We are continuing to work with our communities to keep cases of coronavirus as low as possible.
NHS Covid19 appMany of you have already downloaded the new NHS COVID-19 app, which is helping people check if they are at risk from coronavirus and protect your loved ones and community.
The app asks users who have been near someone with a positive coronavirus test result to self-isolate for two weeks. You can also use it to check-in to pubs, restaurants or other venues by scanning a QR code. You will then get an alert telling you to self-isolated if other visitors at the same time are found to have been infected
You can
download it on the NHS website.
Coronavirus surveyWe are set to launch our coronavirus public survey in the first week of October to get the views of residents and local businesses about their experiences during the coronavirus lockdown. This will help us understand how people have been accessing information and services during this time, and what they think of the council's response to the crisis. This will form a review of how council services can improve communication with residents and businesses going forward, to provide the best support across the whole of the Harborough district.
Spot checksAs well as our usual work with local businesses and licensed premises, further spot checks are being carried out at businesses across the Harborough district to ensure they are complying with Covid-19 guidelines. We are working with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to contact businesses, in all sectors, to provide advice and guidance to manage risk, and protect workers, customers and visitors.
Public messagesYou may have seen our localised public health messages on the theme of 'It's down to us' to help prevent the spread of coronavirus. Look out for these on social media and share using the hashtag #ItsDownToUsLLR
Village HallsWe have given out nearly £9,000 from our Community Fund to help villages halls across the Harborough district to reopen.
To ensure they were Covid-secure, village halls were able to apply for funding for plastic screens, line marking, outdoor seating, PPE, additional cleaning products, and temperature checking devices.
This has helped important community facilities reopen to allow residents to continue to enjoy activities at their local village hall in a safe environment.
Local restrictionsNew restrictions have been introduced for Oadby and Wigston in Leicestershire with residents told not to meet with others outside their support bubbles. These restrictions do
not apply to the Harborough district.
Self-isolationNew fines for those breaching self-isolation rules will start at £1,000 - but could increase to up to £10,000 for repeat offences and for the most serious breaches. Those on lower incomes who cannot work from home and have lost income as a result will be supported by a
payment of £500 via councils.
Beware Covid-19 scamsLeicestershire Trading Standards are warning residents to remain vigilant and stay safe from scams and criminals exploiting the Covid-19 situation.
You can
read about just a few of the various scams currently circulating to be aware of on our website.
FAQsThe Government has updated its Frequently Asked Questions which can be viewed via the link below:
Coronavirus outbreak FAQs: what you can and can't do