Welcome to the council's coronavirus information and advice newsletter This month, the Prime Minister set out a series of ne changes to the lockdown measures in England from Saturday 4 July. These include:
1. From Monday 6 July, those who are ‘clinically extremely vulnerable’ and currently shielding from coronavirus can:
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Spend time outdoors (in a public outdoor space, private garden or uncovered yard or terrace) in a group of up to six people, including those from outside their household while following social distancing
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Reopening of pubs, restaurants and hairdressers provided they are ‘Covidsecure’ which means having special safety measures in place Reopening of hotels, campsites and other accommodation Two households will be able to meet up in any setting while following social distancing The reduction of social distancing to 1m plus, where 2m is not possible.
Other leisure facilities and attractions may also begin to reopen, if safe to do so including outdoor gyms and playgrounds, museums, places of worship, libraries and community centres. While we welcome these announcements, many businesses and council-run facilities will need to put in place special measures and that may take some time. Thank you for your continued patience. Although we welcome this positive step it is extremely important to continue to protect yourself by staying at home as much as possible and avoiding close contact with those from outside your home should you need to go outside, especially if you are clinically vulnerable. As Bristol begins to reopen again, we must try to avoid crowded public spaces where possible, especially if unable to practise social distancing. Washing your hands regularly, wearing face coverings, and maintaining your distance from others are all essential to help keep our regional ‘R’ number down and reduce risk of infection. Marvin Rees, Mayor of Bristol
Form a ‘support bubble’ if they live alone or are a single parent with children, with one other household of any size; spending time inside each other’s homes, including overnight, while maintaining social distancing From Saturday 1 August, guidance on shielding will be fully relaxed, meaning those who are shielding will no longer be advised to shield. Those who need to work and are unable to do so from home will be able to return to their workplace, provided it is Covid-secure. 2. Support from the government will continue for those shielding until the end of July – including food packages and medicines. Priority food shopping delivery slots will also remain available from selected supermarkets, and will continue beyond the end of July for those already registered for support. Further advice for and guidance on shielding is available on the central Government website. If you’re in Bristol and need support getting essential foods, medicines and supplies, call the We Are Bristol support phone number for free on 0800 694 0184 (lines open 8:30am-5:00pm Mon-Fri) or email coronavirus@bristol.gov.uk.
Free early education for two Update on Government year olds shielding guidance and support If you’re the parent or carer of a two year old child available and receive certain benefits, you could be eligible to There are now plans to ease guidance for those who have been told they are ‘clinically extremely vulnerable’. This will happen in two stages.
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apply for a free, early education or childcare place at a children’s centre, nursery, pre-school or with a registered childminder.
We know that early education can help improve children’s social and emotional development, as well as boosting their language and communication skills. Children who attend early education also get the opportunity to make new friends and have fun.
