From Shropshire Council

A message from the Director of Public Health

Rachel Robinson, Shropshire’s director of public health has said:

“Christmas is going to feel very different for all of us this year, and I know everyone has made enormous sacrifices over the past 12 months. The news that the rules are being relaxed over the festive period will be welcomed by many, but I would urge everyone to think very carefully before they take advantage of the more lenient rules, and to act responsibly.”

“We need to keep doing all the things designed to keep us safe – respecting social distancing, washing hands, wearing face-coverings, self-isolating when we are asked to do so, and booking a test if you have symptoms.”

A further video update from Rachel Robinson can be found here: https://newsroom.shropshire.gov.uk/2020/12/coronavirus-video-update-from-our-director-of-public-health-rachel-robinson/

Christmas Bubbles

Between 23 and 27 December, the three households in a “Christmas bubble” can mix indoors and stay overnight.

People who has formed within a bubble, will be allowed to meet each other:

• In each other’s homes
• At a place of worship
• In an outdoor public space, or garden

The bubbles will be fixed, so you will not be able to mix with two households on Christmas Day and two different ones on Boxing Day. Households in your Christmas bubble can’t bubble with anyone else. If a person has coronavirus symptoms or is self-isolating, then they cannot join a bubble.

For more information about forming a Christmas bubble with friends and family, please visit here – https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/making-a-christmas-bubble-with-friends-and-family/making-a-christmas-bubble-with-friends-and-family

Support for Vulnerable Households

For many Shropshire residents, the ongoing pandemic poses challenges that stretch beyond a reduction in the freedoms that we’re accustomed to, and the obvious risk to health. The financial implications of the virus continue to impose difficulties and hardship across the county. Therefore, the recently established COVID Winter Grant scheme will go a long way to ensuring that families don’t go hungry this winter.

A full press release on this scheme can be found here – https://newsroom.shropshire.gov.uk/2020/12/support-families-struggling-winter/

This offer sits alongside a suite of funding opportunities, that have been created to support some of Shropshire’s most vulnerable individuals and households. This includes the Local Support and Prevention Fund (LSPF) and the Local Authority Emergency Grant for Food and Essential Supplies. Families and individuals who are struggling and would like to access help and support can contact the council’s Welfare Support Team on 0345 678 9028.

Work, Skill, Money Guide

Shropshire Council have recently developed a guide which aims to support residents with matters concerning Work, Skills and Money. The guide covers the whole cycle of job loss, financial support, housing, and upskilling for people who are looking for work. The guide can be located via the following link –  https://www.shropshire.gov.uk/coronavirus/information-for-the-public/work-skills-and-money-guide/

Concerns about business compliance to Covid-19 regulations: if there are any concerns about businesses adhering to Covid-19 regulations please email them to advicecompliance@shropshire.gov.uk

Shropshire Councils Covid-19 Helpline 0345 6789 028: this phoneline is designed to receive enquiries and concerns associated with Covid-19, of a non-medical nature.

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