The Parish Council have created this page so that useful information can be stored in an easily remembered place.
Friday 25th March 2022:
Key messages
The best way to protect yourself and your family from serious illness is to get vaccinated, so the spring booster is now being rolled out by GPs to those who are eligible:
– those most vulnerable to COVID-19; – those aged 75 and over; – residents of care homes; and – people aged 12 and over who have a weakened immune system.
There is still time to come forward and take up the offer of a COVID-19 vaccination. In Gloucestershire 90% of over 16 year olds have had a first dose, and it’s not too late to change your mind. There are three ways you can do this:
– At a GP-led community vaccination centre – you will receive an invite from local GP services to book an appointment – At a community pharmacy or the Gloucestershire Royal Hospital JabVan – book via the National Booking System (or call 119) – Visit a drop-in clinic.
COVID-19 guidance, as defined by the Government, is:
– You do not legally have to self-isolate if you test positive for COVID-19. Adults and children who test positive are advised to stay at home and avoid contact with other people for at least 5 full days and then continue to follow the guidance until they have received 2 negative test results on consecutive days. Guidance for health and social care settings has not yet changed and people should refer to gov.uk for guidance. – Routine contact tracing has ended. You will not have to take daily tests or be legally required to self-isolate following contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19. – The Test and Trace Support Payment Scheme has ended. If you were told to self-isolate before 24 February you can still make a claim up to 6 April. – The legal obligation for individuals to tell their employers when they are required to self-isolate has ended.
Remember, you can reduce the risk of catching and passing on COVID-19 by:
– Getting vaccinated – Meeting outdoors or letting fresh air in if meeting indoors – Wearing a face covering in crowded and enclosed spaces, especially where coming into contact with people you do not usually meet and when rates of transmission are high – Staying at home if unwell – Taking a test if displaying COVID-19 symptoms, and staying at home and avoiding contact with other people if testing positive – Washing hands and following advice to “Catch it, Bin it, Kill it”
Read more about the Government plan for Living with COVID-19.
Find out more about the latest Covid guidance by visiting the Government website.
Gloucestershire COVID-19 stats
Cases
In week 10 (Monday 9th March – Sunday 15thMarch) there were 6,910 confirmed cases of COVID19.
Of these cases:
1,449 were in Stroud
1,337 were in Cheltenham
1,143 were in Gloucester
1,117 were in Tewkesbury
1,018 were in Cotswold
846 were in Forest of Dean
From 31 January 2022, UKHSA moved all COVID-19 case reporting in England to use a new episode-based definition which includes possible reinfections.
Infection episodes will be counted separately if there are at least 90 days between positive test results. Each episode begins with the earliest positive specimen date. If someone has another positive specimen within 90 days of the last one, this is included in the same episode. If they have another positive specimen more than 90 days after the last one, this is counted in a separate episode (a possible reinfection episode).
This means the number of cases reported in the early warning indicators and national comparator report will be higher than those reported in previously, as individuals who have been reinfected are now counted more than once.
* Please note these figures are provisional and subject to change. (Source: https://coronavirus.data.gov.uk/ as at 09:00 24/03/2021)
The rate of cases in the last 7 days per 100,000 is 811.7 in Gloucestershire, 817.3 in the South West, and 582.1 in England.
Deaths mentioning COVID19
In week 10 (Saturday 5th March– Friday 11th March) there were 13 deaths mentioning “novel coronavirus (COVID-19)”, which is 10.9% of all deaths, this compares with 10 (8.4% of all deaths) in Week 9
*Please note these figures are based on all deaths registered by the 12th March, they are provisional and will be subject to change. They include deaths that make any mention of COVID-19 on the death certificate. (Source: Weekly provisional figures on deaths occurring and registered in England and Wales by Local Authority)
Please note the dates above, the ONS weeks run from Saturday- Friday and we are unable to change this.
Deaths in NHS Trusts – 813(7 new).
Friday 18th March 2022:
Key messages
From 4am on Friday 18 March, you will not need to take any COVID-19 tests or fill in a passenger locator form when travelling to the UK from abroad. These changes apply whether you are fully vaccinated or not.
Stay safe if you are visiting the Cheltenham Festival by:
– Wearing a face covering in crowded and enclosed spaces, especially where coming into contact with people you do not usually meet – Staying at home if unwell – Taking a test before you go and staying at home if you are positive – Washing hands and following advice to “Catch it, Bin it, Kill it”
On 1 March, the Government announced the result of their consultation looking at the need for vaccinations as a condition of employment. Regulations requiring COVID-19 vaccination to work in Care Quality Commission (CQC) registered care homes to be lifted from 15 March. Legal requirement for health and social care staff to be double jabbed from 1 April to be removed. Find out more on the Government website.
Remember, you can reduce the risk of catching and passing on COVID-19 by:
Getting vaccinated
Meeting outdoors or letting fresh air in if meeting indoors
Wearing a face covering in crowded and enclosed spaces, especially where coming into contact with people you do not usually meet and when rates of transmission are high
Staying at home if unwell
Taking a test if displaying COVID-19 symptoms, and staying at home and avoiding contact with other people if testing positive
Washing hands and following advice to “Catch it, Bin it, Kill it”
Read more about the Government plan for Living with COVID-19.
COVID-19 guidance, as defined by the Government, is:
You do not legally have to self-isolate if you test positive for COVID-19. Adults and children who test positive are advised to stay at home and avoid contact with other people for at least 5 full days and then continue to follow the guidance until they have received 2 negative test results on consecutive days. Guidance for health and social care settings has not yet changed and people should refer to gov.uk for guidance.
Routine contact tracing has ended. You will not have to take daily tests or be legally required to self-isolate following contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.
The Test and Trace Support Payment Scheme has ended. If you were told to self-isolate before 24 February you can still make a claim up to 6 April.
The legal obligation for individuals to tell their employers when they are required to self-isolate has ended.
Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself, your family, your colleagues and friends from the virus. There is still time to come forward and take up the offer of a COVID-19 vaccination. In Gloucestershire 90% of over 16 year olds have had a first dose, and it’s not too late to change your mind. There are three ways you can do this:
At a GP-led community vaccination centre – you will receive an invite from local GP services to book an appointment
At a community pharmacy or the Gloucestershire Royal Hospital JabVan – book via the National Booking System (or call 119)
Visit a drop-in clinic.
Find out more about the latest Covid guidance by visiting the Government website.
Gloucestershire COVID-19 stats
Cases
In week 10 (Monday 7th March – Sunday 13th March) there were 5,960 confirmed cases of COVID19.
Of these cases:
1233 were in Cheltenham
1219 were in Stroud
982 were in Gloucester
968 were in Tewkesbury
842 were in Cotswold
716 were in Forest of Dean
From 31 January 2022, UKHSA moved all COVID-19 case reporting in England to use a new episode-based definition which includes possible reinfections.
Infection episodes will be counted separately if there are at least 90 days between positive test results. Each episode begins with the earliest positive specimen date. If someone has another positive specimen within 90 days of the last one, this is included in the same episode. If they have another positive specimen more than 90 days after the last one, this is counted in a separate episode (a possible reinfection episode).
This means the number of cases reported in the early warning indicators and national comparator report will be higher than those reported in previously, as individuals who have been reinfected are now counted more than once.
* Please note these figures are provisional and subject to change. (Source: https://coronavirus.data.gov.uk/ as at 16:00 16/03/2022)
The rate of cases in the last 7 days per 100,000 is 542.9 in Gloucestershire, 474.2 in the South West, and 351.3 in England.
Deaths mentioning COVID19
In week 9 (Saturday 26th February – Friday 4th March) there were 10 deaths mentioning “novel coronavirus (COVID-19)”, which is 8.7% of all deaths, this compares with 13 (10.2% of all deaths) in Week 8
*Please note these figures are based on all deaths registered by the 10th March they are provisional and will be subject to change. They include deaths that make any mention of COVID-19 on the death certificate. (Source: Weekly provisional figures on deaths occurring and registered in England and Wales by Local Authority)
Please note the dates above, the ONS weeks run from Saturday- Friday and we are unable to change this.
Deaths in NHS Trusts – 806 (18 new).
Friday 11th March 2022:
Key messages
On 1 March, the Government announced the result of their consultation looking at the need for vaccinations as a condition of employment. Regulations requiring COVID-19 vaccination to work in Care Quality Commission (CQC) registered care homes to be lifted from 15 March. Legal requirement for health and social care staff to be double jabbed from 1 April to be removed. Find out more on the Government website.
Remember, you can reduce the risk of catching and passing on COVID-19 by:
Getting vaccinated
Meeting outdoors or letting fresh air in if meeting indoors
Wearing a face covering in crowded and enclosed spaces, especially where coming into contact with people you do not usually meet and when rates of transmission are high
Staying at home if unwell
Taking a test if displaying COVID-19 symptoms, and staying at home and avoiding contact with other people if testing positive
Washing hands and following advice to “Catch it, Bin it, Kill it”
Read more about the Government plan for Living with COVID-19.
COVID-19 guidance, as defined by the Government, is:
You do not legally have to self-isolate if you test positive for COVID-19. Adults and children who test positive are advised to stay at home and avoid contact with other people for at least 5 full days and then continue to follow the guidance until they have received 2 negative test results on consecutive days. Guidance for health and social care settings has not yet changed and people should refer to gov.uk for guidance.
Routine contact tracing has ended. You will not have to take daily tests or be legally required to self-isolate following contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.
The Test and Trace Support Payment Scheme has ended. If you were told to self-isolate before 24 February you can still make a claim up to 6 April.
The legal obligation for individuals to tell their employers when they are required to self-isolate has ended.
Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself, your family, your colleagues and friends from the virus. There is still time to come forward and take up the offer of a COVID-19 vaccination. In Gloucestershire 90% of over 16 year olds have had a first dose, and it’s not too late to change your mind. There are three ways you can do this:
At a GP-led community vaccination centre – you will receive an invite from local GP services to book an appointment
At a community pharmacy or the Gloucestershire Royal Hospital JabVan – book via the National Booking System (or call 119)
Visit a drop-in clinic.
Find out more about the latest Covid guidance by visiting the Government website.
Gloucestershire COVID-19 stats
Cases
In week 10 (Monday 28th February – Sunday 6th March) there were 3,710 confirmed cases of COVID19.
Of these cases:
704 were in Stroud
662 were in Gloucester
612 were in Tewkesbury
464 were in Forest of Dean
766 were in Cheltenham
502 were in Cotswold
* Please note these figures are provisional and subject to change. (Source: https://coronavirus.data.gov.uk/ as at 16:00 09/03/2022)
The rate of cases in the last 7 days per 100,000 is 504.8 in Gloucestershire, 422.3 in the South West, and 322.7 in England.
Deaths mentioning COVID19
In week 8 (Saturday 19th February– Friday 25th February) there were 12 deaths mentioning “novel coronavirus (COVID-19)”, which is 10.1% of all deaths, this compares with 8 (6.1% of all deaths) in Week 7
Please note these figures are based on all deaths registered by the 5th March, they are provisional and will be subject to change. They include deaths that make any mention of COVID-19 on the death certificate. (Source: Weekly provisional figures on deaths occurring and registered in England and Wales by Local Authority)
Please note the dates above, the ONS weeks run from Saturday- Friday and we are unable to change this.
Deaths in NHS Trusts – 788 (9 new).
Friday 4th March 2022:
Key messages
On 1 March, the Government announced the result of their consultation looking at the need for vaccinations as a condition of deployment. Regulations requiring COVID-19 vaccination to work in Care Quality Commission (CQC) registered care homes to be lifted from 15 March. Legal requirement for health and social care staff to be double jabbed from 1 April to be removed. Find out more on the Government website.
As England moves to the next phase of living with COVID-19, the Government will continue to rely on the public to adapt their behaviour. You can reduce the risk of catching and passing on COVID-19 by:
Getting vaccinated
Letting fresh air in if meeting indoors, or meeting outside
Wearing a face covering in crowded and enclosed spaces, especially where coming into contact with people they do not usually meet and when rates of transmission are high
Trying to stay at home if unwell
Taking a test if displaying COVID-19 symptoms, and staying at home and avoiding contact with other people if testing positive
Washing hands and following advice to “Catch it, Bin it, Kill it”
Read more about the Government plan for Living with Covid-19.
From Thursday 24 February, COVID-19 guidance is changing:
You will not be legally required to self-isolate if you test positive for COVID-19. Adults and children who test positive continue to be advised to stay at home and avoid contact with other people for at least 5 full days and then continue to follow the guidance until they have received 2 negative test results on consecutive days. Guidance for health and social care settings has not yet changed and people should refer to gov.uk for guidance.
Routine contact tracing will end. You will not have to take daily tests or be legally required to self-isolate following contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.
The Test and Trace Support Payment Scheme will end. If you were told to self-isolate before 24 February you can still make a claim up to 6 April.
The legal obligation for individuals to tell their employers when they are required to self-isolate will end.
Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself, your family, your colleagues and friends from the virus. There is still time to come forward and take up the offer of a COVID-19 vaccination. In Gloucestershire 90% of over 16 year olds have had a first dose, and it’s not too late to change your mind. There are three ways you can do this:
At a GP-led community vaccination centre – you will receive an invite from local GP services to book an appointment
At a community pharmacy or the Gloucestershire Royal Hospital JabVan – book via the National Booking System (or call 119)
Visit a drop-in clinic.
Find out more about the latest Covid guidance by visiting the Government website.
Gloucestershire COVID-19 stats
Cases
In week 8 (Monday 21st February – Sunday 27th February) there were 3,059 confirmed cases of COVID19.
Of these cases:
645 were in Cheltenham
575 were in Stroud
569 were in Gloucester
561 were in Tewkesbury
359 were in Forest of Dean
350 were in Cotswold
From 31 January 2022, UKHSA moved all COVID-19 case reporting in England to use a new episode-based definition which includes possible reinfections.
Infection episodes will be counted separately if there are at least 90 days between positive test results. Each episode begins with the earliest positive specimen date. If someone has another positive specimen within 90 days of the last one, this is included in the same episode. If they have another positive specimen more than 90 days after the last one, this is counted in a separate episode (a possible reinfection episode).
This means the number of cases reported in the early warning indicators and national comparator report will be higher than those reported in previously, as individuals who have been reinfected are now counted more than once.
* Please note these figures are provisional and subject to change. (Source: https://coronavirus.data.gov.uk/ as at 16:00 02/03/2022)
The rate of cases in the last 7 days per 100,000 is 689.3 in Gloucestershire, 621.2 in the South West, and 444.3 in England.
Deaths mentioning COVID19
In week 7 (Saturday 12th January – Friday 18th February) there were 7 deaths mentioning “novel coronavirus (COVID-19)”, which is 6.4% of all deaths, this compares with 11 (9.6% of all deaths) in Week 6
*Please note these figures are based on all deaths registered by the 26th February they are provisional and will be subject to change. They include deaths that make any mention of COVID-19 on the death certificate. (Source: Weekly provisional figures on deaths occurring and registered in England and Wales by Local Authority)
Please note the dates above, the ONS weeks run from Saturday- Friday and we are unable to change this.
We are now looking at the CQC data on a monthly basis.
As previously the data is limited with no breakdown to district level and limited time series. In addition it only includes those who were resident in and died in a care home, so it does not include those residents in care homes who died in hospitals.
It is worth noting that in the week ending the 25th February there were 2 deaths from COVID19 in care homes this was lower than the previous week when the CQC data showed 7 deaths mentioning COVID19. Since the CQC started reporting (10th April 2020) there have been 453 deaths from COVID19 in care homes in Gloucestershire.
We have:
Looked at how the weekly deaths of residents in care homes compares to the five year average. It is worth noting that there is a slight difference in the CQC data provides death by data of notification not when they actually occurred and the 5 year average looks at data of death. The number of deaths in the week ending the 25th February was lower than the 5 year average for the same period.
Looked at how we compare to statistical and nearest neighbours when expressed as a rate per 1,000 care beds. This again has limitations in that it will not reflect occupancy levels but is the best available. It shows when compared to our statistical neighbours Gloucestershire has the second highest rate of deaths from COVID19, the rate is lower than Leicestershire, but this difference is not significant.
When compared to nearest neighbours Gloucestershire has the fourth lowest rate of deaths with only Worcestershire, Warwickshire and Herefordshire having lower rates.
Deaths in NHS Trusts – 779 (8 new).
Friday 25th February 2022:
Key messages
On 21 February the Government published their plan for Living with COVID-19.
As England moves to the next phase of living with COVID-19, the Government will continue to rely on the public to adapt their behaviour. You can reduce the risk of catching and passing on COVID-19 by:
Getting vaccinated
Letting fresh air in if meeting indoors, or meeting outside
Wearing a face covering in crowded and enclosed spaces, especially where coming into contact with people they do not usually meet and when rates of transmission are high
Trying to stay at home if unwell
Taking a test if displaying COVID-19 symptoms, and staying at home and avoiding contact with other people if testing positive
Washing hands and following advice to “Catch it, Bin it, Kill it”
From Thursday 24 February, COVID-19 guidance is changing:
You will not be legally required to self-isolate if you test positive for COVID-19. Adults and children who test positive continue to be advised to stay at home and avoid contact with other people for at least 5 full days and then continue to follow the guidance until they have received 2 negative test results on consecutive days.
Routine contact tracing will end. You will not have to take daily tests or be legally required to self-isolate following contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.
The Test and Trace Support Payment Scheme will end. If you were told to self-isolate before 24 February you can still make a claim up to 6 April.
The legal obligation for individuals to tell their employers when they are required to self-isolate will end.
Guidance has now been removed for staff and students in most education and childcare settings to take a rapid test twice a week.
The Gloucestershire Community Help Hub has now closed. Thank you to everyone who helped promote the helpline when it was set up at the start of the pandemic, and thank you to all volunteers who signed up to help our communities via the portal.
Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself, your family, your colleagues and friends from the virus. There is still time to come forward and take up the offer of a COVID-19 vaccination. In Gloucestershire 90% of over 16 year olds have had a first dose, and it’s not too late to change your mind. There are three ways you can do this:
At a GP-led community vaccination centre – you will receive an invite from local GP services to book an appointment
At a community pharmacy or the Gloucestershire Royal Hospital JabVan – book via the National Booking System (or call 119)
Visit a drop-in clinic.
Find out more about the latest Covid guidance by visiting the Government website.
Gloucestershire COVID-19 stats
Cases
In week 8 (Monday 14th February – Sunday 20th February) there were 4,056 confirmed cases of COVID19.
Of these cases:
837 were in Gloucester
822 were in Cheltenham
786 were in Stroud
674 were in Tewkesbury
483 were in Cotswold
454 were in Forest of Dean
From 31 January 2022, UKHSA moved all COVID-19 case reporting in England to use a new episode-based definition which includes possible reinfections.
Infection episodes will be counted separately if there are at least 90 days between positive test results. Each episode begins with the earliest positive specimen date. If someone has another positive specimen within 90 days of the last one, this is included in the same episode. If they have another positive specimen more than 90 days after the last one, this is counted in a separate episode (a possible reinfection episode).
This means the number of cases reported in the early warning indicators and national comparator report will be higher than those reported in previously, as individuals who have been reinfected are now counted more than once.
* Please note these figures are provisional and subject to change. (Source: https://coronavirus.data.gov.uk/ as at 16:00 16/02/2022)
The rate of cases in the last 7 days per 100,000 is 879.7 in Gloucestershire, 787.9 in the South West, and 595.3 in England.
Deaths mentioning COVID19
In week 6 (Saturday 5th January – Friday 11th February) there were 10 deaths mentioning “novel coronavirus (COVID-19)”, which is 9.2% of all deaths, this compares with 15 (12.3% of all deaths) in Week 5
*Please note these figures are based on all deaths registered by the 19th February they are provisional and will be subject to change. They include deaths that make any mention of COVID-19 on the death certificate. (Source: Weekly provisional figures on deaths occurring and registered in England and Wales by Local Authority)
Please note the dates above, the ONS weeks run from Saturday- Friday and we are unable to change this.
Deaths in NHS Trusts – 771 (7 new).
Friday 18th February 2022:
Key messages
From Monday 21 February 2022, the Gloucestershire Community Help Hub will no longer be available. Thank you to everyone who helped promote the helpline when it was set up at the start of the pandemic, and thank you to all volunteers who signed up to help our communities via the portal.
