses, photography studios, indoor markets, and shops selling clothes, shoes and toys, will be allowed to open their doors again provided they follow the COVID-19 secure guidelines set out by the government in May.

Employers should also display a notice visibly in their shop windows or outside their store to show their employees, customers and other visitors that they have followed this guidance. The downloadable sign can be found here: https://bit.ly/CV19Sign

Full details of workplace guidance can be found here: https://bit.ly/CV19WorkingSafely.

From 13 June, if you are a single adult household – either you live alone or only with dependent children - you can form a support bubble with one other household. This means you can see other members of your support bubble indoors and outside. You will also be able to be less than 2 metres apart and stay overnight as if you were members of the same household. Individuals who form a bubble with one household may not form a bubble with anyone else.

It is not yet possible for people who are not in support bubbles to meet inside other people’s homes - that remains against the law. This is critical to helping us control the virus and keep people safe.

The Cabinet Office’s coronavirus FAQ page provides the very latest guidance: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-outbreak-faqs-what-you-can-and-cant-do/coronavirus-outbreak-faqs-what-you-can-and-cant-do

Stay alert

We can all help control the virus if we all stay alert. This means you must:

• stay at home as much as possible
• work from home if you can
• limit contact with other people
• keep your distance if you go out (2 metres apart where possible)
• wash your hands regularly

Do not leave home if you or anyone in your household has symptoms.

Service changes

Please visit www.chichester.gov.uk/councilservicestatus for the latest information.

Support Local

We are asking everyone to get behind their local businesses and to ‘think local’ every time they want to buy something.

We are proud to have launched a campaign, in association with the Chichester Observer and Midhurst and Petworth Observer, to encourage everyone to support their local businesses. In this week’s paper, you will find a poster that you can cut out and place in your window to show your support. You can also download this from our website www.chichester.gov.uk/supportlocal

Our web pages also provide more information about the support we are offering businesses, including free social distancing signage designs, and how you can keep yourself safe while out and about. This includes looking out for the Government’s ‘COVID-19 Secure’ posters in High Street windows, which show that the business has completed a risk assessment and put in the necessary measures to ensure social distancing. We’re also looking at of expanding our High Street Recovery group, to involve a range of retailers, local partners and council members. This will look at how we support our High Streets and local businesses moving forward.

£1.8 million of funding for small businesses now available

We have launched the next stage of the business rate grant scheme. £1.8 million of government funding is now available to support small businesses in the Chichester District, which were previously outside the scope of the business grant funds scheme. This additional funding is aimed at small businesses with ongoing fixed property-related costs. Anyone who feels that they may qualify for this new funding can apply by visiting https://www.chichester.gov.uk/businessratesmarch2020. Please note that the closing date for applications is 14 June 2020.

Chichester Farmers’ Market makes a welcome return

Chichester Farmers’ Market returned last Friday and it was a huge success. Due to social distancing requirements, it has been temporarily moved into the Cattle Market car park. People respected the systems we had introduced and thanks to your support, many of the traders were sold out by the time the market finished at 2pm! This is great news and is a very positive sign to those shops that are about to reopen. The Wednesday and Saturday markets are also returning and for the time-being they will also be both located in the Cattle Market car park.

Stay safe, leave a space

This week, we are introducing social distancing signage in our towns and city to remind people to stay safe and leave a space. The same signage has also been made available to businesses and community groups to download for free if they wish to use it.

In the first instance, due to the rapidly changing landscape, we are introducing temporary signage. We are currently planning more long-term signage that reflects individual towns and the city as we move forward into the summer months, when people have started to get used to the social distancing requirements and when most businesses will be open. At every step, we are involving our local partners in this work.

Parking incentives introduced

We’ve introduced some parking incentives in our car parks:

·         free parking for everyone at the Avenue De Chartres car park every Saturday and Sunday; and

·         one hour’s free parking for everyone when selecting two hours’ using the MiPermit app.  Please download the app at https://secure.mipermit.com/chichester/Register/PayAndStayRegister.aspx

to start to benefit from this scheme.

Both of these incentives will be in place for three months and will then be reviewed. To find out more, please see www.chichester.gov.uk/latestnews

The council will also continue to offer free car parking for NHS and social care workers in Northgate car park, Chichester – which is close to St Richard’s Hospital – until April 2021.

Sign up to our email newsletter

Please encourage people to sign up to our email newsletter service at www.chichester.gov.uk/newsalerts Anyone who signs up, will receive a copy of this newsletter on a weekly basis, sent directly to their chosen email account.

Refuse, recycling, parks and toilets

We are continuing to empty your bins as usual, including household waste, recycling, green recycling and trade waste. The teams have been working really hard to make sure that all services are running. Our parks, gardens and public toilets remain well maintained and open. Please remember to maintain social distancing when using our parks and toilets.

Residents encouraged to have their say on interim housing policy

People in the Chichester District are being invited to give their views on a draft interim housing policy in a public consultation starting Friday 12 June.

Chichester District Council is bringing forward an Interim Policy Statement, which will guide development in the Local Plan area until the Local Plan Review is adopted.

This policy does not include areas within the South Downs National Park. These areas are subject to a separate plan undertaken by the South Downs National Park Authority (SDNPA).

The statement draws together adopted and emerging Local Plan policies to outline the types of new residential development that the council would support for the area. This will help potential applicants to understand the sorts of proposals that would be considered appropriate.

We are encouraging residents and businesses across the district to share their views on the draft statement, which will go live on Friday 12 June and will run for four weeks until 10 July 2020. You can read more about this at www.chichester.gov.uk/latestnews

People will be able to view and comment on the draft statement by visiting www.chichester.gov.uk/letstalkplanning from 12 June.

Council urges premises to carry out post-lockdown Legionella checks

We are working with Public Health England to advise businesses and voluntary groups of the potential for Legionnaires’ Disease (Legionella) in water systems that have been fully or partially closed during lockdown. For more information please see https://www.chichester.gov.uk/article/34084/Council-urges-premises-to-carry-out-post-lockdown-Legionella-checks

Bereavement support during COVID-19

The Sussex Bereavement Helpline has been set up to provide you with information and guidance, and is run by a team of experienced support workers, who can talk to you about the tasks that need to be completed after a death. The Helpline can also give you information about sources of help and support for you and your family and friends as you grieve. The service is available Monday to Friday from 8am until 5pm and can be reached on 0300 111 2141. You can find out more about the service at https://www.seshealthandcare.org.uk/priority/bereavement/

Community hub

As we have mentioned previously, we are working in partnership with West Sussex County Council, which has developed a Community Hub to support the most vulnerable residents in our communities. We have been supporting the hub by collecting and delivering food, supporting volunteers, calling people to check that they are okay.

You can contact the Community Hub if you, or someone you know, need help, or if you want to volunteer your services in these difficult times. This will be available seven days a week and staff will be on hand to respond to enquiries from 8am-8pm. The team will be contacting the most vulnerable to tell them how to get help. The best way to contact the hub is online; if you have access go to www.westsussex.gov.uk/covid19communityhub.

A dedicated telephone helpline is also available for residents who are unable to go online: 033 022 27980. We are trying to keep the resources available through the hub for those who are most vulnerable, so if you do have support in place already, such as from family or friends, then please continue to use their support.

Face coverings mandatory on public transport

The Transport Secretary announced that the government will work with operators to make it mandatory for passengers to wear face coverings when using public transport in England from 15 June.

The changes will be made under legislation such as the National Rail Conditions of Travel and Public Service Vehicle Regulations for buses. While the government expects the vast majority of people to comply with the changes, operators will be able to refuse travel or issue penalty fines for those who fail to wear a face covering, in a similar way to the rules on having a ticket for travel. British Transport Police will also support the implementation of these changes.

Wherever possible people should continue to avoid public transport and walk, cycle or drive, but for some people this may not be an option.

Announcement: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/face-coverings-to-become-mandatory-on-public-transport

Face masks mandatory at NHS Hospitals

The Department for Health and Social Care has announced that all staff in hospitals in England will be provided with surgical masks which they will be expected to wear from 15 June.

NHS staff already wear face masks in clinical areas within 2 metres of a patient, but the new guidance applies to everyone working in all areas of the hospital.

Members of the public are strongly urged to attend hospital wearing a face covering, but a face mask will be provided in emergencies.

DHSC is working with the social care sector to implement a similar approach.

Announcement: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/face-masks-and-coverings-to-be-worn-by-all-nhs-hospital-staff-and-visitors

Waste crime

We are urging households to play their part in preventing waste crime during the coronavirus pandemic.

There are some easy steps you can take to take to avoid unwittingly contributing to waste crime:

·         check the people taking away your rubbish are registered waste carriers. Ideally they should have a copy of their registration documents on them; ask to see these. You can check their licence number at environment.data.gov.uk/public-register, or call 03708 506506 and the Environment Agency can check for you·         get a written receipt/transfer note showing their contact details, a description of your waste and details of where they are taking it·         note down the make, colour and registration number of the vehicle that’s taking your waste away. Find out more information about our fly tipping campaign here: https://chichester.gov.uk/flytipping

Rough sleeping charities to receive £6 million funding

The Homelessness Minister has announced that over 130 charities are set to benefit from a portion of £6 million of government funding, allowing them to continue their work supporting rough sleepers during the pandemic.

The funding is part of a £750 million package of government support for UK charities which may have been impacted by the pandemic.

Announcement: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/charities-to-benefit-from-support-for-rough-sleepers-during-pandemic

Places of worship reopening for individual prayer

The Communities Secretary has confirmed that from Monday 15 June places of worship will be permitted to re-open for individual prayer in line with social distancing guidelines.

Individual prayer will be permitted from 15 June, but communally led prayer, worship or devotion such as services, evensong, informal prayer meetings, Mass, Jummah or Kirtan will not be possible at this stage.

New guidance will be published shortly to ensure the limited re-opening of places of worship can be done safely and in line with social distancing guidelines.

This will recommend the thorough cleaning of shared spaces, hand cleansing at entry and exit and asking worshippers to bring their own items such as a prayer mat or religious text instead of sharing or using communal ones.

Places of worship still have discretion over when they consider it safe to open and may decide to remain closed or reopen at a slower pace if they wish.

Announcement: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/places-of-worship-to-re-open-for-individual-prayer

How direct payment holders can use the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme

The Department of Health and Social Care has published guidance to help people who buy care and support through a direct payment to know how and when they can use the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme to furlough employees during the coronavirus outbreak. The guidance includes examples of when direct payment holders may or may not choose to use the scheme.

Guidance: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-job-retention-scheme-people-receiving-direct-payments

Dairy response fund

The Farming Minister has confirmed that a new dairy response fund will open for applications on 18 June.

Recognising that dairy farmers have fixed costs of production which some may have struggled to meet during the coronavirus outbreak, from 18 June farmers in England who have experienced 25% price losses in April and May will be able to apply for a single payment from the fund.

Qualifying farmers can apply for support to cover up to 70% of their losses due to coronavirus disruption across April and May, up to a total amount of £10,000 each. The funding will be paid out from 6 July.

