Coronavirus Information

Guidance when visiting our play areas

We want all visitors to enjoy our play areas so please follow this advice to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Do not visit one of our play areas if you or a member of your household has COVID-19 symptoms or have been told to self-isolate.

Before visiting the play area

  1. Consider that where practical only one adult per child should go in to the play area, this will allow more households to enjoy the facilities.
  2. Check Government guidance on the use of face coverings.
  3. Before leaving home ensure you have hand sanitiser and wipes.

Remind children not to put their mouths or faces on the equipment.

When in the play area

  1. Stay in your household group, and respect social distancing guidance when around other users.
  2. When you enter the play area sanitise your hands and the hands of any children under your supervision.
  3. We recommended that you use your wipes to sanitise equipment before your child uses it. Handles, grips and seats are the types of areas that are regularly touched by children, be careful to make sure the grips are not slippery after wiping.
  4. Sanitise the hands of children under your supervision each time they come off an item of equipment as a minimum.
  5. Sanitise your hands if you touch equipment or other surfaces in the play area.
  6. Be mindful that others will want to use equipment.
  7. Take all litter home with your or use litter bins where available. It is important that used tissues and wipes are not left on the ground where children can pick them up.
  8. Do not stay in the play area when your children have finished playing, to allow those queuing the opportunity to use the play area.

————————————————————————————————————–

Important changes to the eligibility criteria and distribution routes for an Emergency PPE supply for unpaid carers

Following on from the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) Social Care Working Group announcement on 25 January,2021 all unpaid carers can access an emergency supply of PPE through the local authority.

Unpaid carers in Shropshire can access emergency PPE supplies from Shropshire Council using the following link:

https://forms.office.com/Pages/DesignPage.aspx#FormId=oKtgpiGaoUyJm5sDLJcBLD1VMoGoQAlPhFIbiWrxuNdUNjJDV1hWV0xLRVRLR0NRSUFWQ1Q0NTY2RyQlQCN0PWcu&Token=24e1b94a00c74eef8ce90321da87947e

Please would you share this information with all family and unpaid carers known to your organisation.

——————————————————————————————

Ludlow Vaccination Hub – information about shuttle bus service here

——————————————————————————————

Long Covid:

Long Covid SupportA new service has been launched for patients with Long Covid in a joint project by Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) and Shropshire Community Health NHS Trust. It aims to provide help and support to local people suffering from Post Covid Syndrome, which is commonly known as Long Covid. Although most people recover from Covid, there are some who experience longer term effects including a range of conditions such as breathlessness, poor sleep, fatigue, and a cough as well as anxiety and a low mood.For more information on Long Covid go to: www.yourcovidrecovery.nhs.uk

Volunteering:

Volunteers needed to join the battle to beat Covid Local organisations have joined forces to call on local people across Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin to be a part of history by giving the gift of their time to help in the county’s fight against Covid.Shropshire Rural Communities Charity (Shropshire RCC), Shropshire Youth Association (SYA) and Shropshire Council are working with the county’s health and care organisations to lead a volunteer recruitment campaign to support local rapid testing and vaccination services.Testing and vaccination are the country’s best hope of a return to more normal life.The people of Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin can help by signing up to one of the available roles including vaccination marshals, car parking marshals, results recorders and reception assistants. In Shropshire, volunteers are needed to help with the county’s rapid testing programme.Victoria Rankin, Executive Lead for People at the Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin Sustainability and Transformation Partnership, said: “We have a mammoth task ahead of us and we need all our people, our health and care workforce and our local communities to work together.“This is an amazing opportunity for people from all over the county to be a part of history by giving their time to volunteer alongside our health and care teams in the fight against this virus.” Julia Baron, Chief Executive for Shropshire Rural Communities Charity, said: “This is a significant time in our history and one we’re likely never to forget. “People have the chance to be involved in something which will have such an incredibly important and positive impact on every thread of our community.“You don’t need to be a healthcare professional to volunteer. As long as you feel well and are not shielding, self-isolating or in a high-risk group, you just need the time and a desire to help.”Everyone who registers their interest to volunteer will be risk assessed and before starting their role will receive the appropriate training and induction. To sign up, people can visit the Shropshire RCC website at www.shropshire-rcc.org.uk/covid19volunteers.Partners involved include Shropshire Rural Communities Charity, Shropshire Youth Association, Shropshire Council, Telford & Wrekin Council, NHS Shropshire Clinical Commissioning Group, NHS Telford & Wrekin Clinical Commissioning Group, Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust, Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust and Shropshire Community Health NHS Trust.This volunteer recruitment campaign is part of the local campaign #BeAPartOfHistory which is also looking to recruit current and retired healthcare professionals, but also non-clinical staff in a range of administrative, reception and other front-of-house roles to support the vaccine roll-out.