The UKHSA is now reporting ‘episodes of Covid’ rather than positive cases. Data will now include those who have had the virus more than once. Keep up to date by checking the national dashboard regularly.
Following an announcement on 31 January by the Health Secretary Sajid Javid, the legislation for mandatory vaccinations for some health and social care staff is being reconsidered. The consultation has closed. As we wait for more information from government, if you had planned to get vaccinated, we encourage you to do so.
Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself, your family, your colleagues and friends from the virus. There is still time to come forward and take up the offer of a COVID-19 vaccination. In Gloucestershire 90% of over 16 year olds have had a first dose, and it’s not too late to change your mind. There are three ways you can do this:
At a GP-led community vaccination centre – you will receive an invite from local GP services to book an appointment
At a community pharmacy or the Gloucestershire Royal Hospital JabVan – book via the National Booking System (or call 119)
Visit a drop-in clinic.
The vaccination programme for 12 to 15-year-olds has restarted in Gloucestershire’s secondary schools, and parents will get more details directly from schools. Children aged 12 to 15 are also be able to attend a drop-in vaccination site with a parent or guardian.
Self-isolation is still a legal requirement if you have COVID-19. People with COVID-19 can end their self-isolation after five full days, as long as they test negative with a rapid test on day 5 and day 6.
About 1 in 3 people with COVID-19 do not have symptoms but can still infect others. Take a rapid lateral flow test before meeting up with friends and family – especially those who are vulnerable. You can collect tests from most pharmacies with a code – find out more online.
Find out more about the latest Covid guidance by visiting the Government website.
Gloucestershire COVID-19 stats
Cases
In week 7 (Monday 7th February – Sunday 13th February) there were 5,165 confirmed cases of COVID19.
Of these cases:
1,159 were in Gloucester
1,077 were in Cheltenham
944 were in Tewkesbury
835 were in Stroud
612 were in Forest of Dean
538 were in Cotswold
From 31 January 2022, UKHSA moved all COVID-19 case reporting in England to use a new episode-based definition which includes possible reinfections.
Infection episodes will be counted separately if there are at least 90 days between positive test results. Each episode begins with the earliest positive specimen date. If someone has another positive specimen within 90 days of the last one, this is included in the same episode. If they have another positive specimen more than 90 days after the last one, this is counted in a separate episode (a possible reinfection episode).
This means the number of cases reported in the early warning indicators and national comparator report will be higher than those reported in previously, as individuals who have been reinfected are now counted more than once.
* Please note these figures are provisional and subject to change. (Source: https://coronavirus.data.gov.uk/ as at 16:00 16/02/2022)
The rate of cases in the last 7 days per 100,000 is 1229.1 in Gloucestershire, 1088.4 in the South West, and 907.6 in England.
Deaths mentioning COVID19
In week 5 (Saturday 29th January – Friday 4th February) there were 15 deaths mentioning “novel coronavirus (COVID-19)”, which is 13.0% of all deaths, this compares with 4 (4.1% of all deaths) in Week 4
*Please note these figures are based on all deaths registered by the 12th February they are provisional and will be subject to change. They include deaths that make any mention of COVID-19 on the death certificate. (Source: Weekly provisional figures on deaths occurring and registered in England and Wales by Local Authority)
Please note the dates above, the ONS weeks run from Saturday- Friday and we are unable to change this.
Deaths in NHS Trusts – 764 (9 new).
Friday 11th February 2022:
Key messages
The UKHSA is now reporting ‘episodes of Covid’ rather than positive cases. Data will now include those who have had the virus more than once. Gloucestershire’s total case numbers to date have increased as a result; take a look at the national dashboard for updates.
Following an announcement on 31 January by the Health Secretary Sajid Javid, the legislation for mandatory vaccinations for some health and social care staff is being reconsidered. As we wait for more information from government, if you had planned to get vaccinated, we encourage you to do so. Read their consultation.
Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself, your family, your colleagues and friends from the virus. There is still time to come forward and take up the offer of a COVID-19 vaccination. In Gloucestershire 90% of over 16 year olds have had a first dose, and it’s not too late to change your mind. There are three ways you can do this:
At a GP-led community vaccination centre – you will receive an invite from local GP services to book an appointment
At a community pharmacy or the Gloucestershire Royal Hospital JabVan – book via the National Booking System (or call 119)
Visit a drop-in clinic.
The vaccination programme for 12 to 15-year-olds has restarted in Gloucestershire’s secondary schools, and parents will get more details directly from schools. Children aged 12 to 15 are also be able to attend a drop-in vaccination site with a parent or guardian.
Self-isolation is still a legal requirement if you have COVID-19. People with COVID-19 can end their self-isolation after five full days, as long as they test negative with a rapid test on day 5 and day 6.
Find out more about the latest Covid guidance by visiting the Government website.
Gloucestershire COVID-19 stats
Cases
In week 6 (Monday 31st January – Sunday 6th February) there were 7,105 confirmed cases of COVID19.
Of these cases:
1,626 were in Gloucester
1,434 were in Cheltenham
1,230 were in Tewkesbury
1,187 were in Stroud
871 were in Forest of Dean
757 were in Cotswold
From 31 January 2022, UKHSA moved all COVID-19 case reporting in England to use a new episode-based definition which includes possible reinfections.
Infection episodes will be counted separately if there are at least 90 days between positive test results. Each episode begins with the earliest positive specimen date. If someone has another positive specimen within 90 days of the last one, this is included in the same episode. If they have another positive specimen more than 90 days after the last one, this is counted in a separate episode (a possible reinfection episode).
This means the number of cases reported in the early warning indicators and national comparator report will be higher than those reported in previously, as individuals who have been reinfected are now counted more than once.
* Please note these figures are provisional and subject to change.
(Source: https://coronavirus.data.gov.uk/ as at 16:00 02/02/2022)
The rate of cases in the last 7 days per 100,000 is 1224.8 in Gloucestershire, 1154.8 in the South West, and 1094.9 in England9.
Deaths mentioning COVID19
In week 4 (Saturday 16th January – Friday 28th January) there were 6 deaths mentioning “novel coronavirus (COVID-19)”, which is 4.3% of all deaths, this compares with 12 (8.1% of all deaths) in Week 3
*Please note these figures are based on all deaths registered by the 5th February they are provisional and will be subject to change. They include deaths that make any mention of COVID-19 on the death
certificate. (Source: Weekly provisional figures on deaths occurring and registered in England and Wales by Local Authority)
Please note the dates above, the ONS weeks run from Saturday- Friday and we are unable to change this.
Deaths in NHS Trusts – 755 (11 new).
News from TBC:
Situation report • The South West currently has the second highest case rate in the country, with a rate per 100,000 of 1,027.2. • In Gloucestershire, there are 7,386 cases. The rate per 100,000 is 1,152.9. • In Tewkesbury Borough, cases have been consistently increasing since the start of the year. There are currently 1,246 cases. The rate per 100,000 is 1,289.5. Service delivery Housing: • The team has been preparing the county-wide Rough Sleepers Initiative funding bid for submission to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities. Communications: • A press release was issued at the start of February to promote the Covid-19 Additional Relief Fund – a new support grant for businesses operating from business-rated premises. • The Test and Trace Support Fund continues to be promoted across our social media channels. Community and Economic Development Community Help Hub: • As of this week, the hub has officially closed due to decreased demand across the county. Household Support Grant – food and fuel support for vulnerable residents: • Letters have been sent to households in Bands A and B on Council Tax support. These households will receive either £20 supermarket vouchers for individuals and couples, or £40 supermarket vouchers for families. • Supermarket vouchers will also be offered to residents eligible for Test and Trace payments and those receiving housing advice. • Support is also being provided from Tewkesbury Foodbank (food and fuel vouchers), Hungry No More foodbank (food parcels) and the Citizen’s Advice Bureau (food and fuel vouchers). Residents need to be referred to these schemes via a referral agency e.g. a GP, health visitor or the police. • Further, wider support can be provided by Gloucestershire County Council. On Your Mind app: • The On Your Mind app has been launched to help young people access mental health support. Welcome Back Fund: • Promotional work to support a safe return to high-street shopping continues. The campaign – which focuses on a new brand incorporating the slogan ‘Re-discover Local’ – includes regular social media posts, publicity films, and promotional literature and handouts. • Other work includes events/markets, deep cleans of the three retail centres in Tewkesbury, Bishop’s Cleeve and Winchcombe, and training for businesses. • The fund is to be spent by the end of March 2022. Growth Hub: • Two of the Growth Hub’s incubator units – which provide office space to local businesses – have been leased. • The number of people calling into the hub to receive business advice and support continues to increase. • Attendees of Growth Hub events continue to provide very positive feedback. Revenues and Benefits • The closing date for applications to the Council Tax Hardship fund has been extended to 20 February 2022. This is to enable us to assist even more residents experiencing exceptional financial hardship. • The team is currently waiting on guidance from the government which will allow us to plan the delivery of the Council Tax Energy Bills rebate. Business • The Business Cell continues to receive a high number of applications for Test and Trace self isolation payments from residents on a low income who are required to self-isolate. • The Covid-19 Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grant, which provides grant support to hospitality, leisure and accommodation businesses, remains open for applications until 18 March 2022. • The Covid-19 Additional Relief Fund, which provides business rate relief to businesses that have been unable to access previous Covid-19 business-rate relief schemes, is open to applications until 25 February 2022. This support is aimed at businesses that have been adversely affected by the pandemic and have been unable to adequately adapt to the impact
Friday 4th February 2022:
Key messages
On 31 January national guidance around visiting care homes was updated. Care homes are continuing to manage their own visiting procedures tailored alongside the guidance for what works for them and their residents, and we recommend anyone who visits a friend or relative check with their care home directly.
The UKHSA is now reporting ‘episodes’ of Covid rather than positive cases. Data will now include those who have had the virus more than once. Gloucestershire’s total case numbers to date have increased as a result; take a look at the national dashboard for updates.
Following an announcement on 31 January by the Health Secretary Sajid Javid, the legislation for mandatory vaccinations for some health and social care staff is being reconsidered. As we wait for more information from government, if you had planned to get vaccinated, we encourage you to do so.
Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself, your family, your colleagues and friends from the virus. There is still time to come forward and take up the offer of a COVID-19 vaccination. In Gloucestershire 90% of over 16 year olds have had a first dose, and it’s not too late to change your mind. There are three ways you can do this:
At a GP-led community vaccination centre – you will receive an invite from local GP services to book an appointment
At a community pharmacy or the Gloucestershire Royal Hospital JabVan – book via the National Booking System (or call 119)
Visit a drop-in clinic.
The vaccination programme for 12 to 15-year-olds has restarted in Gloucestershire’s secondary schools, and parents will get more details directly from schools. Children aged 12 to 15 are also be able to attend a drop-in vaccination site with a parent or guardian.
Self-isolation is still a legal requirement if you have COVID-19. People with COVID-19 can end their self-isolation after five full days, as long as they test negative with a rapid test on day 5 and day 6.
Find out more about the latest Covid guidance by visiting the Government website.
Gloucestershire COVID-19 stats
Cases
In week 5 (Monday 24th January – Sunday 30th January) there were 8,197 confirmed cases of COVID19.
Of these cases:
1,969 were in Gloucester
1,548 were in Cheltenham
1,383 were in Stroud
1,347 were in Tewkesbury
1,110 were in Forest of Dean
790 were in Cotswold
From 31 January 2022, UKHSA moved all COVID-19 case reporting in England to use a new episode-based definition which includes possible reinfections.
Infection episodes will be counted separately if there are at least 90 days between positive test results. Each episode begins with the earliest positive specimen date. If someone has another positive specimen within 90 days of the last one, this is included in the same episode. If they have another positive specimen more than 90 days after the last one, this is counted in a separate episode (a possible reinfection episode).
This means the number of cases reported in the early warning indicators and national comparator report will be higher than those reported in previously, as individuals who have been reinfected are now counted more than once.
* Please note these figures are provisional and subject to change. (Source: https://coronavirus.data.gov.uk/ as at 16:00 02/02/2022)
The rate of cases in the last 7 days per 100,000 is 1044.3 in Gloucestershire, 1014.9 in the South West, and 1120.2 in England.
Deaths mentioning COVID19
In week 3 (Saturday 15th January – Friday 21st January) there were 12 deaths mentioning “novel coronavirus (COVID-19)”, which is 8.6% of all deaths, this compares with 6 (4.9% of all deaths) in Week 2
*Please note these figures are based on all deaths registered by the 29th January they are provisional and will be subject to change. They include deaths that make any mention of COVID-19 on the death certificate. (Source: Weekly provisional figures on deaths occurring and registered in England and Wales by Local Authority). Please note the dates above, the ONS weeks run from Saturday- Friday and we are unable to change this. We are now looking at the CQC data on a monthly basis. As previously the data is limited with no breakdown to district level and limited time series. In addition it only includes those who were resident in and died in a care home, so it does not include those residents in care homes who died in hospitals. It is worth noting that in the week ending the 28th January there were 3 death from COVID19 in care homes this was higher than the previous week when the CQC data showed 0 deaths mentioning COVID19. Since the CQC started reporting (10th April 2020) there have been 438 deaths from COVID19 in care homes in Gloucestershire.
We have:
Looked at how the weekly deaths of residents in care homes compares to the five year average. It is worth noting that there is a slight difference in the CQC data provides death by data of notification not when they actually occurred and the 5 year average looks at data of death. The number of deaths in the week ending the 28th January was lower than the 5 year average for the same period.
Looked at how we compare to statistical and nearest neighbours when expressed as a rate per 1,000 care beds. This again has limitations in that it will not reflect occupancy levels but is the best available. It shows when compared to our statistical neighbours Gloucestershire has the third highest rate of deaths from COVID19, the rate is lower than Leicestershire and Essex, but this difference is not significant.
When compared to nearest neighbours Gloucestershire has the fourth lowest rate of deaths with only Worcestershire, Warwickshire and Herefordshire having lower rates.
Deaths in NHS Trusts – 744 (6 new).
Tuesday 1st February 2022:
A new Covid support fund is available for businesses in Tewkesbury Borough impacted by the pandemic, but which have been ineligible for previous grant schemes.
The Covid-19 Additional Relief Fund is aimed at businesses operating from business-rated premises that have been adversely affected by the pandemic but were unable to introduce sufficient changes to adapt to its impact.
Funding for this additional relief has been provided by the government and the scheme is administered by Tewkesbury Borough Council.
The amount awarded to each business will be calculated according to the rateable value of its premises but, since the government funding is limited, will also depend on the number of applicants amongst whom it has to be distributed. The council’s aim is to provide relief for as many businesses as possible before the end of the 2021/22 financial year.
For more information on the Covid-19 Additional Relief Fund, and to apply, go to: COVID-19 Additional relief fund — Tewkesbury Borough Council | COVID-19
Friday 28th January 2022:
Key messages
From today, national guidance around wearing face masks will change. People will not be required to wear a face covering, including in communal areas of schools. However people are encouraged to continue to wear face masks in crowded and indoor spaces where they may come into contact with strangers.
Today, national guidance for the NHS COVID Pass will change. People will also no longer need to show their NHS COVID Pass to enter nightclubs or large events.
Self-isolation is still a legal requirement if you have COVID-19. People with COVID-19 can end their self-isolation after five full days, as long as they test negative with a rapid test on day 5 and day 6.
There is still time to come forward and take up the offer of a COVID-19 vaccination. In Gloucestershire 90% of over 16 year olds have had a first dose, and it’s not too late to change your mind.
From 1 April, health and social care staff who carry out Care Quality Commission (CQC) registered activities, such as personal care in people’s homes, will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. To achieve this, first doses need to be received by 3 February. Find more guidance, please visit the CQC website.
It is extremely important to get your booster jab to help slow the spread of Covid. There are three ways you can do this:
At a GP-led community vaccination centre – you will receive an invite from local GP services to book an appointment
At a community pharmacy or the Gloucestershire Royal Hospital JabVan – book via the National Booking System (or call 119)
Visit a drop-in clinic.
You can find information about booster jabs in different languages by visiting the NHS’s ‘vaccine information in other languages’ page.
If you have symptoms of Covid or receive a positive LFD test result and need to apply for support payments, you should still book a PCR test via the National Booking System.
Covid hangs around like smoke so if you’re meeting with others inside, make sure to let fresh air in.
Find out more about the latest Covid guidance by visiting the Government website.
Gloucestershire COVID-19 stats
Cases
In week 4 (Monday 17th January – Sunday 23rd January) there were 6,507 confirmed cases of COVID19.
Of these cases:
1,576 were in Gloucester
1,281 were in Cheltenham
1,121 were in Tewkesbury
1,115 were in Stroud
732 were in Forest of Dean
682 were in Cotswold
* Please note these figures are provisional and subject to change. (Source: https://coronavirus.data.gov.uk/ as at 16:00 27/01/2022)
The rate of cases in the last 7 days per 100,000 is 979.8 in Gloucestershire, 946.9 in the South West, and 993.2 in England.
Deaths mentioning COVID19
In week 2 (Saturday 8th January – Friday 14th January) there were 5 deaths mentioning “novel coronavirus (COVID-19)”, which is 4.3% of all deaths, this compares with 12 (9.0% of all deaths) in Week 1
*Please note these figures are based on all deaths registered by the 22nd January they are provisional and will be subject to change. They include deaths that make any mention of COVID-19 on the death certificate. (Source: Weekly provisional figures on deaths occurring and registered in England and Wales by Local Authority)
Please note the dates above, the ONS weeks run from Saturday- Friday and we are unable to change this.
Deaths in NHS Trusts – 738 (4 new).
Friday 21st January 2022:
Key messages
From today, staff and pupils in secondary schools and colleges will not be required to wear a face covering in classrooms.
From Thursday, 27 Jan, people will not be required to wear a face covering, including in communal areas of schools. It is encouraged that people continue to wear masks in crowded and indoor spaces where they may come into contact with strangers.
On the 27 Jan, people will also no longer need to show their NHS COVID Pass at venues and events.
People are no longer required to work from home.
People with COVID-19 can end their self-isolation after five full days, as long as they test negative on day 5 and day 6.
It is extremely important to get your booster jab to help slow the spread of Covid. There are three ways you can do this:
At a GP-led community vaccination centre – you will receive an invite from local GP services to book an appointment
At a community pharmacy or the Gloucestershire Royal Hospital JabVan – book via the National Booking System (or call 119)
Visit a drop-in clinic.
16 and 17 year olds can now book a booster dose online. Parents and guardians of people at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19 between 12 to 15 years old, or those living with people at higher risk, will also be contacted to book a booster.
You can find information about booster jabs in different languages by visiting the NHS’s ‘vaccine information in other languages’ page.
If you are asymptomatic and receive a positive LFD test result, you no longer need to get a confirmatory PCR test but must still self-isolate immediately.
If you have symptoms of Covid or receive a positive LFD test result and need to apply for support payments, you should still book a PCR test via the National Booking System.
Covid hangs around like smoke so if you’re meeting with others inside, make sure to let fresh air in.
Find out more about the latest Covid guidance by visiting the Government website.
Gloucestershire COVID-19 stats
Cases
In week 3 (Monday 10th January – Sunday 16th January) there were 5,046 confirmed cases of COVID19.
Of these cases:
1,274 were in Gloucester
944 were in Cheltenham
866 were in Stroud
775 were in Tewkesbury
621 were in Cotswold
566 were in Forest of Dean
* Please note these figures are provisional and subject to change. (Source: https://coronavirus.data.gov.uk/ as at 16:00 19/01/2022)
The rate of cases in the last 7 days per 100,000 is 788.6 in Gloucestershire, 810.2 in the South West, and 967.4 in England.
Deaths mentioning COVID19
In week 1 (Saturday 1st January – Friday 7 January) there were 11 deaths mentioning “novel coronavirus (COVID-19)”, which is 8.7% of all deaths, this compares with 6 (5.0% of all deaths) in Week 52
*Please note these figures are based on all deaths registered by the 15th January they are provisional and will be subject to change. They include deaths that make any mention of COVID-19 on the death certificate. (Source: Weekly provisional figures on deaths occurring and registered in England and Wales by Local Authority)
Deaths in NHS Trusts – 734 (14 new).