Announcement: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/dairy-response-fund-set-to-open-for-applications

Stay in touch

Make sure you stay in touch with our daily updates on:

www.chichester.gov.uk/coronavirus

www.facebook.com/ChichesterDistrictCouncil

www.twitter.com/ChichesterDC

www.instagram.com/ChichesterDC

https://www.linkedin.com/company/chichesterdc

You can also now sign up for our email newsletters at www.chichester.gov.uk/newsalerts

Supporting local businesses

Your local businesses need you! The government aims for more of our high street shops to open for business this month. To support our local businesses, we have launched a new campaign, in association with the Chichester and the Midhurst and Petworth Observer, to encourage people across the district to support our businesses and High Streets.

This is part of a package of support designed to help local businesses to reopen in line with the government's recovery plan.

We are working closely with our local businesses and partners to ensure that everyone's visit to the high street is as safe as possible, and you can find out more here.
 

More about our campaign

Council officers have been out visiting the district's towns and city to assess what signage will be required and to look at what further measures may need to be introduced. These proposals have been sent to key partners including the relevant town, parish or city council and the ward member for their feedback and involvement in this process. 

In the first instance, due to the rapidly changing landscape, we will be installing temporary signage. We then are planning more long-term signage that reflects individual towns and the city as we move forward into the summer months, when people have started to get used to the social distancing requirements and when most businesses will be open.

We have also designed a range of downloadable signs for any business or community group in the district to use to help implement social distancing. Visitors to the district are being asked to look for the Government's 'COVID-19 Secure' posters in High Street windows, which show that the business has completed a risk assessment and put in the necessary measures to ensure social distancing. 

How to show your support

Get involved and show your support by downloading our 'we're supporting local businesses' poster to display in your window at home.

You can also find a printed copy in the next issue of our council magazine initiatives, which will be delivered to households from 13 July.

• 'We are supporting local businesses' shop window poster [pdf 992kb](Opens in a new window)

Where can I shop locally?

In this section, we will be highlighting businesses that are re-opening.

Chichester Business Improvement District have compiled a business directory(Opens in a new window) , with details of businesses in Chichester City Centre that are open for business.

Chichester Farmers' Markets

• Food lovers will be able to buy good quality local produce when Chichester Farmers' Market sets up its stalls again from Friday 5 June.
• The market will take place every first and third Friday of the month, 9am until 2pm, in a new temporary location at Cattle Market Car Park, Chichester.
• Strict social distancing measures will be in place to ensure the safety of customers, stallholders and staff.

For more information, please see our Farmers' Market webpage.

Shop safely

If you're shopping in the Chichester District, please:

1. Follow instructional and directional signage in the high streets.
2. Look out for the government's 'COVID-19 Secure' posters in shop windows, which show that the business has completed a risk assessment and put in the necessary measures to ensure social distancing.
3. Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds before you go out and when you get home, and use hand sanitiser when you are out and about.
4. Always follow the government's guidance on staying safe outside your home.(Opens in a new window)

The government are advising people to consider wearing face coverings in enclosed public spaces where they may be more likely to come into contact with people they do not normally meet. This applies when visiting shops.

For guidance, view the government's  advice on wearing face coverings(Opens in a new window) , and instructions on how to wear and make a face covering(Opens in a new window) .

When are businesses re-opening?

Outdoor markets and car showrooms can now operate, as soon as they are able to meet the COVID-19 secure guidelines to protect shoppers and workers.

All other non-essential retail including shops selling clothes, shoes, toys, furniture, books, and electronics, plus tailors, auction houses, photography studios, and indoor markets, are expected to be able to reopen from 15 June if the government's five tests are met and they follow the COVID-19 secure guidelines. 

The government has published further guidance for people who work in or run shops and branches(Opens in a new window)

Businesses will only be able to open from these dates once they have completed a risk assessment, in consultation with trade union representatives or workers, and are confident they are managing the risks. They must have taken the necessary steps to become COVID-19 secure in line with the current Health and Safety legislation.

The government is taking action to help businesses re-open and protect their staff and customers, including:

• working with local authorities to continue to carry out spot checks and follow up on concerns by members of the public
• publishing updated COVID-secure guidelines for people who work in or run shops, branches, and stores.

Social distancing signage for businesses

If you are a local business, you can download social distancing signage here.

• Shop signage - A4 directional arrow [pdf 4kb](Opens in a new window)
• Stay safe, leave a space A4 poster [pdf 60kb](Opens in a new window)

We have also created a campaign poster to encourage people to Stay Safe, Leave a Space, which can also be downloaded and displayed in your premises.

• Stay Safe, Leave a Space poster [pdf 715kb](Opens in a new window)

COVID-19 compliance posters for businesses

Businesses are encouraged to download the government's 'COVID-19 Secure' poster and display it in their window to show that they have completed a risk assessment and put in the necessary measures to ensure social distancing.

• COVID-19 government compliance poster for businesses [pdf 422kb](Opens in a new window)

Business advice and support

Our economic development team are also here to help:

• Business advice & support
• Business Support - Coronavirus FAQs

If you have any concerns around social distancing in any of the retail areas in our district, please contact healthprotection@chichester.gov.ukYou may also want…Other websites

• Chichester BID website(Opens in a new window)  
• Petworth Business Association(Opens in a new window)  
• Selsey Business Partnership(Opens in a new window)  

Cannot find the information you are looking for?

• Business SupportEmail: business.support@chichester.gov.uk

 

 

 

 

District Dispatch

At the start of the lockdown, I said that when we start to recover from this crisis, we would all have a role to play in supporting our local businesses. As the Government starts to release further restrictions under its recovery plan, we are now at that point. As long as the Government’s key tests are met and businesses have made their premises ‘COVID-19 Secure’, our High Streets will start to reopen from Monday 15 June.

It is for this reason, that we are asking everyone to get behind their local businesses and to ‘think local’ every time they want to buy something. We are proud to have launched a campaign, in association with the Chichester Observer and Midhurst and Petworth Observer, to encourage everyone to support their local businesses. In this week’s paper, you will find a poster that you can cut out and place in your window to show your support. You can also download this from our website www.chichester.gov.uk/supportlocal Our web pages also provide more information about the support we are offering businesses and how you can keep yourself safe while out and about. This includes looking out for the Government’s ‘COVID-19 Secure’ posters in High Street windows, which show that the business has completed a risk assessment and put in the necessary measures to ensure social distancing.

Chichester Farmers’ Market returned last Friday. Due to social distancing requirements, it has been temporarily moved into the Cattle Market car park. I’m pleased to say that it was a huge success. People respected the systems we had introduced and thanks to your support, many of the traders were sold out by the time the market finished at 2pm! This is great news and is a very positive sign to those shops that are about to reopen. The Wednesday and Saturday markets are also returning and for the time-being they will also be both located in the Cattle Market car park.

Our Economic Development team has been finding out which businesses intend to reopen and they have been offering support. We’ve shared free downloadable social distancing signage designs with anyone who wants to download it. This week, you will also see social distancing signage appearing in our towns and city. In the first instance, due to the rapidly changing landscape, we are introducing temporary signage. We are then planning more long-term signage that reflects individual towns and the city as we move forward into the summer months, when people have started to get used to the social distancing requirements and when most businesses will be open. At every step, we are involving our local partners in this work. We’re also in the process of expanding our High Street Recovery group, to involve a range of retailers, local partners and council members. This will look at how we support our High Streets and local businesses moving forward.

We’ve also introduced some parking incentives in our car parks. Charges will resume in council-owned car parks on 8 June, however, there will be a number of new initiatives in place. The council will continue to offer free car parking for NHS and social care workers in Northgate car park, Chichester – which is close to St Richard’s Hospital – until April 2021, while other incentives being introduced include:

·         free parking for everyone at the Avenue De Chartres car park every Saturday and Sunday; and·         one hour’s free parking for everyone when selecting two hours’ using the MiPermit app.

Both these incentives will be in place for three months and will then be reviewed. To find out more, please see www.chichester.gov.uk/latestnews

Last week, we also launched the next stage of the business rate grant scheme. £1.8 million of government funding is now available to support small businesses in the Chichester District, which were previously outside the scope of the business grant funds scheme. This additional funding is aimed at small businesses with ongoing fixed property-related costs. Anyone who feels that they may qualify for this new funding can apply by visiting www.chichester.gov.uk/businessratesmarch2020.

Finally, I want to thank everyone for their ongoing commitment and support throughout this time. We are very lucky to live in such a community focused area and we should be really proud of how our communities have come together to support those who need help the most. We now need to take this same approach when supporting our local businesses and join together to help them to recover and thrive.

Best Wishes

Cllr Eileen Lintill

Leader of Chichester District Council

Thursday 4 June 2020

Issued by the Communications Team – publicrelations@chichester.gov.uk

www.chichester.gov.uk/coronavirus

www.twitter.com/ChichesterDC

www.facebook.com/ChichesterDistrictCouncil

This briefing is to keep you updated on the evolving situation around coronavirus (COVID-19) and the actions being taken in the district.

Who does it affect?

• Residents and businesses within the district
• Chichester District Council staff and councillors
• Parish councils
• Community groups and charitable organisations

In this briefing

·         Latest update

·         Service changes

·         Sign up to our email newsletter

·         £1.8 million of funding for small businesses now available

·         Help us to support local businesses

·         Refuse, recycling, parks and toilets

·         Against Litter

·         Parking patrols boosted in coastal areas - update

·         Stay safe, leave a space

·         Charging incentives to be introduced in car parks

·         Chichester Farmers’ Market

·         Community hub

·         Volunteers’ Week

·         Public spaces and exercise

·         Shielding and protecting people who are clinically extremely vulnerable

·         NHS Volunteer Responders update

·         Self-Employment Income Support Scheme and Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme

·         Coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme

·         Stay in touch

Latest update

Last week, the Prime Minister provided an update on the five tests which must be met before adjusting the lockdown. The government is confident that all five tests are being met. As a result, the adjustments to the lockdown in England moved forward on Monday.

Six people can now meet outdoors in England, provided strict social distancing guidelines are followed. It is critical that those from different households continue to stay 2 metres apart. It remains the case that people should not spend time inside the homes of their friends and families, other than to access the garden or use the toilet.

Outdoor markets and car showrooms can now reopen, provided they meet coronavirus secure guidelines to protect shoppers and workers. Nurseries and other early years settings and reception, year one and year six in primary schools have also started to reopen.

The government intends to open all other non-essential retail from 15 June, as long as the government’s five tests are still being met and coronavirus secure guidelines are followed.

The Cabinet Office’s coronavirus FAQ page provides the very latest guidance: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-outbreak-faqs-what-you-can-and-cant-do/coronavirus-outbreak-faqs-what-you-can-and-cant-do

Stay alert

We can all help control the virus if we all stay alert. This means you must:

• stay at home as much as possible
• work from home if you can
• limit contact with other people
• keep your distance if you go out (2 metres apart where possible)
• wash your hands regularly

Do not leave home if you or anyone in your household has symptoms.

Service changes

Please visit www.chichester.gov.uk/councilservicestatus for the latest information.

Sign up to our email newsletter

Please encourage people to sign up to our email newsletter service at www.chichester.gov.uk/newsalerts Anyone who signs up, will receive a copy of this newsletter on a weekly basis, sent directly to their chosen email account.

£1.8 million of funding for small businesses now available

This week, we have launched the next stage of the business rate grant scheme. £1.8 million of government funding is now available to support small businesses in the Chichester District, which were previously outside the scope of the business grant funds scheme.

This additional funding is aimed at small businesses with ongoing fixed property-related costs. The new scheme prioritises businesses in shared spaces, regular market traders, small charity properties that would meet the criteria for Small Business Rates Relief, and bed and breakfasts that pay council tax rather than business rates.