Please find below an update on both the national Vaccination Centres and the local Shropshire Vaccination centres.
Cleobury Mortimer Medical Centre continue to provide staff to the Bridgnorth centre and are booking patients into that site as quickly as possible.  As per the advice below please do not contact the practice about bookings. Our staff are busy calling up eligible patients as soon as vaccines become available, and are working through lists according to the pre-determined national processes.

Covid Vaccination Roll out 

The NHS has this weekend announced the opening of seven large vaccination centres throughout England. The centres are capable of delivering thousands of the life-saving jabs each week and provide an additional option to the local sites across Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin. As with all vaccination centres across the country, people must wait to be invited to book their vaccination and should not contact their GP or turn up without an appointment 

Dave Evans, Joint Accountable Officer for NHS Shropshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and NHS Telford & Wrekin CCG, said: “Some eligible local people have received letters over the weekend offering them the opportunity to book an appointment at one of the new centres. They can of course take up the offer, but we want to reassure everyone that they can still choose to receive their vaccination closer to home and do not need to travel out of the county unless they wish to.” 

In Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin, several sites are already delivering vaccinations across the county to those people. They include the hospital hubs at Royal Shrewsbury Hospital and Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt in Gobowen and the local vaccination sites at Bridgnorth and Malinslee, Telford. 

The vaccine will be offered to more people and at other locations in Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin as soon as possible. These will include further local vaccine services provided by GPs and pharmacists, in people’s homes for those who are housebound and new dedicated vaccination centres to make sure that everyone who needs a vaccine is able to get one.

23/10/2020 

Update from Shropshire Council

On Monday 19 October, Public Health England put Shropshire’s case rate at 90.4 per 100,000. In conduction with this, please see the recent statement below from Rachel Robinson, Shropshire Councils Director of Public Health:

“We are now at a dangerous and critical time in our fight against Covid-19. Infections are rising across the county and we expect to see a further increase in cases over the coming days. Day-by-day, the threat of further restrictions is closer to becoming a reality. Thank you to those who are stepping up to protect their friends, loved ones and the wider community, but we need everyone to do their bit. We all need to Step Up, think of others and play our part to avoid severe restrictions that will have a huge impact on our way of life.”

With this in mind, Using the ‘Swiss cheese’ approach to protect yourself and others from COVID-19 could be the method to take. https://newsroom.shropshire.gov.uk/2020/10/coronavirus-swiss-cheese-approach/

The government has now also introduced a 3 level system of restrictions across England and currently we are in the lowest category with the least restrictions, the point at which we would be considered for moving to the next category is 100 case per 100,000. We don’t automatically move up a level based only on infection rates. Hospitalisations, hospital capacity and the rate of increase in infection are among the factors that determine which category we are in, however it looks possible that we will face more restrictions in the weeks to come. Please see attached some useful posters to explain the different levels. To reiterate, Shropshire is currently in the ‘medium’ risk category, however, the high and very high posters help to illustrate the measures that would need to be adopted if we were to enter those levels locally.

With all of this in mind, we’d like to concentrate on the help that’s available to our community in Shropshire. In preparation for a potentially challenging winter here’s a brief run-down of the information and support that’s currently on offer.