News from TBC:
Situation report • In Gloucestershire, there are 4,934 cases. The rate per 100,000 is 770.2. • In Tewkesbury Borough, there are 751 cases. The rate per 100,000 is 777.2. Service delivery Environmental Health: • Kathryn Griffiths has been appointed as the council’s new Principal Environmental Health Officer. This role was previously held by Alastair Low (our new Environmental Health Manager) and Kathryn will start her new job on Monday, 24 January. Kathryn will be responsible for leading the Environmental Health team and providing the council with expert advice on environmental health matters. Communications: • A press release was issued this week to promote the Council Tax Hardship Fund which offers a reduced council tax bill for residents who are in exceptional financial difficulty as a result of Covid-19. Community and Economic Development Household Support Grant: • The council has been allocated a Household Support Grant to help vulnerable people with food and fuel payments. • Families and individuals on council tax support bands A and B will be eligible to apply for a supermarket voucher for food and essential supplies. • Those receiving Test and Trace support payments will also receive a supermarket voucher for food and essential supplies. Covid Community Grants: • Community grants are still available and can be applied for via the council’s website. Applications continue to be received weekly. Contain Outbreak Management Fund (COMF) Bids: • The council made several bids for further COMF funds. The County Council has allocated funds of £75,000 to the Roses Theatre for outreach work, and £25,000 to create new paths and walking routes in the community.
Welcome Back Fund: The Welcome Back Fund is providing councils across England with funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) to support the safe return to high streets and help to ‘build back better’ from the pandemic. The fund allows local authorities in England to put in place additional measures to create and promote a safe environment for local trade and tourism, particularly in high streets, as economies reopen. The particular focus for this work is the town/village centres in Bishop’s Cleeve, Winchcombe and Tewkesbury. Tewkesbury Borough Council has been awarded £169,862 of funding. There are six strands to this work: 1. Support to develop an action plan detailing how the local authority may begin to safely reopen its local economies. 2. Communications and public information to ensure that the reopening of local economies can be managed successfully and safely. 3. Business-facing promotion to ensure that the reopening of local economies can be managed successfully and safely. 4. Temporary public realm changes to ensure that the reopening of local economies can be managed successfully and safely. 5. Support to promote a safe public environment for a local area’s visitor economy. 6. Support for local authorities to develop plans for responding to the medium-term impact of Covid-19. This includes trialling new ideas – particularly those relating to the High Street. Outlined below are the projects that have either been funded or are in the Grant Action Plan agreed with the Government to be delivered before the end of March 2022. These projects have been developed following feedback from members, parish and town councils, and a survey of the business community. Some of the below projects are in the process of being confirmed or are awaiting approval from the funders. Marketing and promotion – promoting high streets and visiting safely ‘Let’s Spring Back’ marketing campaign, including: ➢ Safety films with local businesses ➢ Stickers provided for business windows ➢ Social media campaigns on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter ➢ Social media advertising ➢ Local media advertising ➢ Covid-safety stickers and signs for businesses ‘Rediscover Local’ campaign ➢ Stickers provided for businesses ➢ Social media films with local businesses ➢ Social media posts on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter ➢ Social media advertising ➢ Visitor and business information packs Local advertising Bishop’s Cleeve projects Public art Litter picking equipment Pop up stalls / gazebos for town centre events Christmas tree and lights Fine foods pilot market Village Centre deep clean Sanitiser stations Accessibility audit Footfall counter installed Place promotion film Cleeve business promotion Social media support for businesses in retail centre Tewkesbury projects Activities as part of Watson Hall event inc. bunting, banners and entertainment Cycle racks/storage Fine foods pilot market Town centre deep clean including car parks Planters to aid pedestrian movement/social distancing Sanitiser stations Accessibility audit Tear off maps Footfall counter installed Place promotion film Social media support for businesses in town centre Picnic benches – Vineyards Winchcombe projects Play area improvements – Jubilee and Finches Activities as part of Winchcombe Park opening including music, entertainment and food Town centre deep clean including car parks Fine foods pilot market Sanitiser stations Accessibility audit Picnic benches – King George V park Benches – King George V park Footfall counter installed Place promotion film Social media support for businesses in centre Growth Hub: • The team is currently finalising leases to rent our office space in the Growth Hub. • The Growth Hub’s services and office space are being promoted through local advertising and social media posts. More work is being planned to raise the profile of the Hub and inform businesses about how they can be supported. County recovery group • The county recovery group meetings are now quarterly. Progress in the delivery of the council’s Covid-19 recovery plan was positively received at last week’s Overview and Scrutiny committee. Revenues and Benefits • Members of the team continue to support the Business Cell and administration of the Omicron business grants that recently went live. • Covid-19 Additional Relief Fund – £2.3m of business rates relief is to be awarded by the end of 2021/22. • The Council Tax Reduction caseload has stabilised – 3,041 claims are currently in payment. • The Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Relief Scheme has been extended to 2022/23. Business • There has been a positive response to the Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grant scheme and a good number of businesses have applied. The Discretionary Omicron Grant scheme has received fewer applications, but further promotion will take place before the closing date on Sunday, 30 January. • Test and Trace self-isolation applications are very high, but the team is working steadily through the applications.
Friday 14th January 2022:
Key messages
From Monday, 17 January, people with COVID-19 can end their self-isolation after five full days, as long as they test negative on day 5 and day 6.
It is extremely important to get your booster jab to help slow the spread of Covid. There are three ways you can do this:
At a GP-led community vaccination centre – you will receive an invite from local GP services to book an appointment
At a community pharmacy or the Gloucestershire Royal Hospital JabVan – book via the National Booking System (or call 119)
Visit a drop-in clinic.
You can find information about booster jabs in different languages by visiting the NHS’s ‘vaccine information in other languages’ page.
If you are asymptomatic and receive a positive LFD test result, you no longer need to get a confirmatory PCR test but must still self-isolate immediately.
If you have symptoms of Covid or receive a positive LFD test result and need to apply for support payments, you should still book a PCR test via the National Booking System.
Eligible fully vaccinated travellers and over 5s will be able to take a lateral flow test instead of a PCR on or before day 2 of their arrival in England.
Face coverings are mandatory (apart from in hospitality venues and unless exempt), Covid passes are needed to enter certain venues and events and people should work from home if they can.
Covid hangs around like smoke so if you’re meeting with others inside, make sure to let fresh air in.
Find out more about the latest Covid guidance by visiting the Government website.
Gloucestershire COVID-19 stats
Cases
In week 2 (Monday 3rd January – Sunday 9th January) there were 7,243 confirmed cases of COVID19.
Of these cases:
1827 were in Gloucester
1414 were in Cheltenham
1196 were in Stroud
1005 were in Cotswold
975 were in Tewkesbury
826 were in Forest of Dean
* Please note these figures are provisional and subject to change. (Source: https://coronavirus.data.gov.uk/ as at 16:00 12/01/2022)
The rate of cases in the last 7 days per 100,000 is 1132.1 in Gloucestershire, 1185.3 in the South West, and 1584.4 in England.
Deaths mentioning COVID19
In week 52 (Saturday 25th December – Friday 31st December) there were 4 deaths mentioning “novel coronavirus (COVID-19)”, which is 3.7% of all deaths, this compares with 6 (5.5% of all deaths) in Week 51
*Please note these figures are based on all deaths registered by the 8th January they are provisional and will be subject to change. They include deaths that make any mention of COVID-19 on the death certificate. (Source: Weekly provisional figures on deaths occurring and registered in England and Wales by Local Authority)
Deaths in NHS Trusts – 720 (12 new).
Friday 7th January 2022:
Key messages
It is extremely important to get your booster jab to help slow the spread of Covid. There are three ways you can do this:
At a GP-led community vaccination centre – you will receive an invite from local GP services to book an appointment
At a community pharmacy or the Gloucestershire Royal Hospital JabVan – book via the National Booking System (or call 119)
Visit a drop-in clinic.
You can find information about booster jabs in different languages by visiting the NHS’s ‘vaccine information in other languages’ page.
Eligible fully vaccinated travellers and over 5s will be able to take a lateral flow test instead of a PCR on or before day 2 of their arrival in England.
From 11 January, if you are asymptomatic and receive a positive LFD test result, you no longer need to get a confirmatory PCR test but still must self-isolate immediately. This is a temporary measure whilst Covid cases remain high.
If you have symptoms of Covid, you should still book a PCR test via the National Booking System
Face coverings are mandatory (apart from in hospitality venues and unless exempt), Covid passes are needed to enter certain venues and events and people should work from home if they can.
Covid hangs around like smoke so if you’re meeting with others inside, make sure to let fresh air in.
Find out more about the latest Covid guidance by visiting the Government website.
Gloucestershire COVID-19 stats
Cases
In week 52 (Monday 27th December- Sunday 2nd January) there were 8097 confirmed cases of COVID19.
Of these cases:
1573 were in Stroud
1815 were in Gloucester
1112 were in Tewkesbury
1070 were in Forest of Dean
1485 were in Cheltenham
1042 were in Cotswold
* Please note these figures are provisional and subject to change. (Source: https://coronavirus.data.gov.uk/ as at 18:37 05/01/2022)
The rate of cases in the last 7 days per 100,000 is 1224.8 in Gloucestershire, 1240.5 in the South West, and 1678.2 in England.
Deaths mentioning COVID19
In week 51 (Saturday 18th December – Friday 24th December) there were 4 deaths mentioning “novel coronavirus (COVID-19)”, which is 4.8% of all deaths, this compares with 7 (5.4% of all deaths) in Week 50.
*Please note these figures are based on all deaths registered by the 1st January they are provisional and will be subject to change. They include deaths that make any mention of COVID-19 on the death certificate.
(Source: Weekly provisional figures on deaths occurring and registered in England and Wales by Local Authority)
Please note the dates above, the ONS weeks run from Saturday- Friday and we are unable to change this
Deaths in NHS Trusts – 708 (8 new).
We are now looking at the CQC data on a monthly basis.
As previously the data is limited with no breakdown to district level and limited time series. In addition it only includes those who were resident in and died in a care home, so it does not include those residents in care homes who died in hospitals.
It is worth noting that in the week ending the 31st December there was 1 death from COVID19 in care homes this was lower than the previous week when the CQC data showed 2 deaths mentioning COVID19. Since the CQC started reporting (10th April 2020) there have been 433 deaths from COVID19 in care homes in Gloucestershire.
We have:
Looked at how the weekly deaths of residents in care homes compares to the five year average. It is worth noting that there is a slight difference in the CQC data provides death by data of notification not when they actually occurred and the 5 year average looks at data of death. The number of deaths in the week ending the 31strd December was in line with the 5 year average for the same period.
Looked at how we compare to statistical and nearest neighbours when expressed as a rate per 1,000 care beds. This again has limitations in that it will not reflect occupancy levels but is the best available. It shows when compared to our statistical neighbours Gloucestershire has the third highest rate of deaths from COVID19, the rate is lower than Leicestershire and Essex, but this difference is not significant.
When compared to nearest neighbours Gloucestershire has the fourth lowest rate of deaths with only Worcestershire, Warwickshire and Herefordshire having lower rates.
Friday 24th December 2021:
Key messages
It is extremely important to get your booster jab to help slow the spread of Covid. There are three ways you can do this:
At a GP-led community vaccination centre – you will receive an invite from local GP services to book an appointment
At a community pharmacy or the Gloucestershire Royal Hospital JabVan – book via the National Booking System (or call 119)
Visit a drop-in clinic (this week’s clinics detailed below)
You can find information about booster jabs in different languages by visiting the NHS’s ‘vaccine information in other languages’ page.
Self-isolation guidance has changed.
You can now leave self-isolation after 7 days if you:
Take two LFD tests on subsequent days, at least a full 24 hours apart, with the first test on at least the sixth full day of your self-isolation (not counting the ‘onset day’).
Obtain negative results on both these days and you do not have a high temperature
Find out more about the new self-isolation guidance on the GOV.UK website.
Face coverings are mandatory* in most public venues (other than hospitality venues). Masks continue to be required on public transport and in shops. *Unless exempt.
People should work from home if they can.
Covid passes are needed to enter certain venues and events.
International arrivals who are fully vaccinated will need to isolate at home and take a PCR test on or before day 2 following their arrival. They will only be permitted to leave isolation if this test result is negative. If their test result is positive, they will need to isolate for at least 7 days (after testing negative on an LFD on consecutive days) for 10 days.
View the latest drop-in vaccination clinics on the NHS vaccination Covid portal.
Covid hangs around like smoke so if you’re meeting with others inside, make sure to let fresh air in.
Ask secondary and college age children to keep testing over the holidays, especially if they’re meeting friends or family, to help keep everyone safer this Christmas.
Find out more about the latest Covid guidance by visiting the Government website.
Gloucestershire COVID-19 stats
Cases
In week 50 (Monday 13th December- Sunday 19th December) there were 4295 confirmed cases of COVID19.
Of these cases:
806 were in Stroud
841 were in Gloucester
614 were in Tewkesbury
443 were in Forest of Dean
870 were in Cheltenham
721 were in Cotswold
* Please note these figures are provisional and subject to change. (Source: https://coronavirus.data.gov.uk/ as at 16:00 22/11/2021)
The rate of cases in the last 7 days per 100,000 is 674.6 in Gloucestershire, 670.4 in the South West, and 948.1 in England.
Deaths mentioning COVID19
In week 49 (Saturday 4th December – Friday 10th December) there were 6 deaths mentioning “novel coronavirus (COVID-19)”, which is 4.5% of all deaths, this compares with 4 (2.7% of all deaths) in Week 48.
*Please note these figures are based on all deaths registered by the 18th December they are provisional and will be subject to change. They include deaths that make any mention of COVID-19 on the death certificate.
(Source: Weekly provisional figures on deaths occurring and registered in England and Wales by Local Authority)
Please note the dates above, the ONS weeks run from Saturday- Friday and we are unable to change this.
Deaths in NHS Trusts – 697 (9 new).
Friday 17th December 2021:
Key messages
Read an open letter from Health and Care leaders in Gloucestershire about acting to protect yourself, your communities and the NHS this winter.
It is extremely important to book your booster jab to help slow the spread of Covid. There are three ways you can do this:
At a GP-led community vaccination centre – you will receive an invite from local GP services to book an appointment
At a community pharmacy or the Gloucestershire Royal Hospital JabVan – book via the National Booking System (or call 119)
Visit a drop-in clinic (this week’s clinics detailed below)
Face coverings are mandatory* in most public venues (other than hospitality venues). Masks continue to be required on public transport and in shops. *Unless exempt.
People should work from home if they can.
Covid passes are needed to enter certain settings.
If someone is not fully vaccinated (first and second dose only) then they must isolate for 10 days without exception.
Any fully vaccinated close contact of a current positive case should LFD for 7 days and as per guidance, get a PCR test as well.
If a person has tested positive in the previous 90 days, they are advised to do daily LFDs for 7 days and advised to get a PCR.
International arrivals who are fully vaccinated will need to isolate at home and take a PCR test on or before day 2 following their arrival. They will only be permitted to leave isolation if this test result is negative. If their test result is positive, they will need to isolate for 10 days.
View the latest drop-in vaccination clinics on the NHS vaccination Covid portal.
Covid hangs around like smoke so if you’re meeting with others inside, make sure to let fresh air in.
Find out more about the latest Covid guidance by visiting the Government website.
Gloucestershire COVID-19 stats
Cases
In week 50 (Monday 6th December – Sunday 12th December) there were 3,474 confirmed cases of COVID19.
Of these cases:
836 were in Gloucester
632 were in Cheltenham
588 were in Stroud
581 were in Tewkesbury
423 were in Cotswold
414 were in Forest of Dean
* Please note these figures are provisional and subject to change. (Source: https://coronavirus.data.gov.uk/ as at 16:00 15/12/2021)
The rate of cases in the last 7 days per 100,000 is 548.8 in Gloucestershire, 538.0 in the South West, and 550.7 in England.
Deaths mentioning COVID19
In week 48 (Saturday 27th November – Friday 3rd December) there were 4 deaths mentioning “novel coronavirus (COVID-19)”, which is 3.0% of all deaths, this compares with 9 (5.8% of all deaths) in Week 47
*Please note these figures are based on all deaths registered by the 11th December they are provisional and will be subject to change. They include deaths that make any mention of COVID-19 on the death certificate. (Source: Weekly provisional figures on deaths occurring and registered in England and Wales by Local Authority)
Please note the dates above, the ONS weeks run from Saturday- Friday and we are unable to change this.
Deaths in NHS Trusts – 688 (3 new).
Friday 10th December 2021:
Key messages
Face coverings will become mandatory* in most public venues (other than hospitality venues) tomorrow (10 Dec). Masks continue to be required on public transport and in shops. *Unless exempt.
From Monday 13 Dec, people are being asked to work from home if they can.
From Wednesday 15 Dec you must show a valid Covid pass to enter certain settings.
If you come into contact with an individual who may be infected with the Omicron variant, you will need to self-isolate. This applies even if you are fully-vaccinated or aged 18 or under.
International arrivals from non-red list countries who are fully vaccinated will need to isolate at home and take a PCR test on or before day 2 following their arrival. They will only be permitted to leave isolation if this test result is negative. If their test result is positive, they will need to isolate for 10 days.
View the latest drop-in vaccination clinics on the NHS vaccination Covid portal.
Covid hangs around like smoke so if you’re meeting with others inside, make sure to let fresh air in.
Find out more about the latest Covid guidance by visiting the Government website.
Gloucestershire COVID-19 stats
Cases
In week 49 (Monday 29th November – Sunday 5th December) there were 3,779 confirmed cases of COVID19.
Of these cases:
1,046 were in Gloucester
632 were in Tewkesbury
588 were in Cheltenham
570 were in Stroud
492 were in Cotswold
451 were in Forest of Dean
* Please note these figures are provisional and subject to change. (Source: https://coronavirus.data.gov.uk/ as at 16:00 08/12/2021)
The rate of cases in the last 7 days per 100,000 is 590.3 in Gloucestershire, 576.3 in the South West, and 499.4 in England9.
Deaths mentioning COVID19
In week 47 (Saturday 20th November – Friday 26th November) there were 9 deaths mentioning “novel coronavirus (COVID-19)”, which is 6.4% of all deaths, this compares with 10 (8.0% of all deaths) in Week 46
*Please note these figures are based on all deaths registered by the 4th December they are provisional and will be subject to change. They include deaths that make any mention of COVID-19 on the death certificate. (Source: Weekly provisional figures on deaths occurring and registered in England and Wales by Local Authority)
Please note the dates above, the ONS weeks run from Saturday- Friday and we are unable to change this.
Deaths in NHS Trusts – 685 (3 new).
We are now looking at the CQC data on a monthly basis.
As previously the data is limited with no breakdown to district level and limited time series. In addition it only includes those who were resident in and died in a care home, so it does not include those residents in care homes who died in hospitals.
It is worth noting that in the week ending the 3rd December there was 1 deaths from COVID19 in care homes this was higher than the previous week when the CQC data showed 0 deaths mentioning COVID19. Since the CQC started reporting (10th April 2020) there have been 426 deaths from COVID19 in care homes in Gloucestershire.
We have:
Looked at how the weekly deaths of residents in care homes compares to the five year average. It is worth noting that there is a slight difference in the CQC data provides death by data of notification not when they actually occurred and the 5 year average looks at data of death. The number of deaths in the week ending the 3rd December was higher than the 5 year average for the same period
Looked at how we compare to statistical and nearest when expressed as a rate per 1,000 care beds. This again has limitations in that it will not reflect occupancy levels but is the best available. It shows when compared to our statistical neighbours Gloucestershire has the third highest rate of deaths from COVID19, the rate is lower than Leicestershire and Essex, but this difference is not significant.
When compared to nearest neighbours Gloucestershire has the fourth lowest rate of deaths with only Worcestershire, Warwickshire and Herefordshire having lower rates.
Friday 3rd December 2021:
Key messages
Face coverings are now a legal requirement in shops and on public transport.
If you come into contact with an individual who may be infected with the Omicron variant, you will need to self-isolate. This applies even if you are fully-vaccinated or aged 18 or under.
International arrivals from non-red list countries who are fully vaccinated will need to isolate at home and take a PCR test on or before day 2 following their arrival. They will only be permitted to leave isolation if this test result is negative. If their test result is positive, they will need to isolate for 10 days.