Businesses must be small – with less than 50 employees - and they must also be able to demonstrate that they have seen a significant drop of income due to coronavirus restriction measures. There will be three levels of grant payments, with the maximum amounting to £25,000. Anyone who feels that they may qualify for this new funding can apply by visiting https://www.chichester.gov.uk/businessratesmarch2020.

Help us to support local businesses!

This week, we have launched a campaign, in association with the Chichester and the Midhurst and Petworth Observer, to encourage residents across the Chichester District to shop local and support their local businesses.

This is part of a package of support designed to help local businesses to reopen in line with the government’s recovery plan.

We are encouraging residents to download a special poster to display in their window to show their support, saying ‘we’re supporting local businesses.’ We have attached a copy of the poster to this email. The aim is to get everyone to think local and play their part in supporting local businesses. This can be found at www.chichester.gov.uk/supportlocal and will also appear in the council’s next issue of its initiatives magazine, which will be delivered to households from 13 July.

The council’s economic development team has been in touch with local businesses to find out if they are planning to reopen and to offer them the necessary support they may need. Social distancing signage designs have also been shared with local businesses and community groups, which can be downloaded for free at www.chichester.gov.uk/supportlocal  The government has also provided detailed guidance to help businesses prepare to reopen on its website https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19/shops-and-branches

Council officers have been out visiting the district’s towns and city to assess what signage will be required and to look at what further measures may need to be introduced. These proposals have been sent to key partners including the relevant town, parish or city council and the ward member for their feedback and involvement in this process. In the first instance, due to the rapidly changing landscape, we are going to introduce temporary signage. We are then planning more long-term signage that reflects individual towns and the city as we move forward into the summer months, when people have started to get used to the social distancing requirements and when most businesses will be open.

We’re also in the process of setting up a High Street Recovery group, which will involve a range of retailers, local partners and council members. This will look at how we support our High Streets and local businesses moving forward.

Visitors to the district are being asked to look for the Government’s ‘COVID-19 Secure’ posters in High Street windows, which show that the business has completed a risk assessment and put in the necessary measures to ensure social distancing.

This campaign is very much a partnership with businesses, parish, town and city councils, and business associations and groups. We’re also very pleased to be running this campaign in association with the Chichester and the Midhurst and Petworth Observer. It’s vital that we all pull together to provide as much support to our local businesses as we can.

We will be working with our partners to highlight those businesses which are reopening – and will offer regular updates for those wishing to visit the district. It is advising people to follow its social media pages and its website at www.chichester.gov.uk/supportlocal

You can read the full press release online: www.chichester.gov.uk/latestnews

Refuse, recycling, parks and toilets

We are continuing to empty your bins as usual, including household waste, recycling, green recycling and trade waste. The teams have been working really hard to make sure that all services are running. Our parks, gardens and public toilets remain well maintained and open. Please remember to maintain social distancing when using our parks and toilets.

Against Litter

Over the past few weeks we have seen an increase in litter and are urging people to please place it in a bin, or take it home. We will be increasing our messaging around this and would encourage you to share this with others.

Parking patrols boosted in coastal areas – update

We are continuing to prioritise our coastal area for parking enforcement following concerns over dangerous and obstructive parking in residential areas. Over the last couple of weeks our civil enforcement officers have issued almost 300 PCNs, with 85 of these issued in the coastal area over the past weekend. We are also continuing to liaise with the police.

Please note that we are only able to take action against a vehicle where there are yellow lines or sign restrictions in place. We cannot take action in private roads or on pavements or driveways where there are no restrictions in place. These are dealt with by the police. Members of the public should contact the police if there is an immediate problem which is a danger to the highway.

For more information about Chichester District Council’s Parking Services, see https://www.chichester.gov.uk/parking

Stay safe, leave a space

Over the past couple of weeks, we have seen an increase in the amount of people visiting our coastal area. As a council we cannot enforce social distancing, but we have introduced signage and our Community Wardens, Foreshores Officers and Civil Enforcement Officers have been closely monitoring the area. Please respect our staff and make sure that you observe social distancing measures when approaching them for help. If you need to report an incident involving anti-social behaviour, please call 101. If you arrive somewhere that is busy, please do not put yourself and others at risk by adding to the crowds.

Parking incentives to be introduced in car parks

A number of incentives will be introduced to Chichester District Council-owned car parks from 8 June at the same time as charging is resumed.

Charging in car parks across Chichester District was suspended on 24 March as an emergency measure when the coronavirus lockdown period was introduced, to help essential workers and volunteers carry out their duties to support the community. Charges will be resumed in council-owned car parks on 8 June, however there will be a number of new initiatives in place.

The council will continue to offer free car parking for NHS and social care workers in Northgate car park, Chichester – which is close to St Richard’s Hospital - until April 2021, while other incentives being introduced include:

·       free parking for everyone at the Avenue De Chartres car park every Saturday and Sunday. 

·       one hour’s free parking for everyone when purchasing two hours’ using the MiPermit app.

Both these incentives will be in place for three months and will then be reviewed.

Parking machines and equipment will be cleaned and sanitised more regularly, while customers will be encouraged to buy season tickets or use the MiPermit app or contactless method to pay for their parking in order to reduce the risk of coronavirus infection.

Parking charges are vital in helping with turnover of spaces in our most popular car parks as well as covering the cost of the service and making a huge contribution to many other key council services. As a council we wanted to be able to support NHS workers and care workers by offering a period of free parking to enable them to carry out their work safely.

Our parking team has been looking at how best to reintroduce parking in order to support council services, while also ensuring our car parks are as safe as possible for customers. Using the MiPermit will help hugely with social distancing in our car parks as customers will not need to use the parking machines. We are also encouraging people to buy a season ticket which will also save customers money as well as help with social distancing.

As each of our car parks is different, we are examining each site separately to see what social distancing requirements are needed, and we have also been working on special signage which will be installed in each car park.

For more information and updates about the council’s car parks, please see https://www.chichester.gov.uk/parking or read more about this story at www.chichester.gov.uk/latestnews

Chichester Farmers’ Market

In line with the new Government guidance, the Chichester Farmers’ Market will return on Friday 5 June in a temporary location at Cattle Market car park.

This is a health and safety measure in order to reduce the number of people in the main high street at any one time, in preparation for more shops starting to reopen. The market will continue to be held in this temporary location until further notice.

Strict social distancing measures will be in place to ensure the safety of customers, stallholders and staff. In line with Government advice, please note that the market will only feature food stalls. To find out more, please visit: www.chichester.gov.uk/latestnews 

We are also hopeful that the Wednesday market may also be able to return next week on 10 June. If the market is allowed to resume from next week, normal operating hours will apply, but the market will take place in the Cattle Market car park on a temporary basis. The market operator is intending to provide its usual mix of essential homeware items, clothing, fresh fruit and vegetables, and other foods. Keep an eye on our social media and website for further updates regarding the return of the Wednesday market.

Community hub

As we have mentioned previously, we are working in partnership with West Sussex County Council, which has developed a Community Hub to support the most vulnerable residents in our communities. We have been supporting the hub by collecting and delivering food, supporting volunteers, calling people to check that they are okay.

You can contact the Community Hub if you, or someone you know, need help, or if you want to volunteer your services in these difficult times. This will be available seven days a week and staff will be on hand to respond to enquiries from 8am-8pm. The team will be contacting the most vulnerable to tell them how to get help. The best way to contact the hub is online; if you have access go to www.westsussex.gov.uk/covid19communityhub.

A dedicated telephone helpline is also available for residents who are unable to go online: 033 022 27980. We are trying to keep the resources available through the hub for those who are most vulnerable, so if you do have support in place already, such as from family or friends, then please continue to use their support.

Volunteers’ Week

This year’s Volunteers’ Week (1-7 June) comes at a time where the power of volunteering is more important than ever. Huge numbers of people across the Chichester District have been volunteering to support the response to Covid-19 over the past few months.  We have been sharing some of these stories across our social media channels throughout the week.

If there’s a volunteer you would like us to thank there is still time to let us know. It could be a neighbour, a local charity or even a friend. You can do this by contacting us through our social media channels, or emailing publicrelations@chichester.gov.uk no later than Friday, 5 June.

As a council, we are very lucky to work in partnership with so many charities and voluntary groups, who make such a difference under normal circumstances, let alone now. Thank you to all of you!

Public spaces and exercise

The guidance on accessing green spaces safely has been updated.

In England, the public can leave their home to exercise and spend time outdoors for recreation with their household or in groups of up to six people from outside their household.

To stay safe, the public must:

·         take hygiene precautions when they are outside·         wash their hands as soon as they are back indoors·         keep at least two metres apart from anyone outside their household at all times·         take hand sanitiser with them when they set off in case there are no handwashing facilities

The guidance includes an updated list of what the public can now do; advice for land managers and landowners; as well as a reminder to respect other people and protect the natural environment.

Guidance: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-advice-on-accessing-green-spaces-safely

The guidance for the public on the phased return of outdoor sport and recreation in England has also been updated.

People who play team sports can meet to train together, although anything involving physical contact is not allowed. It will also allow parents to accompany their children to coaching sessions carried out on a one to one basis or in small groups.

The guidance reiterates that people should wash their hands frequently and keep equipment sharing to a minimum. Outdoor and indoor gyms and swimming pools, playgrounds, fitness studios and other indoor leisure centres remain closed, except for facilities for training elite athletes. Indoor facilities such as clubhouses should be kept closed, apart from toilets and throughways.

Guidance: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-on-phased-return-of-sport-and-recreation/guidance-for-the-public-on-the-phased-return-of-outdoor-sport-and-recreation

The Cabinet Office’s FAQ document on what the public can and cannot do, and the guidance on staying alert and safe has been updated accordingly.

FAQ: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-outbreak-faqs-what-you-can-and-cant-do

Guidance: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/staying-alert-and-safe-social-distancing/staying-alert-and-safe-social-distancing

Shielding and protecting people who are clinically extremely vulnerable

At the government’s press conference on 31 May the Communities Secretary announced that those advised to shield can take initial steps to safely spend time outdoors. The guidance on shielding has been updated to reflect this announcement.

The updated advisory guidance now states that a shielded person can go outside once a day with members of their household or, for those shielding alone, with one other person from a different household, if they wish to do so. This is in accordance with evidence that the rate of transmission is much lower outside.

Some important aspects of the guidance remain the same. Apart from going outside once per day, a shielded person should continue to avoid all non-essential face to face contact. This means they should not go to places like supermarkets or to pharmacies. The support for shielded people remains in place and unchanged.

Guidance: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19

NHS Volunteer Responders update

The NHS Volunteer Responders scheme has recently completed 210,000 tasks. NHS, social care, and council professionals in England can continue to refer any vulnerable people who are self-isolating to NHS Volunteer Responders for help with tasks such as collecting shopping and prescribed medicines or driving people to medical appointments or for a friendly ‘check-in and chat’ call. Referrals can be made through the NHS Volunteer Responders referrers’ portal or by calling 0808 196 3382.  The scheme is also open for self-referrals for people who have been advised to shield and those who are self-isolating.

Information on self-referrals: https://volunteering.royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk/nhs-volunteer-responders-portal/isolating

Self-Employment Income Support Scheme and Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme

On Friday (29 May), the Chancellor announced that the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme will be extended and outlined further details on the extension of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.