Isolating payments

https://www.shropshire.gov.uk/benefits/benefits-news/test-and-trace-support-payments-update-9-october/

If people are on a low income, they may be entitled to a test and trace support payment of £500 if they:

  1. Have been told to stay at home and self-isolate by the NHS Test and Trace service, either because they’ve tested positive for coronavirus or have recently been in close contact with someone who has tested positive, and
  2. Are employed or self-employed, and
  3. Are unable to work from home and will lose income as a result, and
  4. Are currently receiving universal credit, working tax credit, income-based employment and support allowance, income-based jobseeker’s allowance, income support, housing benefit and/or pension credit.

Welfare Support and Benefits

Please visit https://www.shropshire.gov.uk/coronavirus/information-for-the-public/your-rights-and-benefits/ for more information about additional financial support. The government have relaxed the rules for some benefits to help with the effect of coronavirus. Shropshire Council is offering residents whose employment or income have been adversely impacted by the coronavirus pandemic, the opportunity to delay payment of council tax for 2 months .If you need to claim universal credit because of coronavirus there is useful information to help you on the Understanding universal credit website.

Additionally, we currently have an emergency assistance fund. Applications are open to anyone who has been financially affected by coronavirus and is finding it hard to meet their essential outgoings as a result. If you, or someone you know, is having difficulty meeting outgoings, or there is risk to your home, call us on 0345 678 9078 or 03456789028.


Shropshire Larder

As the recession deepens, more people are losing their jobs and facing hardship. It is vital that people in Shropshire know where to get help. The Shropshire Food Poverty Alliance has created resources for people and organizations in Shropshire to find advice and support:

  1. Shropshire Larder(shropshirelarder.org.uk– is the most comprehensive directory of services for people living in Shropshire on a low budget. It has information on how to access a foodbank or community food project, and how to eat well on a budget. It also covers how to get support with benefits, housing, and debt.
  2. Please help us make sure this info is reaching everyone who needs it.

Shielding

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

 With this guidance in place, we are contacting Clinically Extremely Vulnerable residents to ensure they are supported, more options may be introduced as we move into the winter period.

Staying safe in the workplace

Please see the web link below, and the attached poster, for some simple advice and guidance on how to protect from the Coronavirus whilst in the workplace.

https://newsroom.shropshire.gov.uk/2020/10/coronavirus-staying-safe-in-the-workplace/

Shropshire Council praises voluntary and community sector’s work during pandemic

https://newsroom.shropshire.gov.uk/2020/10/coronavirus-response-praised/

Councillor Gwilym Butler, cabinet member for communities, place planning and regulatory services, said:

“I would like to take the opportunity to recognise and congratulate the voluntary and community sector, including the collective support from Shropshire VCS Assembly, and town and parish councils, including the work of Shropshire Association of Local Councils, in their response to Covid-19. I recognise how fortunate we are locally with the resilience of many of our communities. The Community and Rural Strategy will be important in working to endorse and enhance that resilience as we move forward.”

Covid-19 Helpline and on-line information

For non-medical support and enquires call direct Covid-19 Helpline 0345 6789028  or email customerfirst@shropshire.gov.uk. On the Shropshire Council website, there is a wide range of information available to help you support people. Find the full range of information here: https://www.shropshire.gov.uk/coronavirus/information-for-the-public/. This includes the three directories on: food provision, community support and community social networks.


22.10.20:

Sent on behalf of Shropshire Council/Public Health

We are keen to share with the community updated information regarding local Covid Testing. Shropshire is at critical point in the battle against COVID-19. On Monday 19th October, Public Health England put Shropshire’s case rate at 90.4 per 100,000.

People with symptoms of coronavirus – no matter how mild – should book a Covid-19 test as soon as possible. Testing is available for anyone who has symptoms of COVID-19, such as a high temperature, a new continuous cough, or a loss of or change in sense of taste or smell. People who are unsure if their symptoms are Covid-19 can visit https://111.nhs.uk/covid-19/ or call 111 where advice will be given.