View the latest drop-in vaccination clinics on the NHS vaccination Covid portal.
Covid hangs around like smoke so if you’re meeting with others inside, make sure to let fresh air in.
Gloucestershire COVID-19 stats
Cases
In week 48 (Monday 22nd November – Sunday 28th November) there were 3,196 confirmed cases of COVID19.
Of these cases:
807 were in Gloucester
611 were in Cheltenham
517 were in Tewkesbury
457 were in Stroud
430 were in Cotswold
374 were in Forest of Dean
* Please note these figures are provisional and subject to change. (Source: https://coronavirus.data.gov.uk/ as at 16:00 01/12/2021)
The rate of cases in the last 7 days per 100,000 is 501.5 in Gloucestershire, 522.6 in the South West, and 438.0 in England.
Deaths mentioning COVID19
In week 46 (Saturday 13th November – Friday 19th November) there were 10 deaths mentioning “novel coronavirus (COVID-19)”, which is 8.6% of all deaths, this compares with 10 (8.1% of all deaths) in Week 45
*Please note these figures are based on all deaths registered by the 27th November they are provisional and will be subject to change. They include deaths that make any mention of COVID-19 on the death certificate. (Source: Weekly provisional figures on deaths occurring and registered in England and Wales by Local Authority)
Please note the dates above, the ONS weeks run from Saturday- Friday and we are unable to change this.
Deaths in NHS Trusts – 682 (10 new).
Friday 26th November 2021:
Key messages
There are a number of drop-in sessions coming up, including this weekend. You can view the drop-ins on the NHS vaccination Covid portal. You can visit these drop-in clinics if you need a booster 6 months after your second dose, you’re 12-15 years old needing your first dose, you’re 16/17 needing your first dose or you’re 18+ needing your first or second dose of Pfizer.
As well as those aged over 50 years and at higher risk from COVID-19, all adults aged 40 to 49 years can now get their boosters 6 months after their second dose.
Make sure to prioritise ventilation now and over the festive period – if you’re meeting with others, make sure to keep windows open. Covid hangs around like smoke, so disperse the particles by keeping spaces ventilated.
Gloucestershire COVID-19 stats
Cases
In week 47 (Monday 15th November – Sunday 21st November) there were 3,242 confirmed cases of COVID19.
Of these cases:
735 were in Gloucester
631 were in Cheltenham
546 were in Tewkesbury
501 were in Stroud
439 were in Cotswold
390 were in Forest of Dean
* Please note these figures are provisional and subject to change. (Source: https://coronavirus.data.gov.uk/ as at 16:00 24/11/2021)
The rate of cases in the last 7 days per 100,000 is 508.7 in Gloucestershire, 525.4 in the South West, and 428.4 in England.
Deaths mentioning COVID19
In week 45 (Saturday 6th November – Friday 12th November) there were 9 deaths mentioning “novel coronavirus (COVID-19)”, which is 8.0% of all deaths, this compares with 4 (3.2% of all deaths) in Week 44
*Please note these figures are based on all deaths registered by the 20th November they are provisional and will be subject to change. They include
deaths that make any mention of COVID-19 on the death certificate. (Source: Weekly provisional figures on deaths occurring and registered in England and Wales by Local Authority)
Please note the dates above, the ONS weeks run from Saturday- Friday and we are unable to change this.
Deaths in NHS Trusts – 672 (4 new).
News from TBC:
Situation report • Across the Southwest, there are 29,277 cases. The rate per 100,000 is 517.3. • In Gloucestershire, there are 3,136 cases, an increase of 886 since the last bulletin in September. The rate per 100,000 is 489.5. • In Tewkesbury, there are 519 cases, an increase of 233 since the last bulletin in September. The rate per 100,000 is 537.1. Service delivery Environmental Health: • On Monday 30 November, the government introduced new rules in response to the Covid-19 Omicron variant: o A face covering must be worn in shops, certain other indoor settings and on public transport. o Anyone who has been in contact with a suspected Covid-19 Omicron case must self-isolate for 10 days, regardless of their vaccination status. o All international arrivals must take a PCR test within 48 hours and self-isolate until they receive a negative result, even if they have been vaccinated. • Due to the Environmental Health team’s increased workload over the last two years as a result of the pandemic, a backlog of ‘business as usual’ work has accumulated. The team anticipates that it will be able to clear this backlog by the end of the financial year. Communications: • Details of the new rules introduced by the government have been added to the main council website and our Covid-19 website. • Guidance for officers on the importance of following Covid-safety measures when working in the Public Services Centre will be reissued next week. • The Covid-safety posters in the public areas of the Public Services Centre have been updated. Community and Economic Development • Household Support Grant – £120,000 has been allocated by Gloucestershire County Council to each district to support vulnerable families. This will mainly be via supermarket vouchers. A scheme is in development and will be finalised shortly. This funding needs to be spent by March 2022. • Bids are being developed around four themes for submission to the Covid Outbreak Management Fund. These themes are: mental health and young people; Integrated Locality Partnership projects; outdoor spaces; and community and business support. • Covid Community Grants – 151 grants have been awarded totalling £124,000. Applications are still being accepted and the grant continues to be promoted. • Holiday Activity Fund – Young Gloucestershire is leading on this fund for the borough. It is providing food parcels and holiday activities for families with children on free school meals in the run up to Christmas. • Winchcombe and Tewkesbury Tourist Information Centres (TIC) – The Winchcombe TIC has now reopened following an agreement on its lease. Visitor numbers are healthy, with higher-than-usual domestic visitors, but fewer international visitors. • The Growth Hub is operational and welcoming visitors to use its facilities. Most users are choosing to access assistance and events online. • The High Street Heritage Action Zone scheme has launched and is in progress. There is a high interest in the shopfront/upper floor grant scheme. • Welcome Back fund – the Community team has received feedback from parishes on how to spend funds in the three retail centres in Cleeve, Winchcombe and Tewkesbury. These include deep cleans, markets, events and street furniture, and will be formalised in the run up to Christmas. These plans will be shared with the local members as soon as they are ready. Digital marketing and design agency, V8, have also been contracted to produce material promoting safe shopping at our retail centres. County Recovery Group The County Recovery Group (CRG) meets on a monthly basis. At the last meeting, there was discussion about the group standing down. The CRG is an ‘overseeing’ group and the group’s members felt comfortable that recovery actions were being successfully monitored and completed by other groups. The impact of the new Omicron Covid variant may alter the situation, however, and further consideration will be given during the next meeting on 14 December. Business • Test and trace support payment applications are steadily increasing. • The Business Cell will look at spending the remaining £563,000 from the Additional Restrictions Grant budget in the new year. • The Business Cell is awaiting details of the forthcoming Covid-19 Material Change of Circumstances business grant scheme, announced by the government earlier this year. The team expects this to be released early next year
Friday 19th November 2021:
Key messages
There are a number of drop-in sessions coming up, including this weekend. You can view the drop-ins on the NHS vaccination Covid portal
Around 1 in 3 people with COVID-19 do not have any symptoms. This means they could be spreading the virus without knowing it. Testing regularly increases the chances of detecting COVID-19 when you are infectious but are not displaying symptoms, helping to make sure you do not spread COVID-19 by staying at home and self-isolating immediately.
Make sure to get your booster 6 months after your second dose of the Covid vaccine. It’s also important to get your flu jab, to protect yourself and others from winter viruses.
Gloucestershire COVID-19 stats
Cases
In week 45 (Monday 8th November- Sunday 14th November) there were 2971 confirmed cases of COVID19.
Of these cases:
468 were in Stroud
695 were in Gloucester
531 were in Tewkesbury
374 were in Forest of Dean
535 were in Cheltenham
368 were in Cotswold
* Please note these figures are provisional and subject to change. (Source: https://coronavirus.data.gov.uk/ as at 16:00 17/11/2021)
The rate of cases in the last 7 days per 100,000 is 465.0 in Gloucestershire, 490.0 in the South West, and 386.8 in England.
Deaths mentioning COVID19
In week 44 (Saturday 30th October – Friday 5th November) there were 4 deaths mentioning “novel coronavirus (COVID-19)”, which is 3.5% of all deaths, this compares with 11 (7.8% of all deaths) in Week 43.
*Please note these figures are based on all deaths registered by the 13th November they are provisional and will be subject to change. They include deaths that make any mention of COVID-19 on the death certificate.
(Source: Weekly provisional figures on deaths occurring and registered in England and Wales by Local Authority)
Please note the dates above, the ONS weeks run from Saturday- Friday and we are unable to change this.
Deaths in NHS Trusts – 668 (9 new).
Friday 12th November 2021:
Key messages
It’s essential to protect yourself and others against both flu and COVID-19 this winter. Get vaccinated, get boosted, get protected.
Visit a drop-in clinic this weekend to get your first, second or booster COVID-19 vaccination.
If you are attending the races or watching the rugby this weekend, make sure you wash / sanitise your hand regularly, wear a mask in crowded spaces and take a rapid test before you go. Stay home if you feel unwell.
Ensure you continue with good hand hygiene – wash / sanitise your hands regularly.
Make sure you continue with regular rapid testing even if you are vaccinated, as there is a still a chance you can catch and spread the virus.
Gloucestershire COVID-19 stats
In week 45 (Monday 1st November – Sunday 7th November) there were 2,846 confirmed cases of COVID19.
Of these cases:
653 were in Gloucester
516 were in Stroud
485 were in Cheltenham
414 were in Tewkesbury
404 were in Forest of Dean
374 were in Cotswold
* Please note these figures are provisional and subject to change. (Source: https://coronavirus.data.gov.uk/ as at 16:00 10/11/2021)
The rate of cases in the last 7 days per 100,000 is 468.1 in Gloucestershire, 426.0 in the South West, and 343.7 in England.
Deaths mentioning COVID19
In week 43 (Saturday 23rd October – Friday 29th October) there were 11 deaths mentioning “novel coronavirus (COVID-19)”, which is 8.8% of all deaths, this compares with 6 (4.5% of all deaths) in Week 42.
*Please note these figures are based on all deaths registered by the 6th November they are provisional and will be subject to change. They include deaths that make any mention of COVID-19 on the death certificate.
(Source: Weekly provisional figures on deaths occurring and registered in England and Wales by Local Authority)
Please note the dates above, the ONS weeks run from Saturday- Friday and we are unable to change this.
Deaths in NHS Trusts – 659 (6 new).
Friday 5th November 2021:
Key messages
Hear from Sarah Scott about why it is important for young people to get vaccinated. You can keep up to date with upcoming drop-in sessions by visiting the NHS Covid portal – COVID-19 vaccination for 12-15 year olds.
If you go into a care home for work or to volunteer to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 (unless exempt) by Thursday 11 November. To meet the deadline, you should have already had your first dose of the vaccine – second doses can be booked and received six weeks after the first.
There are a very small number of people that work in care homes that are exempt from needing a vaccination, and these are usually due to previous severe reactions to the vaccine. More information on this can be found in the main Government guidance.
We hope you have a fun and safe evening this bonfire night – remember to follow COVID-19 guidance:
🎆 Test before you meet up with others 🎆Check-in using the NHS App 🎆 Stay at home if you feel unwell 🎆 Wash or sanitise your hands regularly
Gloucestershire COVID-19 stats
In week 44 (Monday 25th October – Sunday 31st October) there were 4,332 confirmed cases of COVID19.
Of these cases:
927 were in Cheltenham
848 were in Stroud
800 were in Gloucester
703 were in Tewkesbury
568 were in Forest of Dean
486 were in Cotswolds
Please note these figures are provisional and subject to change. (Source: https://coronavirus.data.gov.uk/ as at 16:15 03/11/2021)
The rate of cases in the last 7 days per 100,000 is 641.4 in Gloucestershire, 540.5 in the South West, and 409.6 in England.
Deaths mentioning COVID19
In week 42 (Saturday 16th October – Friday 22nd October) there were 5 deaths mentioning “novel coronavirus (COVID-19)”, which is 3.9% of all deaths, this compares with 3 (2.9% of all deaths) in Week 41.
*Please note these figures are based on all deaths registered by the 30th October they are provisional and will be subject to change. They include deaths that make any mention of COVID-19 on the death certificate. (Source: Weekly provisional figures on deaths occurring and registered in England and Wales by Local Authority)
Please note the dates above, the ONS weeks run from Saturday- Friday and we are unable to change this.
Deaths in NHS Trusts – 653 (3 new).
In the week ending the 29th October there was 1 death from COVID19 in care homes this was lower than the previous week when the CQC data showed 6 deaths mentioning COVID19. Since the CQC started reporting (10th April 2020) there have been 422 deaths from COVID19 in care homes in Gloucestershire. (11 new since last report on 08/10).
Friday 29th October 2021:
Key messages
With the Autumn and Winter months approaching, it is important that we take steps to protect ourselves from catching and spreading COVID-19 as well as other seasonal viruses. Professor Sarah Scott discusses the steps we need to take to protect ourselves and others.
Good hand hygiene is important at any time, but it’s particularly crucial this Halloween when we are likely to be sharing sweet treats and other goodies. Make sure you wash or sanitise your hands regularly, don’t leave out self-serve bowls and don’t hand out treats if you have any symptoms or are self-isolating
If you are meeting up with friends and family outside is safer. If you meet indoors, let fresh air in.
Test before you meet others – rapid Covid tests help to detect the virus in people who might have no symptoms so that quick action can be taken before the virus can be passed on.
Wear a face covering in enclosed spaces like if you are travelling on public transport.
Stay at home if you are unwell – don’t risk it!
Utilise the NHS App if you are heading to a venue to celebrate Halloween.
Gloucestershire COVID-19 stats
In week 43 (Monday 18th October – Sunday 22nd October) there were 5,585 confirmed cases of COVID19.
Of these cases:
1167 were in Stroud
1109 were in Cheltenham
991 were in Tewkesbury
939 were in Gloucester
724 were in Cotswold
655 were in Forest of Dean
* Please note these figures are provisional and subject to change. (Source as at 16:00 27/10/2021)
The rate of cases in the last 7 days per 100,000 is 937 in Gloucestershire, 708.8 in the South West, and 476.8 in England.
Deaths mentioning COVID19
In week 41 (Saturday 9th October – Friday 15th October) there was 1 deaths mentioning “novel coronavirus (COVID-19)”, which is 1.0% of all deaths, this compares with 10 (7.3% of all deaths) in Week 40.
*Please note these figures are based on all deaths registered by the 23rd October they are provisional and will be subject to change. They include deaths that make any mention of COVID-19 on the death certificate. (Source: Weekly provisional figures on deaths occurring and registered in England and Wales by Local Authority)
Please note the dates above, the ONS weeks run from Saturday- Friday and we are unable to change this.
Deaths in NHS Trusts – 650 (10 new).
Friday 22nd October 2021:
Key messages
With the Autumn and Winter months approaching, it is important that we take steps to protect ourselves from catching and spreading COVID-19 as well as other seasonal viruses.
Vaccines are the best protection we have against viruses like flu and COVID-19. People are being urged to come forward for their seasonal vaccinations as soon as they are invited to ensure they are protected
GPs and community NHS teams across Gloucestershire are offering COVID-19 boosters and flu vaccines to people who are most at risk of getting very ill this winter or those who work with our most vulnerable residents.
The bulk of COVID boosters and flu vaccinations continue to be provided by appointment through the 11 GP-led community vaccination centres and some GP practices across the county. Local GP services will be in touch if they haven’t already.
People also have the choice to arrange their flu vaccination with their local pharmacy or use the National Booking System (NBS) website or phone number to book their COVID-19 booster at one of six community pharmacies around the county.
Adults can have their COVID booster and flu vaccination at the same time, subject to supplies. However, if you’re not yet eligible for a COVID booster (i.e. your second dose was less than six months ago) it’s really important not to delay getting your flu vaccine
Anyone who is eligible but hasn’t yet had their first or second dose can still take up the offer – just follow the instructions in your original invitation from local GP services, use the national booking system (NBS) to get an appointment at a community pharmacy or look out for drop-in clinics.
The roll out of the COVID-19 vaccination to 12-15 years old continues. Eligible children and young people will be offered a single dose of the Pfizer vaccine. Getting the vaccine will help keep their lives moving supporting mental health and wellbeing.
As well as getting vaccinated, there are other simple steps we can all take to help slow the spread of viruses.
Let fresh air in. Viruses spread more quickly when we’re all gathered together inside – opening windows, even just for ten minutes or short bursts regularly, can make a real difference;
Wear face coverings when in enclosed spaces, like on public transport;
Wash hands regularly – a simple step that can help prevent the spread of any virus or infection;
Stay at home if you feel unwell, to avoid passing it on to someone else; and
Get the NHS COVID-19 app – the app remains a key tool in reducing the spread of Covid
And..
If you have any of the main Covid symptoms get a PCR test and isolate if you test positive.
Gloucestershire COVID-19 stats
In week 42 (Monday 11th October – Sunday 18th October) there were 5,543 confirmed cases of COVID19.
Of these cases:
1309 were in Cheltenham
1293 were in Stroud
934 were in Tewkesbury
783 were in Gloucester
660 were in Forest of Dean
564 were in Cotswold
* Please note these figures are provisional and subject to change. (Source: https://coronavirus.data.gov.uk/ as at 16:00 20/10/2021)
The rate of cases in the last 7 days per 100,000 is 743.8 in Gloucestershire, 627.8 in the South West, and 440.3 in England.
Deaths mentioning COVID19
In week 40 (Saturday 02nd October – Friday 8th October) there were 10 deaths mentioning “novel coronavirus (COVID-19)”, which is 7.5% of all deaths, this compares with 1 (1.2% of all deaths) in Week 39.
*Please note these figures are based on all deaths registered by the 9th October they are provisional and will be subject to change. They include deaths that make any mention of COVID-19 on the death certificate. (Source: Weekly provisional figures on deaths occurring and registered in England and Wales by Local Authority)
Please note the dates above, the ONS weeks run from Saturday- Friday and we are unable to change this.
Deaths in NHS Trusts – 640 (1 new).
Friday 15th Oct9ober 2021:
Key messages
With the Autumn and Winter months approaching, it is important that we take steps to protect ourselves from catching and spreading COVID-19 as well as other seasonal viruses.
Vaccines are the best protection we have against viruses like flu and COVID-19. People are being urged to come forward for their seasonal vaccinations as soon as they are invited to ensure they are protected
GPs and community NHS teams across Gloucestershire are offering COVID-19 boosters and flu vaccines to people who are most at risk of getting very ill this winter or those who work with our most vulnerable residents.
The bulk of COVID boosters and flu vaccinations continue to be provided by appointment through the 11 GP-led community vaccination centres and some GP practices across the county. Local GP services will be in touch if they haven’t already.
People also have the choice to arrange their flu vaccination with their local pharmacy or use the National Booking System (NBS) website or phone number to book their COVID-19 booster at one of six community pharmacies around the county.
Adults can have their COVID booster and flu vaccination at the same time, subject to supplies. However, if you’re not yet eligible for a COVID booster (i.e. your second dose was less than six months ago) it’s really important not to delay getting your flu vaccine
Anyone who is eligible but hasn’t yet had their first or second dose can still take up the offer – just follow the instructions in your original invitation from local GP services, use the national booking system (NBS) to get an appointment at a community pharmacy or look out for drop-in clinics.
The roll out of the COVID-19 vaccination to 12-15 years old continues. Eligible children and young people will be offered a single dose of the Pfizer vaccine. Getting the vaccine will help keep their lives moving supporting mental health and wellbeing.
As well as getting vaccinated, there are other simple steps we can all take to help slow the spread of viruses.
Let fresh air in. Viruses spread more quickly when we’re all gathered together inside – opening windows, even just for ten minutes or short bursts regularly, can make a real difference;
Wear face coverings when in enclosed spaces, like on public transport;
Wash hands regularly – a simple step that can help prevent the spread of any virus or infection;
Stay at home if you feel unwell, to avoid passing it on to someone else; and
Get the NHS COVID-19 app – the app remains a key tool in reducing the spread of Covid
And..
If you have any of the main Covid symptoms get a PCR test and isolate if you test positive.
Gloucestershire COVID-19 stats
In week 41 (Monday 4th October- Sunday 10th October) there were 980 confirmed cases of COVID19.