Those eligible for the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme will be able to claim a second and final grant in August worth 70% of their average monthly trading profits, paid out in a single instalment covering three months’ worth of profits, and capped at £6,570 in total.

From 1 July 2020 businesses will be given the flexibility to bring furloughed employees back part time under the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.

From August 2020, the level of government grant provided through the job retention scheme will be tapered to reflect that people will be returning to work. For June and July, the government will continue to pay 80% of people’s salaries. In the following months, businesses will be asked to contribute a modest share, but individuals will continue to receive that 80% of salary covering the time they are unable to work.

Announcement: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/chancellor-extends-self-employment-support-scheme-and-confirms-furlough-next-steps

Coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme

Employers can now claim for employees who are self-isolating because they’ve been notified by the NHS or public health bodies that they’ve come into contact with someone with coronavirus.

The guidance to help employers check if they can claim back Statutory Sick Pay paid to employees due to coronavirus has been updated accordingly.

Guidance: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/claim-back-statutory-sick-pay-paid-to-employees-due-to-coronavirus-covid-19

Stay in touch

Make sure you stay in touch with our daily updates on:

www.chichester.gov.uk/coronavirus

www.facebook.com/ChichesterDistrictCouncil

www.twitter.com/ChichesterDC

www.instagram.com/ChichesterDC

https://www.linkedin.com/company/chichesterdc

You can also now sign up for our email newsletters at www.chichester.gov.uk/newsalerts

Chichester Farmers’ Market return is resounding success

The return of the Chichester Farmers’ Market has been hailed a success, after resuming in the temporary location of Cattle Market Car Park on Friday 5 June.

Shoppers turned up to support local producers as the market set up its stalls for the first time since pausing at the beginning of the coronavirus outbreak.

Many of the stallholders, who sell produce from within a 50 mile radius of Chichester, sold out by the end of the day.

The market has temporarily moved to Cattle Market Car Park to reduce overcrowding in the city centre and to allow for social distancing measures to take place.

Cllr Alan Sutton, Cabinet Member for Housing, Communications, Licensing & Events said: “We were delighted to see so many shoppers welcoming back the Chichester Farmers’ Market and showing their support for our local growers and producers, with many of the stalls selling out by lunchtime.

“Social distancing measures were rigidly followed, ensuring the safety of all customers, stallholders and staff.

“The markets will be taking place on the first and third Friday of each month, and the next market will be Friday 19 June, from 9am until 2pm. Whether you’re after fresh bread and pastries, or local fish and groceries, I’d thoroughly recommend a visit!”

Preparations are also being made for the Wednesday and Saturday market to return. The Wednesday market is usually held in the city centre, but will temporarily operate from Cattle Market Car Park with the first planned for Wednesday 10 June, 8am-4pm. The Saturday market already operates from Cattle Market Car Park with the next market planned for Saturday 13 June.

The Wednesday and Saturday markets are run by Bray Associates. For more information please visit www.braymarkets.com

For more information about Chichester Farmers’ Market please visit www.chichester.gov.uk/farmersmarket

COVID-19 Community Archive – marking a moment in history

A time capsule capturing West Sussex’s response to the coronavirus outbreak is being put together into a COVID-19 Community Archive to show future generations.

The project will see the West Sussex Record Office, The Novium Museum in Chichester and Screen Archive South East join forces to bring the archive together.

This multi-faceted collection will be accessible for future generations to show the county’s reaction, resilience and recovery during these extraordinary times.
Residents are invited to share their lockdown diaries, posters, poems, artwork, objects or videos to become part of history. Organisations and community groups are asked to share their experiences, feelings and activities and it is hoped that key workers and services will also add their stories to the archive.

Each of the partners will be responsible for collecting different materials which will form part of their collection and will be used together for future displays and exhibitions.

The responsibilities for the collection will be divided up as follows:

• The West Sussex Record Office (run by West Sussex County Council) will be collecting all archives and digital content.
• The Novium Museum (operated by Chichester District Council) will be responsible for the collection of artwork and objects, including 3D items from across Chichester District.
• Screen Archive South East (part of the University of Brighton) will be taking in and preserving all films (as digital files) from across West Sussex.  

Records can be made on paper, digitally, or on a phone and can be done as an individual, part of a family project within the same household, a creative outlet or simply as a daily record.

If an individual has a particular item that has kept them going through lockdown, then The Novium Museum’s social history collection would like to hear from them, as a selection of these objects will be collected and preserved for future generations. More information can be found at www.thenovium.org/communityarchive.

Residents are also asked to help in collecting other material that they might come across such as:

• Leaflets, flyers or posters from councils and other organisations about the pandemic.
• Material from local businesses relating to closures or changes to how they operate.
• Advice from local organisations about hygiene, social distancing and self-isolation.
• Information about community efforts to help vulnerable and isolated persons.
• Information from local schools regarding closures, home-schooling and re-opening.

Duncan Crow, West Sussex County Council Cabinet Member for Fire and Rescue and Communities, said: “This collaboration between the West Sussex Record Office, Screen Archive South East and The Novium Museum is such a fantastic opportunity to collect a range of materials that no one group could manage on their own. By working together to get this information, we will be able to get a thorough overview of how the pandemic effected people across the county. This collection will be a fantastic and interesting resource for people to look at and explore in years to come.”

Dr Frank Gray, Director of Screen Archive South East, said: “The current crisis is bringing to us immense and unimaginable changes. This makes saving documents that chronicle through different media our changing world so important - both for now and for the future. At the Screen Archive we are interested in films that enable us to see and hear how we are living now.”

Councillor Roy Briscoe, Cabinet Member for Communities, Sport and Culture at Chichester District Council, said: “We are living through a key moment in history. Collecting objects that show what life was like during the coronavirus crisis will help to preserve those memories and allow us to tell this story for generations to come. These objects could include an item that represents your experience or characterises your community’s response to COVID-19, or artwork produced during the crisis, for example by children during their home learning.”

If people want to share any of their materials with the partnership, please get in contact with the relevant team who can provide further details:

• West Sussex Record Office – record.office@westsussex.gov.uk
• The Novium Museum - thenovium@chichester.gov.uk
• Screen Archive South East - screenarchive@brighton.ac.uk

If people wish to share films with the Screen Archive, please go this https://screenarchive.brighton.ac.uk/news/chronicling-covid/ for the upload instructions.
 To find out more, visit https://westsussexrecordofficeblog.com/2020/03/31/history-in-the-making-help-to-play-your-part-and-add-your-story-to-the-west-sussex-archives/#more-3756

CDC boosts parking patrols in coastal area May 28th 2020

Council boosts patrols in coastal areas to tackle obstructive parking

Chichester District Council has boosted its parking patrols in coastal areas in response to an increase in dangerous and obstructive parking.

Since Friday (22 May) the council’s civil enforcement officers (CEOs) have issued more than 180 penalty charge notices (PCNs) to drivers who have not parked in line with restrictions in the Witterings and Manhood Peninsula.

At the moment the privately-run West Wittering Estate car park is open, but with reduced capacity in order to meet social distancing rules. As a result, parking spaces have to be pre-booked before travelling to the area.

The district council is reminding people intending to travel to West Wittering that if they don’t have a pre-booked space at the estate car park, not to travel there.

“Residents in West Wittering and Selsey are rightly very concerned at the amount of dangerous and illegal parking that has been happening, and I would like to reassure residents in our coastal areas that we are doing absolutely everything in our powers to address their concerns,” says Councillor Martyn Bell, Cabinet Member for Growth, Place and Regeneration at Chichester District Council.

“During the summer we always factor-in enforcement in our coastal areas as there are more visitors, but due to the current circumstances we have increased the number of CEOs patrolling these areas. We have been carrying out extra patrols since lockdown measures were relaxed on May 13and will continue to focus on this. We have also been liaising very closely with the police and local Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) as well as making sure that our own council-run car parks are open. In Selsey, we have also opened up the overflow parking on the Marine Drive car park to encourage visitors not to park on the roads.

“People are turning up for a day out at the beach in West Wittering who haven’t pre-booked a parking space. After finding out they can’t park there, they are then parking in residential roads, often parking on yellow lines or blocking pavements and verges and causing serious obstruction. This is both dangerous and inconsiderate to emergency vehicles and pedestrians, especially those who have disabilities, or those with young children and prams who are then forced out into the road.

“Unfortunately we have had instances of drivers willing to accept a fine so they can enjoy a day out at the beach, but we would urge people to reconsider their stay if they don’t have a pre-booked space at the West Wittering car park or if cannot park in one of the council’s own car parks in Selsey.

The council’s CEOs are only able to take action against a vehicle where there are yellow lines or sign restrictions in place. They are not able to take action in private roads or on pavements or driveways where there are no restrictions in place. These would be dealt with by the police.

Members of the public should contact the police if there is an immediate problem which is a danger to the highway.

For more information about Chichester District Council’s Parking Services, see https://www.chichester.gov.uk/parking

WSCC Helping schools to begin reopening safely

Supporting schools to safely begin reopening

 

The County Council is continuing to work closely with West Sussex schools to support a phased return of pupils in a safe and managed way.

Detailed discussions have been held with school and academy representatives and unions to consider the government’s position that schools should begin to reopen from next month.

The council’s aim is for the phased return to start from 1 June , in line with national guidance. Schools are showing support for this approach.

Schools’ individual risk assessments are identifying how they can best manage this and maintain the safety of their pupils and staff. Priority places will continue to be given to children who are vulnerable, those with Education Health and Care Plans and the children of key workers across all year groups. The council is also asking schools to prioritise disadvantaged pupils and those who have limited access to online resources in both primary and secondary schools.

It means that the way schools will manage the return of different year groups will vary across the county and may mean that not all of the specified year groups will go back to school at the same time.

Nigel Jupp, Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, said: “I would like to thank all of the teachers and school staff across West Sussex who continue to work tirelessly for their pupils. I am also extremely grateful to the children, parents and carers who have adapted so well in very difficult circumstances.

“We are supporting schools to plan for a phased reopening in a safe and managed way for all pupils and staff.

“Throughout the lockdown, our education team has worked together with headteachers, governors and unions. The number of children, including those who are vulnerable, attending school during this period has been above the national average. Everyone involved in education in West Sussex wants what’s best for our children – to keep them safe and keep them learning.”

 

WSCC survey - How has Coronavirus affected you? May 26th 2020

How has the Coronavirus pandemic impacted you?

West Sussex County Council is asking all residents what impact the Coronavirus pandemic has had on them in their latest Have Your Say survey.

Until Sunday 31 May, everybody across West Sussex is being invited to answer 24 questions which will help inform how the County Council moves forward during the crisis and beyond.

Bob Lanzer, Cabinet Member for Economy and Corporate Resources, said: “We’ve already had more than 7,800 responses since the survey opened last Friday (15 May). With a population of around 864,000 residents, this equates to almost 1 in 100 people having their say, but we want more people to take part to give us a really clear picture of how the pandemic has affected you and your families so we can work out the best way forward for West Sussex and where our focus should be.”

The survey takes around 15 minutes to complete and the results will be fed back via the ‘Have Your Say’ consultation hub on Tuesday 30 June.

To take part, visit www.westsussex.gov.uk/coronavirussurvey

If residents need the survey in an alternative format, or experience any problems with the survey, they can call 0330 2222 146 or e-mail haveyoursay@westsussex.gov.uk and they will do their best to assist you.