Testing is available at the following sites:

London Road Car Park, Shrewsbury, SY2 6ND

22nd October – 27th October

Beatrice Street, Morrisons Oswestry, SY11 2HT

22nd October – 27th October

London Road Car Park, Shrewsbury, SY2 6ND

28th October – 4th November

Highways Depot, Craven Arms, SY7 8NR

28th October – 4th November

 

How to book a test

To book a test visit: www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test If you have other problems using the online service, call 119.
You can also book a test through the NHS COVID – 19 app. For further information please click here.

When to get a test

If you have symptoms, get a test as soon as possible. You need to get the test done within the first five days of showing symptoms.
Book a visit to a test site to have the test today. Or order a home test kit if you can’t get to a test site.
On days one to four of your symptoms, you can get tested at a site or at home.
If you’re ordering a home test kit on day four, do it by 3pm. On day five, you need to go to a test site. It’s too late to order a home test kit.

Stay at home if you have symptoms

You must stay at home (self-isolate) if you have symptoms. Do not have visitors until you get your test result – only leave your home to have a test.
Anyone in your support bubble must also stay at home. A support bubble is where someone who lives alone (or just with their children) can meet people from one other household.
Getting a test is important. If you have symptoms and do not get tested, you will still need to self-isolate for at least 10 days, and your household or bubble for 14 days. Please see https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/self-isolation-and-treatment/when-to-self-isolate-and-what-to-do/

What the test involves

This test involves taking a swab of the inside of your nose and the back of your throat, using a long cotton bud.
It checks if you have the virus now.
You can do the swab yourself (if you are aged 12 or over) or someone can do it for you.
Parents or guardians have to swab test children aged 11 or under.

Getting a test for someone else

If other people you live with have symptoms, you can order tests for up to three of them.
If you’re applying for a test for someone else, and the person is aged 13 or over, check they’re happy for you to get a test for them.

Getting your test result

While you are waiting for your test results you must self-isolate.
You’ll get a text or email with your result when it’s ready.
If you use the NHS Covid-19 app, you may also get your result in the app.
Most people get their test results the day after taking the test. Some results might take longer, but you should get them in 72 hours.

 


 


Map of supermarkets accepting free school meal vouchers


Health care services over the Bank Holiday


 


 


COVID 19 and Domestic Abuse


Useful contact numbers from Shropshire Council


Tell the NHS about your experience of Coronavirus


PRESS RELEASE Drive-through Coronavirus Assessment Centre set up at Shrewsbury Town Football Club 1.4.2020


Link to Shropshire Council information on food parcels to vulnerable people


Link to new Government Legislation


Working in Communities – Corona Virus


Information from Shropshire MIND:

We are open Monday to Friday 9 till 5, we will meet people who are in crisis, but with the changes it is majority telephone support.  Our number is 01743 368647, the team are great and will assist and support to their best ability.

We have outreach workers who are making calls Monday to Friday to all those that we are aware of, but we can extend that to anyone with needs, ensuring everyone is in contact and we can then follow up with a call.  We are looking at food parcels, but the shortage at the moment means that it is on hold for the moment.

We have the Crisis Cafe, it is open Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 1800hrs till 2200hrs within Shropshire Mind at Abbey Foregate.  Normally you just turn up, but now you must call ahead on the phone number above because of the limit on numbers currently under Covid-19.

We run Shropshire Sanctuary every night as follows;

Monday to Thursday  1700hrs till 0900hrs

Friday 1700hrs till 1100hrs

Saturday 1500hrs till 1100hrs

Sunday 1500hrs till 0900hrs.

If you are in crisis or in need of support, you can telephone the Access team on 0300 124 0365, they will refer you in.

It is normally a suicide prevention service with two trained staff on all night, but given the current climate, we have lowered this to those with emotional or mental health needs.

If anyone has needs, or just wants a chat, please give us a call, if we are not the right people, we will find the right people for you.

Our Sanctuary service is commissioned to cover both Telford and Shropshire as is our crisis cafe.

We will take and triage a call from all locations and work with the person to find the best possible outcomes for them


Coronavirus: Beware of scams targeting consumers, householders and businesses


https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/


Link to Shropshire Council Information:

https://shropshire.gov.uk/coronavirus/




Shropshire Public Health – Coronavirus