Of these cases:
201 were in Stroud
153 were in Gloucester
92 were in Tewkesbury
200 were in Forest of Dean
168 were in Cheltenham
166 were in Cotswold
* Please note these figures are provisional and subject to change. (Source: https://coronavirus.data.gov.uk/ as at 16:00 13/10/2021)
The rate of cases in the last 7 days per 100,000 is 150.2 in Gloucestershire, 308.5 in the South West, and 373.2 in England.
Deaths mentioning CVID19
In week 39 (Saturday 25th September – Friday 1st October) there was 1 deaths mentioning “novel coronavirus (COVID-19)”, which is 1.2% of all deaths, this compares with 4 (3.8% of all deaths) in Week 38.
*Please note these figures are based on all deaths registered by the 9th October they are provisional and will be subject to change. They include deaths that make any mention of COVID-19 on the death certificate. (Source: Weekly provisional figures on deaths occurring and registered in England and Wales by Local Authority)
Please note the dates above, the ONS weeks run from Saturday- Friday and we are unable to change this.
Deaths in NHS Trusts – 639 (1 new).
Friday 8th October 2021:
Key messages
With the Autumn and Winter months soon approaching, it is more important than ever that we keep taking steps to protect ourselves from catching and spreading COVID-19 as well as other seasonal viruses.
Vaccines are the best protection we have against viruses like flu and COVID-19. GPs and community NHS teams across Gloucestershire are offering COVID-19 boosters and flu vaccines to people who are most at risk of getting very ill this winter or those who work with our most vulnerable residents. If you’re eligible for one or both of these vaccines, it’s really important to take up the offer as soon as possible. .
Adults can have their COVID booster and flu vaccination at the same time, so you may be offered the opportunity to have both at the same appointment, subject to supplies. However, if you’re not yet eligible for a COVID booster (i.e. your second dose was less than six months ago) it’s really important not to delay getting your flu vaccine
Anyone who is eligible but hasn’t yet had their first or second dose can still take up the offer – just follow the instructions in your original invitation from local GP services, use the national booking system (NBS) to get an appointment at a community pharmacy or look out for drop-in clinics. Check what is available is to visit the Gloucestershire CCG website.
The roll out of the COVID-19 vaccination to 12-15 years old has begun. Eligible children and young people will be offered a single dose of the Pfizer vaccine. Getting the vaccine will help keep their lives moving supporting mental health and wellbeing.
Let fresh air in if you are meeting indoors – opening windows for just 10 mins or a small amount continuously can makes a significant different. Meeting outdoors is still safer.
Wear face coverings – where social distancing and ventilation may become more difficult and in enclosed spaces where you might come into contact with people you don’t normally meet, like on public transport.
Get tested and isolate if positive – anyone with symptoms should self-isolate and can still get a free PCR test. Anybody who tests positive must isolate for ten days. Financial and practical support continues to be available.
Continue with regular rapid tests if you don’t have symptoms – this will help stop Covid in its tracks – gloucestershire.gov.uk/testing. From October you will be asked to download a collection code each time you pick up a test kit from your local pharmacy – this will help with the test and trace process as the kit will be more easily tracked to a person. de?
Health and social care are already under pressure – this will only increase as we head into the winter months. Stay at home if you feel unwell and help protect our NHS.
Wash hands regularly – a simple step that can help prevent the spread.
Utilise the NHS COVID-19 app – the app remains a key tool in preventing further cases of Covid. Since 16 August the app has advised potential contacts who are vaccinated to take a PCR test rather than isolate.
Gloucestershire COVID-19 stats
In week 40 (Monday 27th September – Sunday 3rd October) there were 916 confirmed cases of COVID19.
Of these cases:
206 were in Stroud
181 were in Cotswold
178 were in Cheltenham
142 were in Forest of Dean
109 were in Gloucester
100 were in Tewkesbury
* Please note these figures are provisional and subject to change. (Source: https://coronavirus.data.gov.uk/ as at 16:00 06/10/2021)
The rate of cases in the last 7 days per 100,000 is 143.8 in Gloucestershire, 287.2 in the South West, and 331 in England.
Deaths mentioning COVID19
In week 38 (Saturday 18th September – Friday 24th September) there were 4 deaths mentioning “novel coronavirus (COVID-19)”, which is 3.8% of all deaths, this compares with 2 (1.7% of all deaths) in Week 37.
*Please note these figures are based on all deaths registered by the 2nd October they are provisional and will be subject to change. They include deaths that make any mention of COVID-19 on the death certificate. (Source: Weekly provisional figures on deaths occurring and registered in England and Wales by Local Authority)
Please note the dates above, the ONS weeks run from Saturday- Friday and we are unable to change this.
Deaths in NHS Trusts – 638 (6 new).
It is worth noting that in the week ending the 1st October there were 0 deaths from COVID19 in care homes. This was lower than the previous week when the CQC data showed 1 death mentioning COVID19. Since the CQC started reporting (10th April 2020) there have been 411 deaths from COVID19 in care homes in Gloucestershire.
Friday 1st October 2021:
Key messages
With the Autumn and Winter months soon approaching, it is more important than ever that we keep taking steps to protect ourselves from catching and spreading COVID-19.
Getting the vaccine remains the best defence against COVID-19, and is the best way to keep friends, family, and your community safe.
There are still opportunities to get your first and second dose of the Covid vaccine – most primary care networks are now offering walk in clinics all across the county and the best way to check what is available is to visit the Gloucestershire CCG website.
The roll out of the COVID-19 vaccination to 12-15 years old has begun. Eligible children and young people will be offered a single dose of the Pfizer vaccine. Getting the vaccine will help keep their lives moving supporting mental health and wellbeing.
The NHS programme is beginning to deliver COVID-19 booster doses to those that are eligible, inviting those that had their first and second dose more than six months ago first. Please take up the offer of a booster if invited.
Let fresh air in if you are meeting indoors – opening windows for just 10 mins or a small amount continuously can makes a significant different. Meeting outdoors is still safer.
Wear face coverings – where social distancing and ventilation may become more difficult and in enclosed spaces where you might come into contact with people you don’t normally meet, like on public transport.
Get tested and isolate if positive – anyone with symptoms should self-isolate and can still get a free PCR test. Anybody who tests positive must isolate for ten days. Financial and practical support continues to be available.
Continue with regular rapid tests if you don’t have symptoms – this will help stop Covid in its tracks – gloucestershire.gov.uk/testing. From October you will be asked to download a collection code each time you pick up a test kit from your local pharmacy – this will help with the test and trace process as the kit will be more easily tracked to a person.
Health and social care are already under pressure – this will only increase as we head into the winter months. Stay at home if you feel unwell and help protect our NHS.
Wash hands regularly – a simple step that can help prevent the spread.
Utilise the NHS COVID-19 app – the app remains a key tool in preventing further cases of Covid. Since 16 August the app has advised potential contacts who are vaccinated to take a PCR test rather than isolate.
Gloucestershire COVID-19 stats
In week 39 (Monday 20th September – Sunday 26th September) there were 1,447 confirmed cases of COVID19.
Of these cases:
284 were in Cheltenham
277 were in Stroud
240 were in Forest of Dean
237 were in Cotswold
227 were in Gloucester
182 were in Tewkesbury
* Please note these figures are provisional and subject to change. (Source: https://coronavirus.data.gov.uk/ as at 16:00 29/09/2021)
The rate of cases in the last 7 days per 100,000 is 219.6 in Gloucestershire, 290.7 in the South West, and 330.7 in England.
Deaths mentioning COVID19
In week 37 (Saturday 11th September – Friday 17th September) there were 2 deaths mentioning “novel coronavirus (COVID-19)”, which is 1.9% of all deaths, this compares with 7 (5.0% of all deaths) in Week 36.
*Please note these figures are based on all deaths registered by the 25th September they are provisional and will be subject to change. They include deaths that make any mention of COVID-19 on the death certificate. (Source: Weekly provisional figures on deaths occurring and registered in England and Wales by Local Authority)
Please note the dates above, the ONS weeks run from Saturday- Friday and we are unable to change this.
Deaths in NHS Trusts – 632 (1 new).
Friday 24th September 2021:
Key messages
Vaccinations remain the first form of defence against the virus and the ‘evergreen’ offer of getting both doses of the vaccination will remain open to everyone who is eligible.
Let fresh air in if you are meeting indoors – opening windows for just 10 mins or a small amount continuously can makes a significant different. Meeting outdoors is still safer.
Wear face coverings – where social distancing and ventilation may become more difficult and in enclosed spaces where you might come into contact with people you don’t normally meet, like on public transport
Get tested and isolate if positive – anyone with symptoms should self-isolate and can still get a free PCR test. Anybody who tests positive must isolate for ten days. Financial and practical support continues to be available.
Continue with regular rapid tests if you don’t have symptoms – this will help stop Covid in its tracks – gloucestershire.gov.uk/testing.
Stay home when unwell – Health and social care are already under real remove pressure – this will only increase as we head into the winter months. Stay at home if you feel unwell and help protect our NHS.
Wash hands regularly.
Utilise the NHS COVID-19 app – the app remains a key tool in preventing further cases of Covid. Since 16 August the app has advised potential contacts who are vaccinated to take a PCR test rather than isolate.
Government has confirmed that vulnerable people will be offered a COVID-19 booster vaccine this winter.
Gloucestershire COVID-19 stats
In week 38 (Monday 13th September– Sunday 19th September) there were 1,067 confirmed cases of COVID19.
Of these cases:
175 were in Stroud
207 were in Gloucester
158 were in Tewkesbury
166 were in Forest of Dean
200 were in Cheltenham
161 were in Cotswold
* Please note these figures are provisional and subject to change. (Source: https://coronavirus.data.gov.uk/ as at 16:00 22/09/2021)
The rate of cases in the last 7 days per 100,000 is 142.2 in Gloucestershire, 213.6 in the South West, and 262.9 in England.
Deaths mentioning COVID19
In week 36 (Saturday 4th September – Friday 10th September) there were 7 deaths mentioning “novel coronavirus (COVID-19)”, which is 5.5% of all deaths, this compares with 3 (2.9% of all deaths) in Week 35.
*Please note these figures are based on all deaths registered by the 18th September they are provisional and will be subject to change. They include deaths that make any mention of COVID-19 on the death certificate. (Source: Weekly provisional figures on deaths occurring and registered in England and Wales by Local Authority)
*Please note the dates above, the ONS weeks run from Saturday- Friday and we are unable to change this.
Deaths in NHS Trusts – 631 (3 new).
Friday 17th September 2021:
Key messages
On Tuesday 14 September, the Government announced and published it’s COVID-19 Response – Autumn and Winter Plan 2021. Vaccinations will remain the first form of defence against COVID-19 and the ‘evergreen’ offer of getting both doses of the vaccination will remain open to everyone who is eligible. People will also be asked to keep up with a number of key behaviours to help manage the spread whilst we continue to learn to live with the virus. These are: – Let fresh air in – Wear face coverings – Get tested and isolate if positive – Stay home when unwell – Wash hands – Utilise the NHS COVID-19 app
Part B of the plan outlines what will be taken to support and protect the NHS when necessary – this will be based on data which will monitored and reviewed regularly.
Following clinical advice, the Government has agreed to to end the requirement for shielding guidance for people previously considered to be clinically extremely vulnerable.
Government confirmed this week that vulnerable people will be offered a COVID-19 booster vaccine this winter. The programme will be rolled out to care home residents, health and social care workers, people aged over 50, those aged 16-49 years old with underlying health conditions that put them at higher risk of sever COVID-19, adult carers and adult household contacts of immunosuppressed individuals (people who have reduced ability to fight infections). People who are eligible for the booster will receive an invitation from local NHS services, there is no need to contact their GP.
Government has also confirmed that following advice from Chief Medical Officers in the UK, all children aged 12-15 years will be offered a single dose of the Pfizer vaccine. Community NHS Services will be in touch with parents of children in this age group soon, with details of the offer which is to be delivered through schools.
Everyone working in, going into a care home regularly for work or volunteering should have now received their first dose of the COVID-19 to force on 11 November. We will now be focussing on encouraging uptake of their second dose.
Gloucestershire COVID-19 stats
In week 37 (Monday 6th September – Sunday 12th September) there were 1,085 confirmed cases of COVID19.
Of theses cases:
221 were in Gloucester
210 were in Stroud
182 were in Cotswold
171 were in Forest of Dean
159 were in Tewkesbury
142 were in Cheltenham
* Please note these figures are provisional and subject to change. (Source: https://coronavirus.data.gov.uk/ as at 16:00 15/09/2021)
The rate of cases in the last 7 days per 100,000 is 199.6 in Gloucestershire, 256.2 in the South West, and 294.5 in England.
Deaths mentioning COVID19
In week 35 (Saturday 28th August – Friday 3rd September) there were 3 deaths mentioning “novel coronavirus (COVID-19)”, which is 3.1% of all deaths, this compares with 2 (2.2% of all deaths) in Week 34.
*Please note these figures are based on all deaths registered by the 4th September they are provisional and will be subject to change. They include deaths that make any mention of COVID-19 on the death certificate. (Source: Weekly provisional figures on deaths occurring and registered in England and Wales by Local Authority)
*Please note the dates above, the ONS weeks run from Saturday- Friday and we are unable to change this.
Deaths in NHS Trusts – 628 (1 new).
In the week ending the 3rd September there were 0 deaths from COVID19 in care homes this was in line with the previous week when the CQC data showed 0 deaths mentioning COVID19. Since the CQC started reporting (10th April 2021) there have been 409 deaths from COVID19 in care homes in Gloucestershire.
Friday 10th September 2021:
Key messages
It’s back to school time Secondary school pupils should continue with regular rapid testing. Students aged 16 and 17 are encouraged to take up the offer of the vaccine either via their GP or by visiting a drop-in clinics. Ventilation and handwashing remain key More information on going back to school can be found on the Government website.
There are still opportunities for anyone aged 16 years and over to take up the offer of a first or second jab. You can book an appointment via your GP surgery or find a local drop-in clinic at a time to suit you – choose from one of four this weekend. If you have already been invited to get the jab via your GP simply follow the instructions to book an appointment
Everyone working in a care home must have booked and have received their first dose by 16 September 2021 This will allow for the second jab to happen in time for when the regulations to come into force on 11 November.
The vast majority of pregnant women who become seriously ill with COVID-19 are unvaccinated. So, it’s really important to have both doses of your vaccine to protect you and your baby. To date at least 62,000 pregnant women in the UK have received at least one dose. The COVID-19 vaccine is available to pregnant women at any point during their pregnancy.
Cases are still high in the county –Covid hasn’t gone away. You should continue to take regular rapid tests even if you have been vaccinated. Rapid testing for people with no symptoms can help detect cases of Covid in people who might not even know they have it and could be unknowingly spreading the virus
It is still a legal requirement for people who have symptoms of COVID-19 to self-isolate and book a PCR test.
Everyone aged 18 years and older can have a free antibody test. Antibody tests help to improve our understanding of immunity against COVID-19 from vaccination and infection. You can opt in for antibody testing when booking your PCR. If your PCR test result is positive you may be selected for antibody testing. Read more.
Although no longer a legal requirement, face coverings, social distancing and regular handwashing remain effective ways to help reduce the risk of spreading Covid.
Gloucestershire COVID-19 stats
In week 36 (Monday 30th August – Sunday 5th September) there were 2,263 confirmed cases of COVID19.
Of these cases:
504 were in Stroud
448 were in Gloucester
389 were in Cheltenham
320 were in Forest of Dean
315 were in Cotswold
287 were in Tewkesbury
* Please note these figures are provisional and subject to change.
Number of cases in the last 7 days per 100,000 is 354.5 in Gloucestershire, 370.3 in the South West, and 334.9 in England
Deaths mentioning COVID19
In week 34 (Saturday 21st August – Friday 27th August) there were 2 deaths mentioning “novel coronavirus (COVID-19)”, which is 2.4% of all deaths, this compares with 6 (6.2% of all deaths) in Week 33.
*Please note these figures are based on all deaths registered by the 4th September they are provisional and will be subject to change. They include deaths that make any mention of COVID-19 on the death certificate. (Source: Weekly provisional figures on deaths occurring and registered in England and Wales by Local Authority)
*Please note the dates above, the ONS weeks run from Saturday- Friday and we are unable to change this.
Deaths in NHS Trusts – 627 (2 new).
In the week ending the 3rd September there were 0 deaths from COVID19 in care homes this was in line with the previous week when the CQC data showed 0 deaths mentioning COVID19.Since the CQC started reporting (10th April 2021) there have been 409 deaths from COVID19 in care homes in Gloucestershire.
News from TBC:
Situation report • Nationally, there are 7,132,072 cases, an increase of 952,566 since the last bulletin on 13 August. • In Gloucestershire, there are 2,250 cases, an increase of 405 since the last bulletin. The rate per 100,000 is 351. • In Tewkesbury, there are 286 cases, a decrease of 376 since the last bulletin. The rate per 100,000 is 296. • Across Gloucestershire: o 23 patients have been admitted to hospital in the last seven days. o 113 new patients are being treated at home in virtual wards – 92 of these have been fully vaccinated. o Two people have lost their lives to Covid in the last seven days. o The highest number of outbreaks (17) has occurred in adult social care settings. • The R-rate is between 1.0 and 1.4 which is higher than last week. Service delivery • Ubico are continuing to deliver services effectively despite the national driver shortage. They have recently recruited two additional drivers. Environmental health: • Officers are continuing to deal with a large number of events including many temporary event notices. • Officers are successfully managing outbreak control by liaising with businesses and health protection. • Officers are working with health protection to arrange for more mobile vaccination and testing centres in order to improve take-up for specific groups. • A training programme to be delivered to businesses on health and safety and risk assessments is being developed. • We are extending the contracts for Covid Community Protection Officers (CPOs) until the end of March 2022. This extension is funded from the Covid Outbreak Management Fund from the County Council. They will now be given additional responsibility to support environmental crime work. CPOs have been very well received by residents and businesses, and have done excellent engagement work delivering advice on Covid safety. Community • Summer Grants – work is in progress to develop a scheme to support vulnerable families with young people. This will involve providing food vouchers funded through Gloucestershire County Council. Once the scheme is confirmed, the information will be shared in more detail with members. • Holiday Activity Fund – Young Gloucestershire were commissioned to provide activities and food parcels – at a number of locations across the borough – for many young people during the summer. This was also funded through Gloucestershire County Council. When more data is available it will be shared with members. • Covid-19 Community Grants – applications continue to be submitted on a regular basis. 139 applications have been funded, at a total of £114,079. • Barnwood Trust – an event was held on Thursday, 9 September following a study on the work of the voluntary community sector and community response during the pandemic. • High Street Heritage Action Zone – on Saturday, 18 September, in line with Heritage Open Days, there will be a ‘Regenerate our High Street’ event for the Heritage Action Zone.
Friday 3rd September 2021:
Key messages
It’s back to school time. Students aged 16 and 17 are encouraged to take up the offer of the vaccine and can visit drop-in clinics. It’s as important as ever to continue to rapid test regularly. More information on going back to school can be found on the Government website.
16 or 17 years old are encouraged to get their first Covid vaccination. If you have already been invited for your jab please follow the instructions to book an appointment or look out for opportunities to attend a local drop-in clinic. Vaccination centres continue to offer first and second dose vaccinations to everyone over 16 years old. 12-15 year olds who are eligible for vaccination will receive invitation from their GPs.
The deadline for those working in care home (other than family, friends and essential care givers) to be fully vaccinated is 11 November. You must have your first dose to be fully protected by the 16 September 2021. This will allow for the second jab in time for when the regulations come into force. Read the Government guidance in full.
It is still a legal requirement for people who have symptoms of COVID-19 to self-isolate and book a PCR test.
Everyone aged 18 years and older can have a free antibody test. Antibody tests help to improve our understanding of immunity against COVID-19 from vaccination and infection. You can opt in for antibody testing when booking your PCR. If your PCR test result is positive you may be selected for antibody testing.
Although no longer a legal requirement, face coverings, social distancing and regular handwashing remain effective ways to help reduce the risk of spreading Covid.
Gloucestershire COVID-19 stats
In week 35 (Monday 23rd August – Sunday 29th August) there were 1,918 confirmed cases of COVID19.