If you are deaf or hard of hearing and have an NGT texting app installed on your computer, laptop or smartphone you can contact them on 18001 033022 22 146.  

WSCC An update from the family information service 25th May 2020

Dear Parent,

Please see an important letter from the Family Information Service regarding the potential reopening of early years childcare providers on 1 June 2020 (subject to certain thresholds being met, as set by central government). 

As a parent or carer you may be interested to know that the Family Information Service can provide a wide range of information to parents and carers of 0-15 year olds, including finding, choosing, and help with the costs of childcare. Their service is free of charge. Visit www.westsussex.gov.uk/family for more information or find us on Facebook.

Covid 19 update from CDC - 21st May 2020

Thursday 21 May 2020

Issued by the Communications Team – publicrelations@chichester.gov.uk

www.chichester.gov.uk/coronavirus

www.twitter.com/ChichesterDC

www.facebook.com/ChichesterDistrictCouncil

This briefing is to keep you updated on the evolving situation around coronavirus (COVID-19) and the actions being taken in the district.

Who does it affect?

• Residents and businesses within the district
• Chichester District Council staff and councillors
• Parish councils
• Community groups and charitable organisations

In this briefing

·         Latest update

·         Stay safe – leave a space

·         Service changes

·         Sign up to our email newsletter

·         Council meetings are now streamed live

·         Discretionary Housing Payment Fund

·         Recovery Process

·         Enjoy the outdoors, while keeping you and others safe

·         Foreshore service

·         Chichester Farmers’ Market returns next month

·         Refuse, recycling, parks and toilets

·         Car parks

·         Caravan and holiday parks

·         Community hub

·         Homelessness response fund

·         Testing eligibility expanded

·         Coronavirus symptoms

·         Measures in place to support social housing residents

·         Developing of plan to enable phased reopening of places of worship

·         Youth Endowment Fund grant round

·         New Style Employment and Support Allowance

·         Answers to common questions from the public

·         Coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme

·         The Future Fund

·         Stay in touch

Latest update

This week, the Government has announced that anyone over the age of 5 can request a coronavirus test if they are displaying symptoms. You can do this by visiting www.gov.uk/coronavirus The Government has also added anosmia – the loss or change in your normal sense of smell – to the list of coronavirus symptoms. It can also affect your sense of taste, as the two are closely linked. If you experience anosmia or a new continuous cough or fever, you are advised to self-isolate. You can find out the latest advice and guidance at www.gov.uk/coronavirus

You should continue to:

·         stay at home as much as possible

·         work from home if you can

·         limit contact with other people

·         keep your distance if you go out (2 metres apart where possible)

·         wash your hands regularly

The government has published a list of what you can and can’t do. You can find this here https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-outbreak-faqs-what-you-can-and-cant-do/coronavirus-outbreak-faqs-what-you-can-and-cant-do

 

Stay safe – leave a space

We’re asking you to stay safe this bank holiday weekend, by avoiding crowds and busy places; staying at least two metres apart; respecting one another; and if you have to travel, thinking about when and how you do this. If you arrive somewhere that is busy, please do not put yourself and others at risk by adding to the crowds.

Our Civil Enforcement Officers, Foreshore Officers and Community Wardens will be monitoring the situation within our communities. However, it’s important that people understand that they do not have any powers to enforce social distancing and can only offer advice and assistance. Please respect our staff and make sure that you observe social distancing measures when approaching them for help. Parking restrictions are also in place for your safety, so please make sure you follow them.

If you need to report an incident involving anti-social behaviour, please call 101. We all need to follow the government’s guidance, which can be found at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/staying-safe-outside-your-home

Stay Alert – Control the Virus – Protect the NHS

Service changes

Please visit www.chichester.gov.uk/councilservicestatus for the latest information.

Sign up to our email newsletter

Please encourage people to sign up to our email newsletter service at www.chichester.gov.uk/newsalerts Anyone who signs up, will receive a copy of this newsletter on a weekly basis, sent directly to their chosen email account.

Council meetings are now streamed live

We have started to live stream our council meetings and these can be accessed through our website at www.chichester.gov.uk/viewcouncilmeetings  This means that you can watch any of our council meetings live, as they happen. You can also listen to an audio recording after each meeting has finished.

Discretionary Housing Payment Fund

If you are receiving Housing Benefit or Universal Credit and are having difficulty meeting your rent payments, you may be able to get extra help from the Discretionary Housing Payment Fund.

This fund is available to support people in real financial difficulty to help them meet their housing costs. You can find out more at: https://www.chichester.gov.uk/findoutaboutbenefit or apply using our new form, which has been designed to make for a quick and easy application process: www.chichester.gov.uk/myaccount  

Recovery process

As a council, we are continuing to respond and adapt the coronavirus crisis as we move towards the recovery stage. At the moment, we are working with our partners to look at how we can support our local businesses when they reopen. Your safety is paramount and so we are looking at how social distancing measures will work and how this will be managed. This is a very complex situation and as you can imagine, we are constantly racing against the clock to meet the next challenge. We intend to keep you fully informed of this work as it progresses. We also intend to share downloadable social distancing graphics with community groups and businesses on our website. These should be available next week.

Enjoy the outdoors, while keeping yourself and others safe

It’s lovely to enjoy time outside after spending weeks inside, but please keep yourself and others safe by following the government’s guidelines.

·         If you have to travel, please think about when and how you do this.

·         Stay at least two metres apart

·         Avoid crowds and busy places.

Stay Alert – Control the Virus – Protect the NHS

For further information, please see https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/staying-safe-outside-your-home

Foreshore Service

The foreshore service is operational at the main bathing beaches; Selsey, Bracklesham and East Wittering.  Unfortunately, due to Covid-19 safety measures, the boat launching service is currently not available.  Please also note that the foreshore office has restricted access to the public unless there is an emergency situation.

 

Chichester Farmers’ Market returns next month

Food lovers will be able to buy good quality local produce when Chichester Farmers’ Market sets up its stalls again next month.

The market is being reintroduced on Friday 5 June, in a temporary location at Cattle Market Car Park, Chichester. This is a health and safety measure in order to reduce the number of people in the main high street at any one time, in preparation for more shops starting to reopen. The market will continue to be held in this temporary location until further notice.

Strict social distancing measures will be in place to ensure the safety of customers, stallholders and staff. These include:

·         a one-in, one-out queuing system at entry

·         a one-way system

·         cashless payment with all traders now able to take card

·         there will be no food tasters

·         all produce will be pre-wrapped – any food on display will not be for sale, and

·         2 metre social distancing will be in place at all of the stalls, with limited numbers allowed to queue.

The council’s Health Protection and Health and Safety teams have provided lots of advice for stall holders, and the market manager will be on hand on the day to ensure that people adhere to the measures in place. www.chichester.gov.uk/article/34013/Chichester-Farmers-Market-set-to-resume-next-month

Refuse, recycling, parks and toilets

We are continuing to empty your bins as usual, including household waste, recycling, green recycling and trade waste. The teams have been working really hard to make sure that all services are running. Our parks, gardens and public toilets remain well maintained and open. Please remember to maintain social distancing when using our parks and toilets.

Car Parks

All of our car parks are open, except for Selsey Marine – which will be open once the shingle has been removed. Our Civil Enforcement Officers continue to patrol across the district to help to keep the highway clear and to ensure that on-street parking availability which is under pressure is well-managed.

Caravan and holiday parks

Following the Government’s most recent announcement, all holiday accommodation still remains closed, including: hotels, hostels, bed and breakfast accommodation, holiday apartments, home, cottages, bungalows, campsites and boarding houses. Holiday accommodation must not operate until the Secretary of State lifts the current restrictions.

It may only continue to be used if any person staying at the accommodation:

·         is unable to return to their main residence;

·         uses that accommodation as their main residence;

·         needs accommodation while moving house;

·         needs accommodation to attend a funeral.

Or of you intend to:

·         provide accommodation or support services for the homeless,

·         host blood donation sessions, or

·         are assisting the Secretary of State, or a Local Authority.

No other exemptions apply.

We have provided guidance and advice for residents and businesses on our website at www.chichester.gov.uk/coronavirus including lots of frequently asked questions. This information is updated regularly, in line with the latest Government advice.

Community hub

As we have mentioned previously, we are working in partnership with West Sussex County Council, which has developed a Community Hub to support the most vulnerable residents in our communities. We have been supporting the hub by collecting and delivering food, supporting volunteers, calling people to check that they are okay.

You can contact the Community Hub if you, or someone you know, need help, or if you want to volunteer your services in these difficult times. This will be available seven days a week and staff will be on hand to respond to enquiries from 8am-8pm. The team will be contacting the most vulnerable to tell them how to get help. The best way to contact the hub is online; if you have access go to www.westsussex.gov.uk/covid19communityhub.

A dedicated telephone helpline is also available for residents who are unable to go online: 033 022 27980. We are trying to keep the resources available through the hub for those who are most vulnerable, so if you do have support in place already, such as from family or friends, then please continue to use their support.

Homelessness response fund

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has published information on how charitable homelessness and rough sleeping organisations can apply for funding to support their response to coronavirus.

Homeless Link will be distributing the £6 million of emergency funding on MHCLG’s behalf to facilitate this much needed support to the sector, allowing organisations to focus solely on their mission of supporting vulnerable people. The fund is now open and funding will be allocated by June 2020.

Guidance: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-homelessness-response-fund

Further information, FAQ document and application process: https://homeless.org.uk/connect/blogs/2020/may/12/covid-19-homelessness-response-fund-2020-21

Testing eligibility expansion

Everyone over the age of 5, in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland who is showing coronavirus symptoms is eligible to book a swab test to find out if they have the virus.

People can register for a test at www.nhs.uk/coronavirus

Those in England and Wales who do not have any access to the internet, or who have difficulty with the digital portals, will be able to ring a new 119 service to book their test.

Further details on the announcement: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1V_vTlj8RUbMkwE-eKIf1jOtcB5zeYF-b

Coronavirus symptoms

The UK Chief Medical Officers has released a statement saying that individuals will need to self-isolate immediately if they develop a new continuous cough or fever or, as of now, anosmia.

Anosmia is the loss of or a change in the normal sense of smell. It can also affect the sense of taste as the two are closely linked.

Statement: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/statement-from-the-uk-chief-medical-officers-on-an-update-to-coronavirus-symptoms-18-march-2020

Measures in place to support social housing residents

A letter from Christopher Pincher, Minister of State for Housing, to social housing residents in England setting out all the measures that are in place to support social housing residents during the next phase towards reopening society has been published.

The letter includes information on maintenance and repairs, gas safety checks, remediation works, home moves, support for domestic abuse victims and tackling anti-social behaviour.

The letter: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-letter-to-social-housing-residents

Development of plan to enable phased reopening of places of worship

The Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, has confirmed that a plan has been agreed for development with faith leaders to enable the phased and safe reopening of places of worship when the evidence shows it is the right time to do so.

The Government has previously set out its ambition to reopen places of worship in step 3 of its plan to lift restrictions, which is expected to be no earlier than 4 July subject to further scientific advice.

In recognition of how difficult it has been for people of faith to be unable to practice their religion alongside their community, members agreed to work together to consider whether some forms of worship, such as individual prayer, might be permitted in places of worship before they fully reopen in step 3. This would on take place where appropriate and safe to do so in line with social distancing guidelines.

