Friday 22 May 2020
As we begin to release lockdown and carefully get things up and running again it is welcome news that local councils are to be put at the centre of developing new localised test, track and contain plans.
Our closeness to local communities, wide expertise, and trusted local partnerships will really help Devon bring together local plans that work for us over the weeks and months ahead. Together we can build on the tremendous community response that has helped keep the number of cases so low in Devon so far, and get our economy moving again as fast as we can.
It's set to be another sunny bank holiday weekend, but while you're out enjoying the fine weather, please think twice. Think about the risk to yourselves and others, and the impact that you may have on the places you visit. Take extra care and make sure you continue to follow the government's guidance to help prevent the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19).
In this update:
- We're helping develop local track and trace plans
- Big boost for Devon's economic recovery
- Devon's carbon emissions have fallen by nearly a quarter
- Stay alert, stay safe and think twice this weekend
- Celebrate Eid safely
- Do you know someone who deserves an honour?
 Developing local track and trace plans
Councils will receive a share of an extra £300 million to help establish these local plans, which will include coordination and management of infection control, tracking and tracing, and local testing arrangements.
We will also be one of 11 national Beacon Councils - the only one in the South West - to help lead and share good practice across the region.
It means that we will now be at the forefront of responding and managing the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak at a local level.
 Big boost for Devon’s economic recovery
Our Leader, Cllr John Hart, said this week that as the lockdown is gradually eased, we must plan for the future and do all we can to protect and improve our economy.
We're buying the vacant former Flybe Training Academy at Exeter Airport, which closed when the airline went into administration.
Exeter College will be running the new academy. They were the Flybe Training Academy's chosen academic partner, delivering a range of training programmes including non-aerospace work.
It will offer opportunities for the region's young people, while also offering adults the chance to upskill or retrain into a chosen career.
 Stay alert, stay safe and think twice this weekend
It's set to be another sunny bank holiday weekend, and no doubt we are all keen to get outside and enjoy the lovely weather.
We've got plenty of beauty spots in Devon, and they are all likely to be crowded this weekend. So please, take extra care and make sure you continue to follow the government's guidance on social distancing to help prevent the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). Limit your contact with people who are not part of your household and keep your distance (at least 2 metres if possible) from others if you do go out.
Remember that things aren't back to normal - lots of the usual conveniences like public toilets might not be open and beaches won't have lifeguards.
Unfortunately, there's also been a lot of illegal parking since the lockdown restrictions were eased, which potentially blocks access for emergency vehicles.
Enjoy the bank holiday weekend, but please think twice. Think about the risk to yourselves and others, and the impact that you may have on the places you visit.
 Pandemic offers glimpse into a carbon neutral future
It's given us an insight of how things could be if, on unlocking lockdown, we change the way we do things and think differently about the ways we work and the way we travel. We'll be talking more in the near future about how we come back, and how we collectively recover from this pandemic in ways that address the climate and ecological emergencies.
 Wearing a face covering
The government has said that we should wear a face covering when in an enclosed space where social distancing is not possible, and where you will come into contact with people who you do not normally meet.
They say that it’s especially relevant for short periods indoors in crowded areas for example, or on public transport or in some shops.
Evidence suggest that wearing a face covering does not protect you. But, if you are infected but have not yet developed symptoms, it might provide protection for others you come into close contact with.
It's important to remember that face coverings do not replace social distancing or self-isolation.
They shouldn't be used either by children under the age of two or those who may find it difficult to manage them correctly.
 Celebrate Eid safely
Ramadan draws to a close this weekend with the beginning of Eid al-Fitr. The month of fasting and observations of spiritual reflection is set to end on Saturday and is followed by Eid, the festival of fast breaking where family and friends traditionally get together to attend special prayers and celebrate together.
But with coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions still in place, those observing the end of the Islamic holy month are being encouraged to follow social distancing guidance and not gather in groups, but celebrate at home and connect online instead to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.
We’d like to wish Eid Mubarak to all Devon Muslims.
Use the right NHS service this weekend
GP practices will be closed on Monday 25 May for the bank holiday, but other services are available for people with urgent health needs over the holiday period.
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If you have need urgent advice and aren’t sure where to go, visit 111 online or phone 111
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A selection of pharmacies across Devon will be open on the Bank Holiday. Pharmacy opening hours are available on the NHS website
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GP practices will open again on Tuesday 26 May. For non-urgent requests, submit an eConsult on your GP practice website and they will pick it up when they open again after the bank holiday
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Download the NHS App for advice, to order repeat prescriptions, or make appointments
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The HANDI paediatric app is available for parents to use when their children are ill
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A&E is open 24 hours for serious and life-threatening injury or illness
Does someone you know deserve an honour?
You can nominate someone who lives in the UK for a national honour for their contribution to the response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
They might be a frontline worker, or someone providing care to a vulnerable person. Or they could be someone you know who is volunteering in the community to help and support vulnerable people. Or someone who has come up with a clever way to help people, or gone to enormous lengths to keep critical services going.
It's your choice. You just need to give the nominee's name, contact details, their role, and a bit of information about what a difference that person has made.
 Are you concerned about your drinking?
A lot of people are finding that they are reaching for a glass of something a bit more regularly than usual during the lockdown. It is recommended that adults don't have more than 14 units a week. This is around six pints of lager or a bottle and a half of wine.
Charity Drinkaware says lockdown and isolation could have affected many people's drinking habits. A survey of 2,000 UK adults found a quarter were drinking more than normal.
If you find that you have developed a negative relationship with alcohol at the moment, or are concerned about how much you’re drinking, it might be time to get some advice.
One Small Step offers an online assessment tool as well as support from health coaches online and over the phone. To take your first step to drinking less, visit the One Small Step website.
 Here when ewe need us!
We’re sending you this update because you have previously given us your email address so that we can contact you.
At times like this it's really important to stay up to date with the latest information, advice and guidance. It’s not often that we email everyone we know, but since the start of the coronavirus (COVID-19) lockdown we’ve been regularly sending you this Connect Me update so we can keep as many people as possible informed about changes to essential services and how to access support.
We want to keep in touch, but if you’d rather not hear from us anymore you can manage your subscriptions at any time, just click the little box next to the topics you no longer want to receive information about and hit the submit button.
If you think our updates are great and know anyone else who would find them just as valuable, encourage them to sign up to receive them too. Or if this email was kindly forwarded to you by a thoughtful friend, sign up to our series of ConnectMe bulletins to get them sent to you directly.
Hope ewe enjoy the weekend. Baaaaa-bye for now!
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