Of these:
450 were in Stroud
373 were in Gloucester
373 were in Cheltenham
261 were in Tewkesbury
241 were in Cotswold
220 were in Forest of Dean
* Please note these figures are provisional and subject to change. (Source: https://coronavirus.data.gov.uk/ as at 16:00 01/09/2021)
The rate of cases in the last 7 days per 100,000 is 298.9 in Gloucestershire, 378.4 in the South West, and 305.1 in England.
Deaths mentioning COVID19
In week 33 (Saturday 14th August – Friday 20th August) there were 6 deaths mentioning “novel coronavirus (COVID-19)”, which is 6.4% of all deaths, this compares with 1 (1.0% of all deaths) in Week 32.
*Please note these figures are based on all deaths registered by the 28th August they are provisional and will be subject to change. They include deaths that make any mention of COVID-19 on the death certificate. (Source: Weekly provisional figures on deaths occurring and registered in England and Wales by Local Authority)
*Please note the dates above, the ONS weeks run from Saturday- Friday and we are unable to change this.
Deaths in NHS Trusts – 625 (3 new)
Friday 27th August 2021:
Key messages from GCC:
Make staying safe part of your bank holiday plans. With cases of Covid continuing to rise in our county make sure that you have all the essentials for a safe summer bank holiday. Get out in the fresh air or let fresh air indoors if meeting others; take regular rapid tests; and if you haven’t already – get vaccinated!
If you are 16 or 17 years old get your first Covid vaccination. If you have already been invited for your jab please follow the instructions to book an appointment or look out for opportunities to attend a local drop-in clinic. Vaccination centres continue to offer first and second dose vaccinations to everyone over 16 years old.
Long Covid – a message from young people to young people. In a new series of NHS videos, three previously fit and health young people have shared their stories of suffering debilitating long Covid symptoms in a bid to urge young people to get double jabbed.
By law, anyone working or entering a care home (other than family, friends and essential care givers) must have had both doses of the Covid vaccination by 11 November. To meet this deadline they must have booked and received their first dose by September 16 2021. This will allow for the second jab in time for when the regulations come into force.
Get more from your PCR test. It is still a legal requirement for people who have symptoms of COVID-19 to self-isolate and book a PCR test.
Now, everyone aged 18 years and older can have a free antibody test. Antibody test help to improve our understanding of immunity against COVID-19 from vaccination and infection. If your PCR test result is positive you may be selected for antibody testing.
Although no longer a legal requirement, face coverings, social distancing and regular handwashing remain effective ways to help reduce the risk of spreading Covid.
Gloucestershire COVID-19 stats
Cases
In week 34 (Monday 16th August – Sunday 22nd August) there were 2,308 confirmed cases of COVID19.
Of these cases:
492 were in Gloucester
480 were in Cheltenham
480 were in Stroud
302 were in Tewkesbury
283 were in Cotswold
271 were in Forest of Dean
* Please note these figures are provisional and subject to change.
The rate of cases in the last 7 days per 100,000 is 364.0 in Gloucestershire, 484.5 in the South West, and 326.6 in England.
Deaths mentioning COVID19
In week 32 (Saturday 7th August – Friday 13th August) there was 1 death mentioning “novel coronavirus (COVID-19)”, which is 1.1% of all deaths, this compares with 3 (2.4% of all deaths) in Week 31.
*Please note these figures are based on all deaths registered by the 21st August they are provisional and will be subject to change. They include deaths that make any mention of COVID-19 on the death certificate. (Source: Weekly provisional figures on deaths occurring and registered in England and Wales by Local Authority)
Please note the dates above, the ONS weeks run from Saturday- Friday and we are unable to change this.
Deaths in NHS Trusts² – 622 (3 new).
Friday 20th August 2021:
Key messages from GCC
As of Monday (16 August), rules on self-isolation have changed. This means that anyone who has been fully vaccinated (received both Covid jabs), does not have to isolate after being in close contact with someone who has COVID-19. If you are not fully vaccinated, you still need to self-isolate if you are a close contact. However, even if fully vaccinated, you should still isolate if you have tested positive yourself or if you have Covid symptoms.
Around 75% of 18-29 year olds in Gloucestershire have had their first Covid jab. Vaccination sites and drop-in clinics continue to offer first and second doses of the Covid vaccine to everyone aged 18 years and over. If you have already been invited for your jab please follow the instructions to book an appointment or look out for opportunities to attend a local drop-in clinic.
Test regularly and help keep your loved ones safe this summer. You can access your free rapid test by collecting a kit from a local pharmacy to take home, taking a test on-site at a local pharmacy, ordering a test kit online to use at home or picking up kit from our outreach team. Follow our social media accounts to find out where they are each day.
Meeting up with friends and family outside also helps to prevent the spread of Covid as fresh air helps blow the virus particles away. If you do have visitors to your home, open windows and doors to let the fresh air in.
Although no longer a legal requirement, face coverings, social distancing and regular handwashing remain effective ways to help reduce the risk of spreading Covid.
Gloucestershire COVID-19 stats
Cases
In week 33 (Monday 9th August – Sunday 15th August) there were 1,966 confirmed cases of COVID19.
Of these cases:
523 were in Gloucester
410 were in Cheltenham
373 were in Stroud
260 were in Tewkesbury
218 were in Cotswold
182 were in Forest of Dean
* Please note these figures are provisional and subject to change.
The rate of cases in the last 7 days per 100,000 is 302.0 in Gloucestershire, 347.8 in the South West, and 305.7 in England.
Deaths mentioning COVID-19
In week 31 (Saturday 31 July – Friday 6 August) there was 1 deaths mentioning “novel coronavirus (COVID-19)”, which is 0.9% of all deaths, this compares with 0 (0.0% of all deaths) in Week 30
*Please note these figures are based on all deaths registered by the 14 August they are provisional and will be subject to change. They include deaths that make any mention of COVID-19 on the death certificate. (Source: Weekly provisional figures on deaths occurring and registered in England and Wales by Local Authority)
Please note the dates above, the ONS weeks run from Saturday- Friday and we are unable to change this.
Deaths in NHS Trusts – 619 (5 new).
Friday 13th August 2021:
Key messages from GCC:
From Monday, 16 August, rules on self-isolation are changing. This means that anyone who has been fully vaccinated (received both Covid jabs), will not have to isolate after being in close contact with someone who has COVID-19. If you are not fully vaccinated, you will still need to self-isolate if you are a close contact. However, even if fully vaccinated, you should still isolate if you have tested positive yourself or if you have Covid symptoms.
Around 75% of 18-29 year olds in Gloucestershire have had their first Covid jab. Vaccination sites and drop-in clinics continue to offer first and second doses of the Covid vaccine to everyone aged 18 years and over. If you have already been invited for your jab please follow the instructions to book an appointment or look out for opportunities to attend a local drop-in clinic.
Test regularly and help keep your loved ones safe this summer. You can access your free rapid test by collecting a kit from a local pharmacy to take home, taking a test on-site at a local pharmacy, ordering a test kit online to use at home or picking up kit from our outreach team. Follow our social media accounts to find out where they are each day.
Meeting up with friends and family outside also helps to prevent the spread of Covid as fresh air helps blow the virus particles away. If you do have visitors to your home, open windows and doors to let the fresh air in.
Although no longer a legal requirement, face coverings, social distancing and regular handwashing remain effective ways to help reduce the risk of spreading Covid.
Gloucestershire COVID-19 stats
Cases
In week 32 (Monday 2nd July – Sunday 8th August) there were 1853 confirmed cases of COVID19.
Of these cases:
443 were in Cheltenham
454 were in Gloucester
342 were in Stroud
291 were in Tewkesbury
168 were in Cotswold
155 were in Forest of Dean
* Please note these figures are provisional and subject to change.
The rate of cases in the last 7 days per 100,000 is 288 in Gloucestershire, 344.5 in the South West, and 297.1 in England.
Deaths mentioning COVID19
In week 30 (Saturday 24th July – Friday 30th July) there was 0 deaths mentioning “novel coronavirus (COVID-19)”, which is 0.0% of all deaths, this compares with 3 (2.2% of all deaths) in Week 29
*Please note these figures are based on all deaths registered by the 31st July they are provisional and will be subject to change. They include deaths that make any mention of COVID-19 on the death certificate. (Source: Weekly provisional figures on deaths occurring and registered in England and Wales by Local Authority)
Please note the dates above, the ONS weeks run from Saturday- Friday and we are unable to change this.
Deaths in NHS Trusts – 614 (0 new).
Tewkesbury Borough Council Bulletin:
Situation report
•Nationally, there are currently 6,179,506 cases, which are up by 377,945 over the last two weeks.
•In Gloucestershire, there are 1,845cases, an increase of 14 since last reported two weeks ago. The rate per 100,000 is 288.
•In Tewkesbury, there are 289 cases, an increase of 76 since last reported two weeks ago. The rate per 100,000 is 299.
•One person in Gloucestershire has lost their life in the last 14 days, after testing positive for Covid-19.
•18 Gloucestershire Covid-19 patients are in hospital, with 102 patients on virtual wards (home-based care) – 70 of these patients have been fully vaccinated.
Service delivery
•The refresh of both the Covid-19 Corporate Recovery Plan and the Council Plan has been undertaken by the corporate team and will be presented at Executive Committee on 2 September and then onto Council.
•Planning committee site visits have been reinstated.
•The Civic Suite at the Public Services Centre has reopened, but the council is encouraging users to limit the number of external people who use them for the time being.
•There are concerns about the national driver shortage and how this could affect our waste and recycling service. Ubico has a business continuity plan in place and it has coped very well so far, in comparison to similar service providers around the country.
Environmental health:
•Officers are continuing to see outbreaks in businesses and the team is providing them with support and advice on containment and covid-safety.
•The team is very busy with business as usual and is seeing an increasing number of general complaints and reports about a variety of issues.
•Lots of businesses are retaining covid-secure measures and have received a letter of support in doing this, co-signed by the county council’s director of public health and Tewkesbury Borough Council’s head of community services.
•CPOs are actively promoting and supporting business with updated signage.
High street recovery:
•Work is underway to begin promoting the Welcome Back Fund. The fund will help us to create and promote a safe environment for local trade and tourism.
•The High Street Recovery action plan has been approved.
Community
•Holiday Activities Fund: the activities and food parcels organised by Young Gloucestershire are open for bookings for young people across Tewkesbury Borough on free school meals at https://www.youngglos.org.uk/school-community/holiday-activities.
•Holiday Hunger/Summer Grants scheme: Gloucestershire County Council have allocated Tewkesbury Borough Council £70,000 to set up a summer grants scheme to provide food and fuel vouchers for vulnerable families with children under 5 years of age.
Business
•The team continues to receive high numbers of Test and Trace support payment applications and are working through these as quickly as possible. •All current grant schemes are now closed, with emphasis now on the post grant assurance framework.
Friday 6th August 2021:
Key messages from GCC:
Getting both doses of the COVID-19 vaccination is still our best chance of protecting ourselves from the most severe symptoms of COVID-19 and those people who are most at risk from the virus. Vaccination sites continue to offer first and second doses of the Covid vaccine to everyone aged 18 years and over. If you have already been invited for your jab please follow the instructions to book an appointment or look out for opportunities to attend a local drop-in clinic
Around three in four (75 per cent) 18-29 year olds in Gloucestershire have already had their first Covid jab. Mr Noel Peter, Consultant in Trauma and Orthopaedics at Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, explains why younger people should get the jab, even if they think they are at lower risk from the virus.
The NHS in Gloucestershire would like to reassure people aged 16 and 17 that they will receive an invite from local NHS services to book in for their vaccination soon, there is no need for them to contact their GP surgery at this time. This follows the announcement from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) that 16 and 17 year olds will be eligible for a first dose of Pfizer.
There is new mandatory vaccination for care home staff guidance published by the Government. We are currently working through this guidance for local implementation.
Covid is still with us and you could be passing it on without knowing. Testing twice-weekly if you don’t have symptoms helps to protect others around you. Collect your free rapid test from one of over 100 pharmacies county-wide; take a test on-site at your local pharmacy; order a test kit online to use at home. Pick up kit from our outreach team – follow our social media accounts to find out where they are each day.
Secondary school pupils who have been testing regularly whilst at school are encouraged to keep going throughout the summer holidays.
The test, trace and isolate steps will continue to play an important role in managing the virus and reduce the risk of it mutating and new variants developing. It remains a legal requirement, to self-isolate if you are Covid positive and until at least 16 August, for all contacts of a positive case to isolate. If you are a close contact of someone who has tested positive for Covid you are still encourage to get a PCR test.
The public is being urged to continue to use the NHS COVID-19 app to ‘check in’ as changes made from Monday 2 August will result in fewer contacts being advised to self-isolate following a close contact with a positive case.
Meeting up with friends and family outside will also help to prevent the spread of Covid as fresh air helps blow the virus particles away. If you do stay at home open windows and doors to let the fresh air in.
Although no longer a legal requirement, face coverings, social distancing and regular handwashing remain effective ways to help reduce the risk of spreading Covid.
Gloucestershire COVID-19 stats
Cases in week 31 (Monday 26th July – Sunday 1st August) there were 1621 confirmed cases of COVID19.
Of these cases:
395 were in Cheltenham
383 were in Gloucester
306 were in Stroud
233 were in Tewkesbury
158 were in Cotswold
146 were in Forest of Dean
The rate of cases in the last 7 days per 100,000 is 253.2 in Gloucestershire, 307.1 in the South West, and 280.4 in England.
Deaths mentioning COVID19
In week 29 (Saturday 17th July – Friday 23rd July) there was 2 deaths mentioning “novel coronavirus (COVID-19)”, which is 1.06% of all deaths, this compares with 1 (0.9% of all deaths) in Week 28
*Please note these figures are based on all deaths registered by the 31st July they are provisional and will be subject to change. They include deaths that make any mention of COVID-19 on the death certificate. (Source: Weekly provisional figures on deaths occurring and registered in England and Wales by Local Authority)
Please note the dates above, the ONS weeks run from Saturday- Friday and we are unable to change this.
Deaths in NHS Trusts – 614 (1 new).
In the week ending the 30th July there were 0 deaths from COVID19 in care homes this was in line with the previous 18 weeks when the CQC data showed 0 deaths mentioning COVID19.
Friday 30th July 2021:
Key messages from GCC:
Getting both doses of the COVID-19 vaccination is still our best chance of protecting ourselves from the most severe symptoms of COVID-19 and those people who are most at risk from the virus.
Rapid testing is still really important to help slow the spread of infection. Twice-weekly testing gives you the best chance of stopping Covid in it’s tracks. More than 100 pharmacies across the county are set up as collection points for FREE rapid COVID-19 tests. You can also visit a local pharmacy to take a test on site.
Secondary school pupils who have been testing regularly whilst at school are encouraged to keep going throughout the summer holidays. Testing regularly even though you have no symptoms is an important way to control the virus.
If you can’t meet friends and family outside, remember to open windows and doors to let plenty of fresh air in.
Ill or injured, but not life threatening? Visit NHS 111 or call 111. The 111 phone service can book you into the right NHS service for you e.g. a number of community minor injury & illness units across Glos are open ‘til 8pm
The test, trace and isolate steps will continue to play an important role in managing the virus and reduce the risk of it mutating and new variants developing.
It remains a legal requirement, to self-isolate if you are Covid positive and until at least 16 August, for all contacts of a positive case to isolate. If you
are a close contact of someone who has tested positive for Covid you are still encourage to get a PCR test.
Although no longer a legal requirement, face coverings, social distancing and regular handwashing remain effective ways to help reduce the risk of spreading Covid
Gloucestershire COVID-19 stats:
Cases
In week 30 (Monday 19th July – Sunday 25th July) there were 1758 confirmed cases of COVID19.
Of these cases:
473 were in Gloucester
365 were in Stroud
320 were in Cheltenham
205 were in Forest of Dean
201 were in Tewkesbury
194 were in Cotswold
The rate of cases in the last 7 days per 100,000 is 289.7 in Gloucestershire, 360.6 in the South West, and 370.9 in England.
Deaths mentioning COVID19
In week 28 (Saturday 10th July – Friday 16th July) there was 0 death mentioning “novel coronavirus (COVID-19)”, which is 0.0% of all deaths, this compares with 1 (0.9% of all deaths) in Week 27
*Please note these figures are based on all deaths registered by the 24th July they are provisional and will be subject to change. They include deaths that make any mention of COVID-19 on the death certificate. (Source: Weekly provisional figures on deaths occurring and registered in England and Wales by Local Authority)
*Please the dates above, the ONS weeks run from Saturday- Friday and we are unable to change this.
Deaths in NHS Trusts – 613 (1 new).
Tewkesbury Borough Council Bulletin:
Situation report:
•Nationally, there are currently 5,801,561 cases.
•In Gloucestershire, there are 1,850 cases, an increase of 221 since last reported two weeks ago. The rate per 100,000 is 291.8.
•In Tewkesbury, there are 213 cases, a decrease of 30 since last reported two weeks ago. The rate per 100,000 is 224.2.
•The R-rate for Gloucestershire is between 1.3 and1.5.
•Vaccinations: 87.7% of people over 16 years old have been double vaccinated –this is the highest in the southwest. The number of cases is lower in age groups that are fully vaccinated.
•There have been some reports of vaccine fraud. These include using other people’s ID to get vaccinated and offering vaccination staff bribes for early vaccinations. It is thought this is due to people wanting to go on holiday over the summer.
Service delivery:
Environmental health: •There are still some outbreaks in businesses. Occasionally, this results in a business having to temporarily close due to insufficient staffing. The environmental health team is assisting businesses with outbreaks.
•Enquiries and complaints regarding Covid have reduced. Many businesses are continuing to practice Covid-safety measures.
•Events remain a priority for the team–they are working with organisers to ensure appropriate safety measures are being planned.
•A reminder letter from the Director of Public Health has been distributed to all businesses to ask them to remain cautious now that safety guidance has been lifted.
High street recovery:
•The Welcome Back Fund, which acts as an extension to the Reopening High Streets Safely Fund and will help us to create and promote a safe environment for local trade and tourism, was signed off by the government on Wednesday.
•The first quarterly claim to the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) was submitted this week to allow us access to funding.
Community:
Holiday Activities Fund:the activities and food parcels organised by Young Gloucestershire are now open for bookings for young people across Tewkesbury Borough on free school meals at https://www.youngglos.org.uk/school-community/holiday-activities
Holiday Hunger/Summer Grantsscheme:GloucestershireCounty Council have allocated Tewkesbury Borough Council£70,000 to set up a summer grants scheme to provide food and fuel vouchers for vulnerable families with children under 5 years of age.
After a brief increase in the number of people requesting support through the Help Hub, requests have once again slowed down.
We have helped several organisations across the borough with successful applications to Gloucestershire County Council’s Covid Prevention Grants scheme. These funds are paid from the Contain Outbreak Management Fund and each organisation will receive approx. £20k.
WAM Youth Funding will be used to employ a male staff member for one year to help recruit and manage more male mentors and clear the backlog of 10-15 young people waiting to be referred. Usually,it takes six months for a young person to be referred and matched with a mentor.£19,770.00
Priors Park Neighbourhood ProjectFunding will be used to continue the delivery of projects or to meet demand of increased activity. Such costs will include admin support and Project Co-ordinator/Project Facilitator costs. Creative workshop materials.Projects include: PPNP Pantry, PPNP Portal, room hire, delivery of monthly meals to older and isolated people, contribution to staff welfare programmes, vehicle running costs but not purchase of vehicles, incidental damage to vehicles, tip runs, collections, deliveries of surplus food and non-food items.£19,920.00
Roses Theatre Trust Funding will support the Roses to restart and expand in-house activities for vulnerable groups following Covid-safety regulations. These include: establishing weekly daytime creative sessions for older and isolated groups. Restarting Roses Bingo and increase sessions to twice a week. The Roses works with Age UK and related community groups to reach isolated elderly. This group was a social lifeline to single elderly people pre-Covid. It was unable to continue due to the majority of users being digitally isolated. Re-establishing weekly visiting groups.£17,814.00. Supporting the Roses to establish a partnership with Inclusion Gloucestershire and to set up a weekly creative drop-in for disabled people in Tewkesbury.