Announcement: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-taskforce-developing-plan-to-reopen-places-of-worship

Youth Endowment Fund grant round

The Youth Endowment Fund has opened a new £6.5m coronavirus grant round to support vulnerable young people at risk of youth violence.

This round will fund and evaluate work which supports vulnerable young people at risk of youth violence and can be delivered whilst adhering to UK government social distancing and stay-at-home guidelines.

An application for funding can be made by any legally constituted organisation in England and Wales. This could include:

·         Charities and social enterprises·         For-profit companies·         Public sector agencies, such as councils, schools, health or police forces

50% of the total funding available will be reserved for charities and social enterprises.

Further information: https://youthendowmentfund.org.uk/grants-2/covid-19-round/

New Style Employment and Support Allowance

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has updated a range of guidance to include more information about who might be able to get New Style Employment and Support Allowance because of coronavirus.

A person may be able to get New Style Employment and Support Allowance if one for the following applies:

·         they have a disability or health condition that affects how much they can work·         they, or their child, might have coronavirus or they’re recovering from it·         they, or their child, are self-isolating because they came into contact with someone who might have coronavirus·         they have been told to stay at home for at least 12 weeks by the NHS because they’re at high risk of severe illness

Updated guidance:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-what-to-do-if-you-were-employed-and-have-lost-your-job·         https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-what-to-do-if-youre-self-employed-and-getting-less-work-or-no-work·

There is #NoExcuseForAbuse – support for victims of domestic abuse now available 7 days a week - 14th May 2020

Since the start of ‘lockdown’, West Sussex County Council’s WORTH Domestic Abuse Service has seen a 24% increase in reports of domestic abuse compared to this time last year.

As a result, enhancements have been made to services, support and provisions to ensure they’re able to meet this new level of demand whilst the country is in lockdown.

With this additional support, the WORTH service is now available seven days a week to support anyone who needs help:

• Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm on 0330 222 8181
• Weekends including Bank Holidays, 9am-5pm on 07834 968539

There is also a list of other support and resources available on the county council’s website for victims of domestic abuse and friends and family members who may want to help, but don’t know how. These include: 

• Local support for people being abused
• Things you can do if you're in an abusive relationship
• The signs of an abusive relationship
• Information for friends and family of people being abused
• National support for people who are experiencing abuse

Duncan Crow, Cabinet Member for Fire and Rescue and Communities, said: “Now, more than ever, it is important to make sure that any victim of domestic abuse doesn’t feel like they have to go through their situation alone. There is help out there and the WORTH team are dedicated to do whatever they can to help those individuals get out of their abusive situations in a safe manner.

“It is also really important to remember that domestic abuse doesn’t see gender, race, sexual orientation or ethnicity. It can happen to anyone at any time and in these strange times that we find ourselves in, I want to say loud and clear that there is #NoExcuseForAbuse.”

A male survivor of domestic abuse, who received support from WORTH services, said: “Domestic abuse happens to men – I know, because it happened to me.  The first person I spoke to at WORTH was a man and that actually helped me to feel less awkward about the situation, I was believed. Men need to know that if they are going through domestic abuse, they can get help, and that there is nothing to feel embarrassed about.”

If you or someone you know needs any help or support, you can visit www.westsussex.gov.uk/domesticabuse or call the WORTH Domestic Abuse Service directly.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Message from Leader of CDC - May 14th 2020

As many of you will be aware, the Chichester District had a special mention at the Downing Street press briefing last week. This was due to the fact that we are currently the highest performing council at issuing business rate grants in England. I am so proud of our staff, who have literally been working weekends and evenings to make sure that these grants are issued as quickly as possible, because they realise how vital they are to our local businesses at this time. It was also lovely to see the reaction of local residents when they saw the briefing – many of whom said that it made them feel proud to live here – and to hear the kind comments we have had from our local businesses. What is important is not the recognition, but the fact that we are all pulling together to support one another at this time.

This week, the Government has revealed its recovery strategy. The Government has said that we must stay at home as much as possible; work from home if we can; limit our contact with other people; keep our distance from other people when we go out (two metres apart where possible) and to continue to wash our hands regularly. It’s also vital that if anyone in your household has symptoms that you all self-isolate. We will be following developments closely this week and examining the new guidance closely. Our priority, as always, is to keep our residents safe. Please continue to refer to our web pages at www.chichester.gov.uk/coronavirus or the government web pages at www.gov.uk/coronavirus for the latest updates.

As you may be aware, we are now holding virtual council meetings to make sure that council business and local democracy can continue. An audio recording is added to our website after every council meeting and we hope that from next week, people will be able to live stream the meetings from our website. If you would like to speak at a planning committee meeting, please register online at www.chichester.gov.uk/speakerform by 5pm the day before the meeting is due to take place. You will be asked whether you would like to provide a statement to be read out or whether you would prefer to address the committee virtually. If you choose the second option we will email you with details and a link to join the meeting. If you wish to speak at any other public meeting please contact democraticservices@chichester.gov.uk with your name, address and contact telephone number at least two working days before the meeting. You can find the dates and papers for all our council meetings at https://chichester.moderngov.co.uk/ieDocHome.aspx?Categories=

Finally, we have produced a video explaining how we are supporting you during this crisis and thanking you, the NHS, public sector partners and carers for all of your support. You can view it on our social media channels, on the Observer website and at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DoK3M0jn9_8&t=10s

Community Guide and Help your neighbour poster

CDC has created a new Community Guide, which includes important telephone numbers, email addresses and web addresses for key organisations and support groups across the district.

We are hoping that this will provide extra support and reassurance to both residents and community groups at this difficult time.

A direct link to the community guide is here

https://www.chichester.gov.uk/media/33362/Supporting-your-local-communities-guide---Coronavirus-COVID-19/pdf/Community_guide_8.4.20_web.pdf

We have also designed a downloadable ‘help your neighbours’ flyer and provided further advice to those who want to help local neighbours and friends at:

https://www.chichester.gov.uk/helpyourneighbour

 

 

Victim support services May 7th 2020

Safe Space for victims relaunched in ‘lockdown’

‘Safe Space Sussex’ is an online directory of local victim services, created by Police & Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne. In response to the ‘lockdown’ and concerns raised around crimes like Domestic Abuse, this site has been upgraded and advice has been shared on social media (@SussexPCC) to help victims covertly reach out for help whilst stuck in isolation – search #SafeSpaceSussex.

With the entire country in lockdown, many services have expressed their concerns about victims of crime not feeling able to safely reach out for help.  They have seen a decrease in engagement from victims with reports of crimes (like domestic abuse) made to Sussex Police, reducing by around 4%.

It’s vital that residents are aware of the support that is still available if they need it. Safe Space Sussex has been equipped with a new search tool so that within 10 seconds, victims of any crime can find the service they need. It also has a ‘leave site now’ button that users can press to quickly exit the site.

Tailored guidance has been shared across social media community groups on how victims can access the new website covertly, using incognito tabs, as they may be living with their perpetrators during ‘lockdown’ and their search history may be monitored as a result.

Victims can also covertly let Sussex Police know they are in danger. The '55' technology is in place for those too scared to speak, to alert a call handler to the fact they need help by pressing 55 on their mobile phone once they've dialled 999.

There is still help and support available for all victims of crime during the Covid crisis.

If you find yourself in an emergency where you think you or others may be in immediate danger dial 999. Sussex Police are always there for you when you need them. Don’t suffer in silence.

If you would prefer not to contact the police you can report a crime anonymously via Crimestoppers online: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/forms/give-information-anonymously or by calling: 0800 555 111

www.safespacesussex.org.uk has all the information on support services who can help any victim of crime across Sussex.

Message from Leader of CDC Eileen Lintell concerning lifting "lockdown" - 6th May 2020

By Sunday, we should have a clearer picture on how the current lockdown will start to be lifted. What is in no doubt is that we won’t see a rapid return to normality. Instead, we need to continue to closely follow government guidelines, so that we do not risk another peak in coronavirus cases.

Two things are very clear to me. Our focus needs to be on supporting the most vulnerable, and helping our businesses to get back on their feet. What’s more, I believe we can all have a role in helping these two groups.

The response we have had from our local communities and parish councils has been astonishing.  So many people are looking out for neighbours, friends, family and those who are vulnerable and I would like to thank you for the role you are playing. It’s vital that we pull together at times of crisis, and you have all definitely done that. This has worked brilliantly alongside the support from the community hub, which is has been assisting those who have no one to help them. It is likely that this type of support will be required for some time. The government has said that we will not be completely out of this situation until a vaccine is found, and so your continued support is needed more than ever. 

I also want to mention the charities and community groups, such as Stonepillow, Four Streets, Heart and the Chichester Food Bank, who support those who are homeless or struggling. This assistance is so important and these groups and charities rely on public support. So, please continue to support them in whatever way you can. I know that Stonepillow are holding a fundraising event ‘the little big sleep out at home’ on 16 May, and we know that some of the other charities are not receiving as much food from local suppliers because they are not open. If you are in a position to help in any way, please do. We are very proud to work alongside these charities and are very thankful for the role they play.

Supporting our local businesses is more important than ever – and this is where we all have a role to play. Every time you think of ordering something, please look to see if there is a local option first. Many of our businesses operate online, or are now offering a take away or delivery service. If we all try and buy local first, it will make a big difference and help our businesses to get back on their feet. Our district is renowned for its independent shops and businesses. They need us now more than ever. Our Economic Development and Revenues teams have spoken with hundreds of businesses since this crisis began offering support and guidance, as well as making sure that they are accessing all of the financial help that is on offer. We’re also very proud to be sponsoring the ‘Open for Business’ campaign that the Observer series is running in support of local businesses.

Once we have a clearer picture of the government’s plans, we will share with you how we plan to respond to the recovery stage of this crisis. What is vital is that we continue to work together, and by doing this we will get through this.

Finally, I want to thank again our remarkable NHS colleagues - we will be forever indebted to you. I also want to thank all of the key workers, including our own council staff, public sector partners, carers, teachers, supermarket workers, delivery drivers, who are also placing a vital role in this crisis. Thank you!

Waste sites to reopen for 11th May 2020

05 May 2020

County Council confirms how and when Household Waste Recycling Sites will reopen

 

Household Waste Recycling Sites (HWRSs) across West Sussex will reopen from Monday 11^th May, the County Council has confirmed.

Final preparations to reopen the sites are being completed this week, taking into account the latest government advice, which was issued today (5th May).

If you are thinking of taking a trip to one of the HWRSs there are several things you need to consider.

Before planning your journey you should:

• Consider whether your journey is essential. You should only visit a HWRSs if your waste or recycling is not suitable to be picked up in your kerbside collection and presents a risk of injury or harm to health. If it doesn’t, please safely store your items at home for now or make other legal arrangements for it to be removed.
• Note emergency laws on essential travel still apply and these essential reasons provide the only “reasonable excuse” for travel – the fact that sites are open does not.   

• Check our opening hours. Sites will be running their usual summer opening days and hours. (Please note our Shoreham site is closed on Mondays. Other sites may close on other days.) Please check when your local site is open at www.westsussexrecycles.org before leaving home.
• Consider whether you need to come straight away Sites may be busy in the first few days and at weekends, if you can wait a little longer it may mean a shorter waiting time.