Brockworth Link Continue fundraising to support the charity and provide the services needed. Funding will be used to enable Brockworth Link to continue supporting the community. Inclusive workshops designed to tackle and address the challenges that the Covid pandemic has exacerbated within the community. Workshops will provide support for those within the community who were already suffering from varied physical and emotional health issues such as isolation and anxiety, panic attacks, drug and alcohol abuse, fractured family units, disrupted school learning, domestic violence and thoughts and attempts of suicide. £18,961.00
GL3 Community Hub Funding will allow the community hub to provide free room hire to the many charities supporting our community (inclusive of utilities). The salary will allow the General Manager to develop new services, train more volunteers and provide more structured support to those most in need. This will include advertising, marketing, obtaining providers, facilities, Covid risk assessments, support to small charities for governance and policies.£19,680.00
The Coopers Edge Trust – increased home working has increased isolation and reduced community interaction.The trust will set up a work-from-home space in the community centre, offering residents an escape from isolation and increasing community interaction. The trust will transition to a subscription model when funding is gone if this service is still required.£20,000
Business:
•The application window for the Extended Restrictions Grant closed on Sunday, 25 July. We received a low number of applications despite targeted communications to eligible businesses. The total number of applications was 105 and we hope to make payments to successful applicants shortly.
•We continue to receive high numbers of Test and Trace support payment applications, although these have decreased slightly now that schools have broken up for the summer. We have received 27 applications over the last week.
Friday 23rd July 2021:
Key messages from GCC:
It’s important to remember that Step 4 is the next phase in the Government’s roadmap, but it’s not the last in overcoming Covid. Cases continue to rise across the county and people are encouraged to move forward but with caution.
Getting both doses of the COVID-19 vaccination is still our best chance of protecting ourselves from the most severe symptoms and those people who are most at risk from the virus. There are lots of drop-in clinics taking place across the county and a new dedicated webpage has been set up to share details of the next available clinics.
The Rapid Testing Team have been out and about in the county this week handing out kits and talking to people about the importance of regulars rapid testing to help stop Covid in it’s tracks. You can find out where they are each day via the council’s social media feeds.
You can also pick up rapid test kit from more than 100 pharmacies county-wide with many now offering on-site testing – this is especially good for people who have never done a rapid test using a Lateral Flow Device (LFD) before.
It remains a legal requirement, to self-isolate if you are Covid positive and until at least 16 August, for all contacts of a positive case to isolate. If you are a close contact of someone who has tested positive for Covid, you are still encouraged to get a PCR test.
Although no longer a legal requirement, face coverings, social distancing alongside regular handwashing and increase ventilation remain effective ways to help reduce the risk of spreading Covid.
As an organisation, we will be gradually bringing staff back into our buildings and will continue to ask them and visitors to wear a face covering when moving around. We will also continue with social distancing for the comfort and safety of everyone. We will also continue to ask visitors to check in’ using the NHS App.
Gloucestershire COVID-19 stats
Cases in week 29 (Monday 12th July – Sunday 18th July) there were 2577 confirmed cases of COVID19. Of these cases:
647 were in Gloucester
518 were in Stroud
408 were in Cheltenham
404 were in Forest of Dean
302 were in Tewkesbury
298 were in Cotswold
* Please note these figures are provisional and subject to change.
The rate of cases in the last 7 days per 100,000 is 395.8 in Gloucestershire, 504.2 in the South West, and 517.9 in England.
Deaths mentioning COVID19
In week 27 (Saturday 3rd June – Friday 9th July) there was 1 death mentioning “novel coronavirus (COVID-19)”, which is 0.9% of all deaths, this compares with 0 (0.0% of all deaths) in Week 26
*Please note these figures are based on all deaths registered by the 17th July they are provisional and will be subject to change. They include deaths that make any mention of COVID-19 on the death certificate. (Source: Weekly provisional figures on deaths occurring and registered in England and Wales by Local Authority)
*Please the dates above, the ONS weeks run from Saturday- Friday and we are unable to change this.
Deaths in NHS Trusts – 613 (1 new).
Friday 16th July 2021:
Key messages from GCC:
On Monday, the Prime Minister confirmed plans to move into Step 4 of the roadmap on July 19th, which removes legal restrictions around face coverings, social distancing and working from home. Step 4 is not the last step in overcoming Covid and as cases are still increasing it’s right and encouraged for people to move forward with caution.
Getting both doses of the COVID-19 vaccination is still our best chance of protecting ourselves from the most severe symptoms and those people who are most at risk from the virus.
Rapid testing is still really important to help slow the spread of infection as society opens up. Twice-weekly rapid tests give you the best chance of stopping Covid in it’s tracks. It also gives you reassurance that you are still doing everything you can to prevent passing the virus on to those you care about.
The test, trace and isolate steps will continue to play an important role in managing the virus and reduce the risk of the virus mutating and new variants developing.
It remains a legal requirement, to self-isolate if you are Covid positive and until at least 16 August, for all contacts of a positive case to isolate. If you are a close contact of someone who has tested positive for Covid, you are still encouraged to get a PCR test.
Although no longer a legal requirement from 19th July, face coverings, social distancing and regular handwashing remain effective ways to help reduce the risk of spreading Covid. Many businesses and residents will choose to continue with some or all of these measures.
As an organisation, we will be gradually bringing staff back into our buildings and will continue to ask them and visitors to wear a face covering when moving around. We will also continue with social distancing for the comfort and safety of everyone. We will also continue to ask visitors to check in’ using the NHS App.
Gloucestershire COVID-19 stats
Cases
In week 28 (Monday 5th July – Sunday 11th July) there were 1673 confirmed cases of COVID19.
Of these cases:
431 were in Gloucester
331 were in Cheltenham
246 were in Forest of Dean
238 were in Tewkesbury
218 were in Stroud
209 were in Cotswold
* Please note these figures are provisional and subject to change.
The rate of cases in the last 7 days per 100,000 is 255.7 in Gloucestershire, 279.5 in the South West, and 343.5 in England9.
Deaths mentioning COVID19
Deaths mentioning COVID19
In week 26 (Saturday 26th June – Friday 2nd July) there was 0 deaths mentioning “novel coronavirus (COVID-19)”, which is 0.0% of all deaths, this compares with 0 (0.0% of all deaths) in Week 25
*Please note these figures are based on all deaths registered by the 10th July they are provisional and will be subject to change. They include deaths that make any mention of COVID-19 on the death certificate. (Source: Weekly provisional figures on deaths occurring and registered in England and Wales by Local Authority)
*Please note these figures are based on all deaths registered by the 3rd July they are provisional and will be subject to change. They include deaths that make any mention of COVID-19 on the death certificate. (Source: Weekly provisional figures on deaths occurring and registered in England and Wales by Local Authority)
*Please the dates above, the ONS weeks run from Saturday- Friday and we are unable to change this.
Deaths in NHS Trusts² – 612 (0 new).
Tewkesbury Borough Council Bulletin
Situation report:
Cases are continuing to rise. Nationally, there are 5,281,098 cases, an increase of 452,000since last reported two weeks ago.
Across the country, 63 people have lost their lives in the last 24 hours, and 257 have lost their lives in the last seven days.
In Gloucestershire, there are 1,638 cases, an increase of 484 since last reported two weeks ago.
In Tewkesbury, there are 243 cases, a decrease of 12 since last reported two weeks ago.
The R-rate for the southwest is between 1.3 –1.6amongst the highest in the country.
Vaccinations: 46,097,464 people have received their first vaccination and 35,341,428 people have also received their second vaccination. Service delivery
Property and asset management:
In line with the lifting of government restrictions, the Public Services Centre will reopen to the public on Monday, 19 July and a limited number of officers will return to work in the building each day. To maintain a safe environment in the building, customers will be encouraged to book appointments for face-to-face meetings with officers rather than dropping in. However, managers will ensure that teams are sufficiently staffed on-site to ensure that any drop-ins can still be seen.
Communications:
In anticipation of the reopening of the Public Services Centre, messages have been added to our website and social media channels to encourage customers to book appointments.
Growth Hub:
The Growth Hub will be open from next week. Appointments will be available for booking after the first few days.
High street recovery:
High Streets Heritage Action Zone for Tewkesbury High Street has now launched, and the webpages are live. Ullin Jodah-McStea, the full-time Programme Manager for the scheme, is now in post.
A grant action plan for the Welcome Back Fund -which acts as an extension to the Reopening High Streets Safely Fund and helps us to create and promote a safe environment for local trade and tourism -has been submitted to the Government for approval –we are still awaiting sign-off on this.
The barriers on Tewkesbury High Street will be removed in the evening on Monday,19 July and the area will benefit from a deep clean by GCC Highways and Ubico.
Community:
The number of people requesting support through the Help Hub is rising slightly elsewhere in the county but remains low in Tewkesbury Borough.
Holiday Activities Fund: borough-wide activity schemes organised by Young Gloucestershire are now open for bookings for young people on free school meals. Further COMF(Covid Outbreak Management Fund) funding has created extra spaces for young people not on free school meals -booking for these spaces will be available from next week.
Gloucestershire County Council have allocated a further £50k per district to develop a summer grants scheme for vulnerable families who need assistance with food and fuel. Further dialogue regarding how to manage this scheme will take place shortly.
Applications for the small community grants scheme are coming in steadily at a rate of two-to-three per week.
A workshop designed to inform community groups of the best way to crowd-fund their projects was held last week. Positive feedback was received from the 20 groups that attended.
Business:
A new Additional Restrictions Grant was launched on 7 July –applications will run until 25 July. Despite a targeted email sent to potentially eligible applicants, the uptake has been disappointing and so the team have been ringing businesses to encourage them to apply. By the end of play on 15 July, we had received 55 applications.
We are continuing to receive Test and Trace Support payment applications in large numbers. We have had 221 applications since the start of June
Friday 9th July 2021:
Key messages from GCC:
Subject to confirmation next Monday 12 July, England will move into Step 4 of the Government’s roadmap on Monday 19 July. This means we will move away from legal restrictions including: limits on numbers of people who can meet up indoors and outside, wearing face coverings and social distancing.
Test and trace will continue and people will still need to isolate if they test positive – with some contact isolation, such as in schools set to stop. Contingency plans will remain in place in case there are changes to the situation, for example during the winter months.
Making sure you have had both COVID-19 vaccinations is crucial. Vaccines have saved thousands of lives and continue to prove effective against variants such as Delta. Vaccinations are being offered to all over 18s in England. The interval for second jabs for the over 40s has already been reduced from 12 to eight weeks and following the Prime Minister’s announcement this week, under 40s will also have their jab brought forward, with booster vaccinations set to be rolled out to the most vulnerable. Your GP will be in touch as soon as it’s your turn.
The Department for Transport has announced that whilst the red travel list will remain those who are double vaccinated will not have to isolate on return from countries on the amber list.
A new walk-through coronavirus (COVID-19) testing facility has opened for those with symptoms to book appointments at Coronation Square, Edinburgh Place (GL51 7RG) in Cheltenham, as part of the government’s drive to continue to improve the accessibility of COVID-19 testing for local communities. The new site is situated so it is easily accessible without a car. Anyone with one or more of these symptoms should book a test at uk/coronavirus or by calling 119. The government is committed to making it even easier to get tested and to reducing the time it takes to receive test results.
Free, twice-weekly rapid testing is available to everyone without symptoms. Getting tested even though you have no symptoms will be critical to control the virus as society reopens, including the spread of variants. Many more pharmacies in the county are offering on-site testing, which is especially good for people who haven’t taken a rapid test before or want some support to do it. All locations, including kit collection points can be found on the NHS Finder Map.
Washing your hands, keep your distance and wearing a face covering in busy areas are still the best ways of protecting yourself and others from catching and spreading COVID-19.
Gloucestershire COVID-19 stats
Cases
In week 26 (Monday 28th June- Sunday 4th July) there were 1490 confirmed cases of COVID19.
Of these cases:
445 were in Gloucester
290 were in Cheltenham
254 were in Stroud
248 were in Tewkesbury
149 were in Cotswold
104 were in Forest of Dean
* Please note these figures are provisional and subject to change.
The rate of cases in the last 7 days per 100,000 is 226.0 in Gloucestershire, 190.3 in the South West, and 245.0 in England9.
Deaths mentioning COVID19
In week 25 (Saturday 19th June – Friday 25th June) there was 0 deaths mentioning “novel coronavirus (COVID-19)”, which is 0.0% of all deaths, this compares with 1 (1.0% of all deaths) in Week 24
*Please note these figures are based on all deaths registered by the 3rd July they are provisional and will be subject to change. They include deaths that make any mention of COVID-19 on the death certificate. (Source: Weekly provisional figures on deaths occurring and registered in England and Wales by Local Authority)
*Please the dates above, the ONS weeks run from Saturday- Friday and we are unable to change this.
Deaths in NHS Trusts² – 612 (0 new).
Deaths in Care Homes: 406 (0 new)
Friday 2nd July 2021:
Key messages from GCC:
As expected, as lockdown restrictions have been eased and people have started to mix more, so has Covid. Cases are going up across the country – with some areas, including Gloucestershire, seeing more rapid growth. The majority of cases in the county are in younger people aged 10-29 years old – mostly as a result of community transmission – but we are seeing outbreaks in schools and places of work which are being well managed.
To date, we have seen relatively low rates in Gloucestershire and across the south west. This is good news but it could also explain why our cases are rising more quickly than in some other areas with less people having gained a level of immunity from some exposure to the virus. Add to that, we are testing more people than ever before!
Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself and others. All adults aged over 18 years can now get a their vaccine, with the second dose for over 40s being accelerated from 12 to eight weeks in between. One dose of the vaccine offers good levels of protection, but to get maximum protection everyone must get a second dose.
Three local GP-led vaccination sites are holding an additional ‘drop-in’ service this weekend in the Stroud, Cirencester and Gloucester areas – for anyone over the age of 18 who has yet to take up the offer of their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
Everyone must continue with regular rapid COVID-19 testing, even if they have been vaccinated.
Anyone with symptoms should self-isolate immediately and get tested – there is help and support available for things such as self-isolation payments. If you have been told to stay at home and self-isolate because you are a close contact of someone who has tested positive for Covid you should now get a PCR test – even if you don’t have symptoms. You must continue to self-isolate for the full ten days even if your PCR result is negative!
And remember to:
– Wash your hands well and often
– Wear a face covering where required
– Keep your distance (remember the two metre rule)
– Get out in the fresh air or if you are staying inside let lots of fresh air in
– Limit how many people you meet up with – stick to six or two households inside and up to 30 outside – still remembering that two metre rule!
Gloucestershire COVID-19 stats
Cases
In week 26 (Monday 21st June – Sunday 27thJune) there were 1186 confirmed cases of COVID19.
Of these cases:
347 were in Gloucester
303 were in Cheltenham
259 were in Tewkesbury
122 were in Stroud
99 were in Cotswold
56 were in Forest of Dean
* Please note these figures are provisional and subject to change.
The rate of cases in the last 7 days per 100,000 is 178.3 in Gloucestershire, 127.5 in the South West, and 158.2 in England.
Deaths mentioning COVID19
In week 24 (Saturday 12th June – Friday 18th June) there was 1 death mentioning “novel coronavirus (COVID-19)”, which is 1.0% of all deaths, this compares with 0 (0.0% of all deaths) in Week 23
*Please note these figures are based on all deaths registered by the 26th June they are provisional and will be subject to change. They include deaths that make any mention of COVID-19 on the death certificate. (Source: Weekly provisional figures on deaths occurring and registered in England and Wales by Local Authority)
Please note the dates above, the ONS weeks run from Saturday- Friday and we are unable to change this.
*Please the dates above, the ONS weeks run from Saturday- Friday and we are unable to change this.
Deaths in NHS Trusts² – 612 (0 new).
Tewkesbury Borough Council: Situation report: • Cases are continuing to rise locally. Nationally, the rate per 100k is 169. In Gloucestershire, the rate per 100k is 181. • The R-rate for the south west is between 1.3 – 1.7. Nationally, it is 1.2 – 1.4. • There has been a sharp rise in cases in Tewkesbury Borough – the rate for the borough is 268 per 100k (an increase of 119% between 18 – 24 June). • The highest case rate in the county is in Tewkesbury West and Twyning (at Middle Super Output Area (MSOA) level) – the area currently has 59 cases and a rate per 100k of 515.4. • Despite the significant increase in number of cases in the last 21 days, there are low numbers in hospital and intensive care, as of 28 June there were 14 admitted patients. • Vaccinations: 84.8% of all adults in the county have received their first vaccination and 93.6% of JVC groups 1-9.
Service delivery:
High street recovery:
•Tewkesbury High Streets Heritage Action Zone officially launched this week. A press release has been issued to promote this.
•An action plan for the Welcome Back Fund -which acts as an extension to the Reopening High Streets Safely Fund and helps us to create and promote a safe environment for local trade and tourism -has been submitted to the Government for approval –we are still awaiting sign-off on this.
•We are continuing to promote the ‘Let’s Spring Back’ campaign –which encourages people to return to the borough’s high streets and shop locally. Three videos have been produced to promote local high streets on social media–the first of which was shared yesterday about Winchcombe retailers welcoming customers back safely. A new campaign, which will continue the ‘shop local’ message over the summer, will be launched in the next month.
Property and asset management:
•The property team is preparing to reopen the Public Services Centre to the public –this will be by appointment-only. This will be communicated and promoted in due course and is, of course, subject to any government restrictions.
Environmental health:
•The environmental health team is still very busy with business as usual and an increasing number of local covid outbreaks in business settings.
•Enquiries relating to events, including Temporary Event Notices, are still high. However, good liaison with organisers through the Safety Advisory Group is helping to ensure these events are held in a safe manner and include covid-safety measures to reduce transmission.
•The Community Safety team are supporting three community events with Gloucestershire Constabulary and Infobuzz on Monday and Tuesday next week using the police bus. They will be at: Bishop’s Cleeve on Monday,5 July (morning). Northway on Tuesday,6July(morning). Twyning Tuesday, 6 July (afternoon).
•Additional resource is being sought for our licensing service which is still impacted by long term sickness.
Internal audit:
•One member of the team has now returned to internal audit from the business cell. This team member will lay the foundations for the recovery of the team’s work. This will initially include a review of the suite of internal audit recommendations and will agree new implementation dates with managers, re-instigate the quarterly meeting with key members, and conduct a review of the team’s workplan and quality assurance and improvement plan.
Community:
•The number of people requesting support through the Help Hub remains very low.
•Holiday Activities Fund:Young Gloucestershire is in the process of confirming activity across the borough for young people on free school meals. Food will be provided as well as activity across four weeks during the summer. Young Gloucestershirehas confirmed activity in Tewkesbury, Northway, Bishop’s Cleeve, Churchdown and Winchcombe–it is in the process of confirming activity in Brockworth. Food parcels will be provided for those who can’t take part in the activities.
•The council’s Capital Grants Panel has met and awarded grants (further details for members will be provided shortly). Many of these grants are influenced by Covid 19.•Applications for the council’s Covid-19 Community Grants scheme continue to be submitted.
Business
•Restart Grant applications closed on 30 June 2021. TBC have paid out over £3.8m in total.
•The new Additional Restrictions Grant (covering the four-week delay in Stage 4 of the government’s road map) launches on 7 July and ends on 25 July.This scheme will target businesses that either can still not open under Stage 3 of the roadmap, or those which are open but remain severely financially impacted. A press release has been issued to promote this.
•Test and Trace Support payment applications have increased over the last couple of weeks due to the rising number of cases in our borough and the high number of children sent home from school to self-isolate.We have had 66 claims in the last sevendays and lots of queries throughemail and customer services.The customer services team isworking with us to help manage this increased level of contact.
Friday 25th June 2021:
Key messages
Whilst, thankfully, the number of Gloucestershire residents getting really ill or sadly dying from Covid is now much lower, the numbers of infections across the county is going up. Now is not the time to take our foot off the pedal – we must keep working together to keep cases down so that we can move to a more normal way of life as soon as possible
Continue to work from home where you can, stick to meeting outdoors in the fresh air whenever possible (up to 30 people), limit the number of people you meet with indoors (up to six people or two households), wash your hands regularly, wear a face covering where necessary and continue to social distance.