Before visiting a site please note:

• Only garden waste and residual waste will be accepted. Garden waste means green waste such as grass cuttings and hedge trimmings. Residual waste is other waste that presents a risk of injury or harm to health and will be landfilled. We hope to be able to accept other items soon. Please continue to use your household collections for recycling and general waste.
• Only cars will be allowed on site. Trailers and large vehicles such as vans and pickups will not be allowed access at this time.

Once at the sites there will be certain measures in place for the safety of visitors and staff:

• The number of vehicles accessing the sites will be restricted. Visitors should prepare for delays at sites and should delay their visit to avoid the first couple of weeks if possible.
• Social distancing barriers will be in place. Visitors will be directed into enclosed bays to dispose of their waste.
• Only one person will be allowed to get out of a vehicle. Please travel to the sites alone if possible. If other people travel to the site with you, they must remain in the vehicle.
• Site staff will not be able to help unload your waste and recycling. Please do not bring anything that you cannot safely remove from your car on your own.
• Abuse or aggression to site staff will not be tolerated and could result in sites being closed again.

Deborah Urquhart, West Sussex County Council Cabinet Member for Environment, said: “The health and protection of residents and our staff is our absolute priority. We know the closure of our recycling sites has been inconvenient for many and we know there will be a lot of people who will now want to visit the sites as soon as they reopen.

“However, I would ask people to consider whether their journey is absolutely essential. If you can store your waste and recycling without risking injury, health, or harm, then please do so.

“We are expecting the sites to be busy when they reopen and social distancing measures will mean fewer cars can access the site at any one time, so users should plan for significant delays and long queues, which could affect the road network.

“In order to maintain social distancing and keep everyone safe we have had to restrict the service we can offer and therefore the types of waste we can accept. We hope to be able to expand this in the coming weeks and we thank everyone for their patience.”

Follow @WSRecycles on social media or sign up for our e-newsletter at www.wastepreventionwestsussex.co.uk to receive the latest information as it becomes available.

Helping hands hub Birdam (April 28th 2020)

If you or someone you know needs help, or you would like to volunteer as a ‘helping hand’ please contact helpinghandshub1@gmail.com

Lois and Peter are coordinating the Helping Hands Hub for Birdham and ou can call them on this dedicated phone number: 07368 554188

Shopping and deliveries

Butchers:

Tom Hoar       telephone    01243 673184

AS Wallace    telephone    01243 673340

Greengrocers

Munneries     telephone    01243 672121

Horricks         telephone    01243 672115

Tessiers telephone 01243 514120

K & G Farmshop & Pet Supplies (deliveries will be available on Tuesday

and Thursday)    telephone  01243 513403

 

Adams Wholesale Food Suppliers 

Next Day delivery

Includes meat, fruit, vegetables, bakery, cleaning products, dairy, frozen foods. Delivery 6 days a week (no Sundays) we deliver next day if you order before 11pm, we deliver free of charge on orders over £50 orders under £50 are subject to a £5 delivery charge. Registration is through the website, payment by card. Tel: 01903 282 220 or enquiry by email homedeliveries@adams-wholesale.com Website: www.adams-wholesale.com

 

Council Tax Help for residents in Chichester District 28th April 2020

Chichester District Council is making people aware of all of the support that is available to help them pay their bills during this challenging time.

The council offers a number of discounts for council tax payers, including Council Tax Reduction, which is a means tested benefit and does not take account of outgoings. For people that are already claiming Council Tax Reduction, the Government has announced a Hardship Fund to support residents who are struggling financially.

Residents who are eligible for the support will have their award automatically credited to their council tax bill. Residents do not need to contact the council to receive this payment because they hold all of the relevant details to apply this discount automatically. Payments are estimated to be processed from mid to late April and will be done as quickly as possible. People who are eligible will receive a revised council tax bill, which will reflect the hardship fund that has been applied.

“The coronavirus outbreak has affected everyone, and we want to support people as much as we possibly can by making sure that they can access all the financial help available to them,” says Councillor Peter Wilding, Cabinet Member for Finance, Corporate Services and Revenues and Benefits at Chichester District Council.

“What’s important to remember, is that if you are struggling to pay your bills, there is a range of ways in which we can help you. We would encourage anyone who is concerned about paying council tax due to the impact of the coronavirus, to please let us know as soon as possible.

“It may be that you have applied for Council Tax Reduction, but are still concerned about making payments. If so, we’d urge you to get in touch to discuss the other help that is available. Options could include paying in instalments over twelve months, or spreading instalments between June 2020 to March 2021, which may alleviate hardship for people that are struggling to make payments at the moment.

“The best way to do this is by emailing:taxation@chichester.gov.uk. If you do not have online access, please call us on 01243 785166. Please note that due to high call volumes we recommend using our online services in the first instance wherever possible. This will keep essential lines free for those without access to the internet.

“Where possible, we are also asking customers to sign up for online letters and bills. To do this, simply go to www.chichester.gov.uk/myaccount and select the service that you need.

“Our ‘My Account’ service is available 27/7 and allows you to: manage payments, including setting up a direct debit; access council tax or business rates records; advise us of a change of address; view account details and recent bills; claim housing benefit or council tax reduction; report a change in your circumstances for housing benefit or council tax reduction, and; update personal details. Simply visit www.chichester.gov.uk/myaccount and select the service you need.”

The council has created a range of new pages on its website with answers to frequently asked questions. This includes information about council tax help, benefit support, and business grants and rate discounts. For details of the support that is available, visit: www.chichester.gov.uk/taxandbenefitsfaq

Council warns against bonfires during coronavirus outbreak April 27th 2020

People are being urged not to light bonfires in the Chichester District in order to protect the health of others during the coronavirus crisis.

Since the beginning of the outbreak, Chichester District Council has seen an increase in reports of residents burning garden and general waste at their properties.

“Smoke and smells from bonfires can aggravate respiratory problems, which people with virus symptoms may be experiencing,” says Councillor Penny Plant, Cabinet Member for Environment and Chichester Contract Services. “Please do not burn your garden waste, or any other waste, and be mindful of your neighbours and local community who may be spending time in their gardens during the lockdown.

“Our crews are working hard to keep our waste collection services running as normal, and while we are prioritising domestic waste (black bins) and recycling (burgundy bins), we are pleased to say that we are currently running a full green waste service as well.

“We will do all we can to collect everybody’s waste, but there may be occasions when we can’t reach everyone. If we have missed your bin, please keep hold of your waste and place your bin out on your next fortnightly collection day. If you have any excess waste as a result of a missed collection, you can put this in a bag and place it next to your bin.

“We recognise this isn't ideal but your support and cooperation is greatly appreciated at this challenging time.

“We will be doing our best to keep our Garden Recycling service going. However, we must treat domestic waste and recycling as the priority so it is possible that there may be disruption to Gardening Recycling rounds. If we are unable to collect your bin, please keep hold of it and present it on your next normal collection day.  

“Perhaps also consider whether your green waste can be composted in the short term or maybe sticks, twigs and branches can be used to create an insect hotel. Regular cutting to top the grass may prevent the need for it to be collected. These measures can reduce your dependency on green waste collections for a short period of time enabling us to focus our resources on waste and recycling.”

Residents who are affected by smoke from bonfires should report this to the council’s Environmental Protection team and provide as much information as possible, such as an address; the time of the bonfire; an indication of the items being burnt; and the duration and frequency of the bonfire. People can report bonfires on the council’s website at: www.chichester.gov.uk/article/25585/Report-bonfire-problem

The council has various enforcement options for dealing with bonfires, including fixed penalty notices of £100 and nuisance abatement notices.

For the latest waste and recycling information and service updates, visit: www.chichester.gov.uk/wasteandrecyclingfaqs and the council’s Facebook and Twitter pages.

 

Adult learning hub

Learnyay helps adults find free education courses and training. By connecting them with ESFA and local authority funded colleges, schools and training providers in their area. Home learning will help people make the most of their time and cope better with self-isolation. It will also improve their employment prospects at a time when many jobs are a risk.

https://www.learnyay.co.uk/

 

WSCC Coronavirus update 25th April 2020

Dear residents and partners, As the weather remains pleasant it might be tempting to spend more time outside or to arrange to meet friends and family. We wish to remind you of the social distancing rules and stress the importance of adhering to them. You should only leave the house for very limited purposes:shopping for basic necessities, for example food and medicine, which must be as infrequent as possible; one form of exercise a day, for example a run, walk, or cycle - alone or with members of your household; any medical need, including to donate blood; avoid or escape risk of injury or harm, or to provide care or to help a vulnerable person; travelling for work purposes, but only where you cannot work from home. There is full guidance and information available for staying at home. Thank you for your continued cooperation and support. Latest news County Council’s response to COVID-19 discussed Cabinet met virtually on Wednesday this week to receive a formal update on our response to COVID-19 and the impact it is having on the county council’s financial position. They heard that following the Government’s official lock-down the council, in partnership with district and borough councils, launched community hubs across the county to make sure those people who are vulnerable, or have been made vulnerable by COVID-19, get the support, supplies and help they need. Social care staff across the council have been working in hospitals and people’s homes supporting residents with social care and health needs.The Cabinet also heard an update on the financial position of the council and the affect that COVID-19 is having on that. You can listen back to a recording of the Cabinet discussion, where the agenda item starts at 2 hours and 14 minutes. Our press release is available to read here. Library service update Great to see that 963 people have joined our online library since we closed our buildings on 17 March. We have added 1,300 extra ebooks and 450 eAudio titles and are now issuing about four times the number of these. Around 32,000 newspapers and magazines are being downloaded each week too! Last week there were 2,500 views of the Ancestry page, which is linked to the free public version, and we have had over 50 compliments about this service. We have been offering telephone support for library customers who want to use the ebook and audio but have never tried before – got some lovely comments about that too. An additional 25 library staff have now been trained to accept and receive calls in the Community Hub and library delivery drivers have delivered emergency food parcels across the county. Join the online library service. Schools update  The majority of West Sussex schools have remained open to provide care for children of critical workers, those with Education, Health and Care Plans and those children deemed vulnerable who cannot safely be looked after at home. The provision of this care continued throughout the Easter Holidays and some schools even remained open on Good Friday and Easter Monday, to ensure parents and carers could continue working, supporting the COVID-19 response. In addition, our schools are continuing to provide packages of education, support and activities to families to ensure children are keeping in touch with their learning and also engaging in some really positive and interesting activities. We are immensely proud of staff in all of our schools and the local authority teams who are continuing to keep children at the heart of everything they do and work with families and carers to ensure children are safe and supported. Help is available Vulnerable residents that need some extra help can get support with our community hub. Find out more.  Fire safety for children  Resources on fire safety for primary school children are available to help educate children from home during lockdown. Find out more.  Waste tips Follow West Sussex Recycles on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for information on collections, plus tips on reducing waste during lockdown.  Mental health For mental health guidance call the Sussex Partnership Mental Healthline any time, day or night on 0300 5000 101.  Make history The West Sussex Record Office is asking residents to document their experience during the coronavirus. Learn more.   Social media Follow WSCC on Facebook and Twitter for the latest coronavirus updates.Please encourage your friends and family to subscribe to receive these important updates via our registration page.

Scams and abuse during lockdown (April 15th 2020)

We appreciate that at this particular time there is a greater awareness of the potential increase in opportunities and risk to vulnerable people to be victims of crime.

A number of you have been in touch with WSCC regarding concerns of increase in Scam’s and Domestic Abuse during this particular time. Please find below information that has been disseminated through various platforms over the past couple of weeks.

Please do sign up to and follow WSCC on the Community Safety Facebook and Trading Standards Twitter if you have an account as they will provide regular updates.

WSCC are also producing its Coronavirus (COVID-19) advice email newsletter to Residents who sign up 

Registration: https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/UKWSCC/subscriber/new?preferences=true

Help Guide: https://subscriberhelp.granicus.com/s/

Domestic Abuse Press Article:

https://www.westsussex.gov.uk/news/domestic-violence-support-over-easter/

West Sussex County Council Community Safety Facebook and Twitter –

If you are not already linked into our Community Safety Facebook pages or twitter this is regularly updated with messages and useful links to support individuals and businesses.

https://twitter.com/WSxCommsafety?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor

• Domestic Abuse
•  https://www.facebook.com/105224117606609/posts/166300141499006/?substory_index=0

• Coronavirus Scams
•  https://www.facebook.com/105224117606609/posts/167677888027898/?substory_index=0

• Online Shopping Fraud 
• https://www.facebook.com/105224117606609/posts/167229844739369/?substory_index=0

• HMRC offering tax rebates 
• https://www.facebook.com/105224117606609/posts/166549144807439/?substory_index=0

West Sussex County Council Trading Standards 

https://twitter.com/WSCCTS

National Trading Standards Scams Team – Friends Against Scams Postcard 

https://twitter.com/WSCCTS/status/1242487655977418752

Chichester District Council - Community Guide and Campaign

We wanted to let you know that we have created a new Community Guide, which includes key information, contacts, and guidance all in one place. The aim of the guide is to inform and assist people, and to ensure their safety as well as the safety of any people they may be supporting. We hope this guide may be useful to share with your community during this challenging time. Please find a copy of the guide attached, and this can also be downloaded from our website at: www.chichester.gov.uk/helpyourneighbour

It is now more important than ever that we reach out to the people around us, and to support our Community Guide, we are launching a new mini-campaign to encourage residents in the Chichester District to look out for their neighbours. This could include offering to pick up shopping or medication, checking in with a friendly phone call, or making sure they can access the help that they need. Details of this are included within the guide and on the website referenced above, along with important advice about how to stay safe while volunteering. Also attached and available to download on our website is a flyer, which people can print off and post through the doors of neighbours to offer support and to give advice on safe ways to accept help.

 

Helping Hands Hub Birdham - 2nd April 2020

During this challenging time, your Parish Church has set up a Help Hub to meet any needs many will be facing over the coming weeks and months. They can help those who are self-isolating due to illness or vulnerability with:
 Light shopping
 Collecting ordered shopping (that has been paid for)
 Collecting prescriptions
 Posting mail
 Dog walking
 Regular phone calls as a ‘phone buddy’

If you or someone you know needs help, or you would like to volunteer as a ‘helping hand’ please contact helpinghandshub1@gmail.com

Lois and Peter are coordinating the Helping Hands Hub for Birdham and ou can call them on this dedicated phone number: 07368 554188

 

WSCC Online Community Hub launches in response to coronavirus - 2nd April 2020

West Sussex County Council has been working closely with the district and borough councils in the county, the NHS and Public Health England to set-up community hubs to help support the most vulnerable residents in West Sussex.

Across West Sussex, hubs have been set up in response to the ongoing impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) situation and will allow individuals to get in contact if they, or someone they know, need help, or if they want to volunteer their services in these difficult times.

Those who already have support networks in place – such as friends, family and neighbours - should continue using the support they have. This means that the community hubs can focus their efforts on those most in need.

West Sussex has a county-wide community hub which is available seven days a week and staff will be on hand to respond to enquiries from 8am-8pm. A dedicated telephone helpline is also available for residents who are unable to go online: 033 022 27980.

You can also find more information about support in your local community on your district or borough council website.

Duncan Crow, Cabinet Member for Fire and Rescue and Communities, said: “These are difficult times and helping the most vulnerable and those without a support network in our community to get food, medicine and help is our top priority.

“Not only have we already seen people come through to us needing our help, we have also had lots of interest from residents and businesses across the county who are keen to volunteer their services in these tough times. Our hubs are an essential way for our communities to link together to receive the support they need.

“The reaction we have had illustrates the real human spirit that runs through our county and makes us proud to be residents.”

The NHS has written to residents it has identified as at risk of severe illness if they catch coronavirus and those extremely vulnerable to coronavirus should register for support via the government's website.

If you need support, wish to volunteer or would like to find out more about community hubs visit: https://www.westsussex.gov.uk/leisure-recreation-and-community/supporting-local-communities/community-hub-covid-19/

Nisa Shop Birdham

There are leaflets in the shop on the counter (in bags), and notices around the store to let Birdham residents know that Nisa is offering Mon/Thurs/Sat deliveries (minimum order £10) for local residents. If you wish to phone them call 01243 512888 or email: birdhamstores@btconnect.com

Please let the vulnerable and elderly prioritise on these deliveries, thank you.

Friday 27 March

Issued by Public Relations Team - Chichester District Council

This briefing is to keep you updated on the evolving situation around coronavirus (COVID-19) and the actions being taken in the district

Who does it affect?

• Residents and businesses within the district
• Chichester District Council staff and councillors
• Parish councils
• Waste and recycling

In this briefing

·         Latest update

·         Service changes and key information

·         Council Leader message

·         Supporting the vulnerable

·         Supporting businesses

·         Waste and Recycling

·         Supporting rough sleepers and those at risk of homelessness

·         Customer Services

·         Council Tax Help

Latest update

The Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, announced a new self-employed income support scheme, worth up to £2,500 per month. He said the scheme offers the same amount of support for self-employed people as employed people. The Chancellor said the last ten days have “shaken the country and the economy as never before”.

He also spoke again about the vital importance of social distancing. The aim is to prevent the rapid spread of the virus by slowing the opportunities for it to be passed from person to person.

The advice is to:

• stay at home
• only go outside for food, health reasons or work (where this absolutely cannot be done from home)
• stay 2 metres (6ft) away from other people
• wash your hands as soon as you get home

Anyone can spread the virus. Stay home and save lives.

Service changes and key information

Please refer to our website www.chichester.gov.uk/councilservicestatus for the status of our services. This is being updated daily.

Please also encourage people to visit www.chichester.gov.uk/coronavirus which has all of the latest information, advice and guidance on our critical services.

Our social media sites are also be constantly updated and we are answering people’s questions as quickly as we can.

Website:        www.chichester.gov.uk

Twitter:           https://twitter.com/ChichesterDC

Facebook:     https://en-gb.facebook.com/ChichesterDistrictCouncil   

We will shortly be providing a regular email newsletter that people can sign up to on our website. We expect this to be in place within the next two weeks.

Council leader message

Read Cllr Eileen Lintill’s latest district dispatch here:

https://www.chichester.gov.uk/article/33875/A-message-from-our-Council-Leader-during-this-difficult-time

Supporting the vulnerable

https://www.chichester.gov.uk/communitiesfaqs

The volunteer hub, which is being managed by West Sussex County Council, is now up and running. This will co-ordinate support for vulnerable people without any support networks and those wanting to volunteer. West Sussex County Council has created an electronic form on their website https://www.westsussex.gov.uk/leisure-recreation-and-community/supporting-local-communities/community-hub-covid-19/#overview or people can call 033022 27980.

Only those that need support should register. Those who have support networks in place – such as friends, family and neighbours should continue using the support they have. This means that we can focus our efforts on those most in need.

We are also currently pulling together a community guide for volunteers and community leaders to provide guidance and information to help them with their roles. This should be ready next week.

Supporting businesses

https://www.chichester.gov.uk/businesssupportfaqs

The council’s Economic Development Team has spoken to over 100 businesses offering support and guidance. We’ve also been sending details out about the business rate relief and grant schemes, as well as directing people to all of the other Government business support that is available. Our Revenue and Benefits team has also sent communications out to all of those who are eligible for business rate relief.

Waste and Recycling

https://www.chichester.gov.uk/wasteandrecyclingfaqs

All household waste (black bins) was collected this week, but a small number of recycling rounds were missed. We hope to catch up on any missed rounds over the next week. Staff from other council teams have been brought into assist the council’s depot with waste and recycling collections. Extra social distancing measures have also been put in place to protect our crews.

We launched a mini campaign on our social media sites to ask people not to come out to thank our crews directly, but to post their messages of support on social media. This had a massive response with 129 likes and loves on Facebook alone, 85 comments thanking our crews and 28 shares. 6,768 people were reached from that one post. These messages of support are now going to be shared with our crews on their screens in their cabs.

Supporting rough sleepers and those at risk of homelessness

https://www.chichester.gov.uk/wasteandrecyclingfaqs

We want to assure you that we are also doing everything we can to help rough sleepers during the current crisis. We are especially conscious that rough sleepers face particular health risks and so we have offered all known rough sleepers accommodation.  The majority have taken up the council’s offer and will have moved into accommodation by the end of this week. However, there are a small number of long term rough sleepers who continue to refuse all help. In these cases we provide advice and guidance around the need for self-isolation and signpost to the support that is available. We will continue to support rough sleepers once they are in accommodation by ensuring that they have a phone, food supplies and are in regular contact with a key worker. Support will also be available through Stonepillow day centres in Chichester and Bognor, which are providing food and access to other services. It is worth noting that in order to meet social distancing guidance, the centres are limited to a certain number of people at any one time. We are supporting this work by providing staff to assist Stonepillow at the Chichester Hub. 

Please remember that our teams are also here to support residents if they are at risk of being made homeless, or they are unable to pay their rent.

Discouraging people from visiting Chichester District

We have published the below messages on social media to anyone who is thinking of visiting our district this weekend.

“We are used to welcoming people and sharing the beauty of our district with everyone, but now is not the time to visit the Chichester District. We need you to stay at home and keep safe. Social distancing is vital and we all need to play our part in supporting our NHS workers battle this virus. We can’t wait to welcome you back when this crisis is over. Thank you for your understanding.”

“We are reminding people that they must follow the Government’s message to stay home, protect the NHS, save lives. We are discouraging people from coming to our area for a holiday, a day out, or to visit their second homes in the district, during the Coronavirus lockdown. The Government has closed lots of non-essential businesses and these include caravans, B&Bs and hotels. However, there are some exemptions, including when people are unable to travel home, or where they live on the site for most of the year www.gov.uk/government/publications/full-guidance-on-staying-at-home-and-away-from-others. . It’s vital we all play our part to protect our NHS and help to save lives.”

Council Tax help 

https://www.chichester.gov.uk/taxandbenefitsfaq

If anyone is concerned about being able to pay council tax bills due to the impact of the coronavirus, please let us know as soon as possible. The best way is to visit www.chichester.gov.uk/counciltax, or contact by email revenues@chichester.gov.uk  If you do not have online access, please call us on 01243 785166. Please note that due to high call volumes we recommend using our online services in the first instance wherever possible.

Message from Birdham Parish Council

In these challenging times that could last for several months, please be mindful of your neighbours and the community who may need some help. A friendly telephone call, some shopping or prescriptions collected, or the offer of a dog walk for example.

It is best to swap telephone numbers now with those that you think you could help. There is no need for anyone to feel lonely. Within the Community of Birdham let's be kind to our residents, our neighbours and those who would like some help.

If you know of someone who might need some help but would be too reticent to ask please put a note through their door offering to help them. The elderly are particularly vulnerable - please think of how you could help.