Get both doses of your COVID-19 vaccination when invited. Vaccines are the best way to protect people from coronavirus and have saved thousands of lives. Vaccinated people are far less likely to get Covid with symptoms and are even more unlikely to get serious COVID-19, to be admitted to hospital, or to die from it. One dose of the vaccine offer good levels of protection, but to get maximum protection everyone must get a second dose.
All adults aged over 18 years are now eligible for their Covid vaccination. Second doses for all over 40s have been accelerated by reducing the time between doses from 12 weeks to 8 weeks. When it’s your turn, you will be invited by your GP – there is no need to contact your doctor or go out of county for your jab.
New analysis by Public Health England (PHE) shows for the first time that two doses of COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective against hospitalisation from the Delta variant. The analysis suggests the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is 96 per cent effective and the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine is 92 per cent effective against hospitalisation after both doses.
Get your free, rapid COVID-19 test. Rapid tests are for people with no symptoms – they can help us detect cases of Covid that we might not otherwise know about, so that quick action can be taken to prevent the virus spreading There are more than 100 pharmacies county-wide where you can pick up your free rapid tests to use at home. Some pharmacies have now come on board to offer on site testing too – on site testing is good for people who want to get used to taking the tests first before they do it at home.
If you have been told to stay at home and self-isolate because you are a close contact of someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 you should now get a PCR test – even if you don’t have symptoms. You must continue to self-isolate for the full ten days even if your PCR result is negative!
Gloucestershire COVID-19 stats
Cases
In week 25 (Monday 14th June – Sunday 20th June) there were 642 confirmed cases of COVID19.
Of these cases:
195 were in Gloucester
161 were in Tewkesbury
92 were in Stroud
74 were in Cotswold
73 were in Cheltenham
47 were in Forest of Dean
The rate of cases in the last 7 days per 100,000 is 113.8 in Gloucestershire, 88.9 in the South West, and 100.4 in England9.
Deaths mentioning COVID19
In week 23 (Saturday 5th June – Friday 11th June) there were 0 deaths mentioning “novel coronavirus (COVID-19)”, which is 0.0% of all deaths, this compares with 0 (0.0% of all deaths) in Week 22
Friday 18th June 2021:
Key messages
On Monday 14 June, Government announced that plans to further unlock restrictions will be paused for four weeks. This means that the majority of the current restrictions will remain in place until 19 July, including: social distancing; working from home where you can; and limits on the numbers of people who can meet indoors (up to six people or two households) or up to 30 people outdoors. There will be some exceptions to the current rules.
By the end of this week, all adults aged over 18 years will be eligible for their Covid vaccination. At the same time, following the national announcement people over the age of 40 should have their second dose brought forward from 12 to 8 weeks. When it’s your turn, you will be invited by your GP – there is no need to contact your doctor or go out of county for your jab.
You can collect your free, rapid COVID-19 test kits from one of five libraries located in and around Gloucester City. The libraries include: Gloucester City, Hucclecote, Longlevens, Churchdown and Quedgeley. Please check opening hours as these will vary between each site. There are also more than 100 pharmacies county-wide where you can pick up your free rapid tests, with some pharmacies starting to come on board to offer onsite testing.
Self isolate, this means not going to school, work or to the shops, and book a Covid test, if you have any of the main Covid symptoms. These are: a high temperature, a new and continuous cough or a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste. If you have been told to stay at home and self-isolate because you are a close contact of someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 you should now get a PCR test – even if you don’t have symptoms. You must continue to self-isolate for the full ten days even if your PCR result is negative
Hands, face and fresh air are still important steps to take to keep each other safe. EVEN IF you have had both jabs, you should still follow these rule.
Gloucestershire COVID-19 stats:
Cases
In week 24 (Monday 7th June – Sunday 13th June) there were 401 confirmed cases of COVID19.
Of these cases:
110 were in Gloucester
108 were in Cheltenham
76 were in Tewkesbury
46 were in Stroud
32 were in Forest of Dean
29 were in Cotswold
The rate of cases in the last 7 days per 100,000 is 57.3 in Gloucestershire, 46.3 in the South West, and 74.7 in England9.
Deaths mentioning COVID19
In week 22 (Saturday 29th – Friday 4th June) there were 0 deaths mentioning “novel coronavirus (COVID-19)”, which is 0.0% of all deaths, this compares with 0 (0.0% of all deaths) in Week 21
Tewkesbury Borough Council:
Situation report
•Cases are continuing to rise. In Gloucestershire, the rate per 100k is 54. Nearly all cases are of the Delta variant, and many of those infected are 18 –24-year-olds who have not been vaccinated.
•The virus is not currently causing operational issues in the NHS in Gloucestershire; at present, no patients are in intensive care beds. However, the NHS is preparing to be ready for a possible third wave in early autumn..
•735,000 vaccinations have been administered in Gloucestershire and over 18s are currently being offered the vaccine.
Service delivery
High street recovery:
•We are continuing to promote the ‘Let’s Spring Back’ campaign –which encourages people to return to the borough’s high streets and shop locally –including regular social media posts, and adverts and editorial content in local publications. A new campaign, which will continue the ‘shop local’ message over the summer, will be launched in the next month.
•An action plan for the Welcome Back Fund–which acts as an extension to the Reopening High Streets Safely Fund and helps us to create and promote a safe environment for local trade and tourism-has been submitted to the Government for approval.
Property and asset management:
•Members of the public who wish to attend the in-person Planning Committee and Council meetings next Tuesday, 22 June are required to register online–places can be booked via our website. This message has also been promoted on our social media channels.
Community:
•The number of people requesting support through the Help Hub remains very low.
•Young Gloucestershire is leading on the creation of a Holiday Activities Fund. This will provide holiday activities and food for young people on free school meals throughout the summer holidays.
Business:
•Restart Grant applications are slowing down. We have paid out a total of £3,806,700 to 498 businesses.
•We will be looking into designing a new Additional Restrictions Grant to help those businesses most affected by the extension to the restrictions past 21 June.
•Self-isolation payment applications have increased as Covid rates rise across the borough. In the last week alone,we have received 17 applications
Friday 11th June 2021:
Key messages
We’re making good progress in our fight against COVID-19 but the recent increase in cases both locally and elsewhere in the country proves that it hasn’t gone away.
Understandably, news of new variants, raises concern within communities, but the advice remains the same to make sure we keep protecting ourselves and our loved ones:
Wash your hands well and often
Wear a face covering where required
Keep your distance
And if you’re meeting others indoors, make sure you’re letting in lots of fresh air
If you think you have any of the symptoms, isolate straight away, get a PCR test as soon as possible and give as much information as possible to the NHS Track and Trace Team
It’s also crucial that we get tested regularly because as we mix more, Covid could be doing the same. Rapid testing is for people with no symptoms, it is free, quick and convenient. You can now collect your test kits from more than 100 community pharmacies across the county. ALWAYS remember to record your results – positive or negative!
In light of the increased number of COVID-19 cases specifically in and around the Barton and Tredworth area of Gloucester, the Testing Outreach Team will be in the area handing out test kits every day this week, between 10-12 and 2-4.
People aged 25-29 years old are now being invited to get their first COVID-19 vaccination.
The way you access your Covid vaccine in Gloucestershire is slightly differently to most parts of the country. If you are eligible and haven’t already been contacted, your local GP will be in touch soon – you do not need to contact the surgery or go out of county for your appointment. Once invited you can book a slot at one of the county’s 10 vaccination centres – note these centres don’t appear on the national system
The first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine offers a good level of protection against the virus, but for long-lasting and better protection a second vaccination is needed. When it’s your turn please get your second dose – your vaccine has been allocated and will be waiting for you at the same centre where you received your first dose.
Help stop the spread of infection, help protect your friends and family, help us get back to a more normal way of life, as quickly as possible.
Gloucestershire COVID-19 stats:
Cases
In week 23 (Monday 31st May – Sunday 6th June) there were 281 confirmed cases of COVID19.
Of these cases:
84 were in Gloucester
71 were in Cheltenham
48 were in Tewkesbury
28 were in Forest of Dean
27 were in Stroud
23 were in Cotswold
The rate of cases in the last 7 days per 100,000 is 40.3 in Gloucestershire,18.3 in the South West, and 49.99 in England9.
Deaths mentioning COVID19
In week 21 (Saturday 22nd – Friday 28th May) there were 0 deaths mentioning “novel coronavirus (COVID-19)”, which is 0.0% of all deaths, this compares with 0 (0.0% of all deaths) in Week 20
Friday 4th June 2021:
Key Messages:
Back to school: What test gets you tops marks without needing to study? A rapid Covid test, of course! Regular testing is still really important in our fight against COVID-19. As part of your back to school prep, make sure you’ve got your hand gel, face mask and an average sized grand piano (or just remind yourself what two meters looks like).
Did you know your local pharmacy now offers rapid Covid testing? They are quick, easy and taken twice a week help to protect you and your loved ones. Find your nearest pharmacy offering tests.
Please book your first and second COVID-19 vaccine appointments as soon as your local GP surgery gets in touch to invite them for their vaccination. The first dose of the COVID-19 vaccines offers a good level of protection against COVID-19, but for better, long-lasting protection you need both doses.
We’re making good progress, but we’re not there yet – Professor Sarah Scott updates on how Gloucestershire is doing and gives info on variants in the county.
What do we know about the new COVID-19 variants – This PHE blog tells you more.
Gloucestershire COVID-19 stats:
Cases
In week 22 (Monday 24th May– Sunday 30th May) there were 88 confirmed cases of COVID19.
Of these cases:
38 were in Gloucester
17 were in Tewkesbury
12 were in Cheltenham
7 were in Stroud
9 were in Forest of Dean
5 were in Cotswold
* Please note these figures are provisional and subject to change. (Source as at 16:00 02/06/2021)
The rate of cases in the last 7 days per 100,000 is 12.6 in Gloucestershire, 9.3 in the South West, and 30.6 in England9.
Deaths mentioning COVID19
In week 20 (Saturday 15th – Friday 21st May) there were 0 deaths mentioning “novel coronavirus (COVID-19)”, which is 0.0% of all deaths, this compares with 0 (0.0% of all deaths) in Week 19
*Please note these figures are based on all deaths registered by the 29th May, they are provisional and will be subject to change. They include deaths that make any mention of COVID-19 on the death certificate. (Source: Weekly provisional figures on deaths occurring and registered in England and Wales by Local Authority)
*Please note the dates above, the ONS weeks run from Saturday- Friday and we are unable to change this.
Deaths in NHS Trusts² – 612 (0 new).
Deaths in care homes⁴ – 406 (0 new in May)
News from Tewkesbury Borough Council:
Situation report •In Gloucestershire, cases currently stand at 81. The rate per 100k is 12.7. The total number of people who have lost their lives stands at 951.•In Tewkesbury Borough, cases currently stand at 15.The rate per 100k is 15.8. A total of 138 people in the Borough have lost their lives. •Cases are rising slowly. However, there is no evidence that any of the cases are a result of travel, and therefore community transmission is increasing. There are also several cases associated with the Delta variant (the variant first found in India).
Service delivery Environmental Health:•The team is very busy liaising with event organisers who wish to hold events both before and after the end of the government road map. An additional Environment Health officer has been recruited to assist with this work. •Lot of enquiries have been received from businesses regarding safe operation since they reopened on 17 May. •Licensing has remained busy dealing with many types of applications, including an increased number of Temporary Event Notices for smaller events. •The team has commenced clearing the backlog of food inspections that were delayed due to the pandemic.
Communications:•Districtcouncils in Gloucestershire will be using their communications channels to support the NHS in its efforts to vaccinate as many people as possible, as quickly as possible. This is following reports that people are not going for their second jab. •A press release will be issued shortly highlighting that the council has now issued over £30m in government funded grants to local businesses.
Revenues and benefits:•From 1 July 2021, reduced business rates relief of 66% will be available for in-person retail, hospitality and leisure businesses. •The relief available for the period 1 April 2020to 30 June 2021 was 100%, so affected businesses will be paying business rates for the first time in over a year. Revised bills are due to be issued by 14 June.
High street recovery:•The barriers are being monitored proactively and a number of council officers have taken action and straightened them when necessary. The use of the additional space created by the barriers is also being monitored and is still being used by visitors. The placing of the barriers is being reviewed on a weekly basis.
Property and asset management:•The meeting rooms at the council offices have now been set up for members’ meetings. Members and officers who need to attend in-person meetings have been sent details on the Covid-safe arrangements for these rooms. •Further communications will be sent to officers promoting the availability of Lateral Flow Device (LFD) tests. Officers are encouraged to use the tests and log the results on the .gov website.•The Property team is continuing to work on arrangements for the running of the offices after 21 June –specifically the allocation of desks and the opening of reception.
Business•The council has paid out £3,786,700 in Restart Grants to date. Emails have been sent to all businesses that may be eligible for a grant to encourage them to apply. •All the Additional Restrictions Grant funds have been spent and the team has submitted an application to receive the further £760,000. We should receive this by the end of June.•Self-isolation payment applications have been very quiet –additional publicity is taking place on social media to promote this scheme.
Friday 21st May 2021:
Key messages from GCC:
We continue to promote rapid testing across the county, through the campaign: “I do it twice a week, do you”. Our campaign activity will support increased community outreach and engagement activity by testing centre staff.
We are now officially in Step Three of the Government’s roadmap. This means that people can start to mix more, with up to six people or two households indoors. County council services changed this week in line with the move nationally – the main change for our services, in this step, is the increased capacity for wedding and civil partnership ceremonies.
The roll out of on-site testing in community pharmacies across Gloucestershire continues. This will increase accessibility for those who wish to have additional support in the processing and reporting of their test result and will sit alongside the Pharmacy Collect offer. Three of our four community testing centres now have reduced opening times as part of plans to wind down the sites, as testing forms part of our every day life and the venues used for the centres return to their business as usual activities, serving their local communities.Gloucestershire
COVID-19 stats
Cases
In week 20 (Monday 10th May – Sunday 16th May) there were 54 confirmed cases of COVID 19.
Of these cases:
20 were in Stroud
10 were in Gloucester
8 were in Cotswold
7 were in Cheltenham
7 were in Forest of Dean
2 were in Tewkesbury
* Please note these figures are provisional and subject to change. The rate of cases in the last 7 days per 100,000 is 8.8 in Gloucestershire, 9.3 in the South West, and 21.0 in England.
Deaths mentioning COVID-19
In week 18 (Saturday 2nd – Friday 7th May) there was 1 death mentioning “novel coronavirus (COVID-19)”, which is 1.0% of all deaths, this compares with 0 (0.0% of all deaths) in Week 17
*Please note these figures are based on all deaths registered by the 14th May, they are provisional and will be subject to change. They include deaths that make any mention of COVID-19 on the death certificate.
(Source: Weekly provisionalfigures on deaths occurring and registered in England and Wales by Local Authority)
*Please note the dates above, the ONS weeks run from Saturday- Friday and we are unable to change this.
Deaths in NHS Trusts² – 612 (0 new).
In week 20 (Monday 10th May – Sunday 16th May) there were 54 confirmed cases of COVID 19.
Tewkesbury Borough Council Bulletin 85 Situation report
•In Gloucestershire, cases currently stand at 55. The total number of people who have lost their lives stands at 952.
•In Tewkesbury Borough, cases currently stand at 3. A total of 138 people in the Borough have lost their lives.
•Nationally, cases currently stand at 4,455221, an increase of 2,874 in the last 24 hours. The number of people who have lost their lives is 127,701, an increase of 7 in last 24 hours.
•Currently, there is only one person across Gloucestershire in hospital with C19, unfortunately they are very poorly and on a ventilator.
Service delivery
Environmental Health:
•Notifications of events, including Temporary Event Notices are continuing to be received. The council is recruiting an additional officer using Contain Outbreak Management Fund to assist in this area.
•The team is monitoring the outcome of reaching Stage 3 of the road map alongside licensing and the police, particularly for hospitality.
•Business as usual and service requests remain high and general enquiries on Stage 3 of the road map have increased.
Communications:
•An animated video has been produced by the TBC communication team to publicise the government’s roadmap and easing of restrictions on 17 May.
•The deadline for the Additional Restrictions Grant scheme (which closed on 16 April) was promoted.
•The TBC communications team is planning an internal communication strategy in readiness for restrictions relaxing further and the potential for some council officers to return to the office more regularly in line with the government’s road map.
•TBC have now paid over £30m in business grants since the start of the pandemic.
Revenues and benefits:
•Formal recovery action on council tax and business rates has commenced. 1,827 council tax summons totalling £3m and £1.2m business rate summons were sent recently. As confirmed in the last update, after a break of 12 months, the first council tax and business rates liability order hearing is set for Friday, 28 May 2021.
•An additional Revenues Officer to support the team in its recovery from the pandemic has been appointed and will start next month.
•21 additional council tax reductionapplications have been received. The total working age claim base is more than 3,000 (a 30% increase on pre-covid figures).
ICT:
•As part of the council’s ‘return to work’ plans, the ICT team is looking into using wi-fi as the main source of connectivity for officers and members when working from the Public Services Centre –this is to create more flexible and agile working spaces.
Property and asset management:
•To address issues raised by members of the public, Ubico now has a dedicated member of staff assigned to maintain the council’s cemeteries in Tewkesbury and Bishop’s Cleeve.
Community
•The County Community Resilience Cell will now meet quarterly, specifically to discuss recovery progress.
•Two task and finish county groups have been asked to focus on digital inclusion and the Holiday Activities Fund. TBC will receive £106,000 grant funding for the Holiday Activities Fund -the potential resource needed for the borough council to deliver this is being considered.
•The number of people requesting support through the Help Hub is now extremely low.
•The community team has begun running online training sessions for VCS community.
•Community Covid grants are still available and are being promoted.
Business
•The council has paid out £3,762,033 of Restart Grants so far (493 payments) which is 88% of the grant we received. The Discretionary Restart Grant Scheme closed on Sunday and we hope to begin the pay out today. That means we have used up all our Additional Restrictions Grant so are eligible to apply for the additional £760k grant
.•Test and Trace scheme applications are very minimal despite opening the category to parents/guardians of school children who have to isolate.This is likely because our Covid-19 rates are low in the borough.
Support for High Streets:
•The work of design agency, V8 is in progress -it includes short films sharing good practice, as well as articles in press and posts on social media.•A consultation with the relevant parish and town councils regarding the Welcome Back Fund -£86,000 -is in progress. A report will go to Executive Committee on 2 June for officers to receive delegated authority to draw up an action plan to use the grant money.
•Let’sSpring Back stickers have been delivered to all High Street businesses in Tewkesbury, Bishop’s Cleeve and Winchcombe.
Following the PM’s announcement that England will be moving to Stage 3 of the roadmap next week, GCC Silver has confirmed our roadmap for local services and will be implementing the recovery plan as previously agreed.
From w/c 17 May, GCC will be working with Avon Healthcare and 1 Central Health to roll out on-site testing in community pharmacies across Gloucestershire. This will increase accessibility for those who wish to have additional support in the processing and reporting of their test result and will sit alongside the Pharmacy Collect offer. This will also mean that we will be closing our four community testing centres in the coming weeks, as testing forms part of our every day life and the venues used for the centres return to their business as usual activities, serving their local communities.
Friday 14th May 2021:
Key messages from GCC:
Following the PM’s announcement that England will be moving to Stage 3 of the roadmap next week, GCC Silver has confirmed our roadmap for local services and will be implementing the recovery plan as previously agreed.
From w/c 17 May, GCC will be working with Avon Healthcare and 1 Central Health to roll out on-site testing in community pharmacies across Gloucestershire. This will increase accessibility for those who wish to have additional support in the processing and reporting of their test result and will sit alongside the Pharmacy Collect offer. This will also mean that we will be closing our four community testing centres in the coming weeks, as testing forms part of our every day life and the venues used for the centres return to their business as usual activities, serving their local communities.
Gloucestershire COVID-19 stats:
Cases
In week 19 (Monday 3 May – Sunday 9 May) there were 62 confirmed cases of COVID19.
Of these cases:
20 were in Stroud
14 were in Cheltenham
9 were in Gloucester
8 were in Tewkesbury
6 were in Cotswold
5 were in Forest of Dean
The rate of cases in the last 7 days per 100,000 is 9.3 in Gloucestershire, 12.4 in the South West, and 21.8 in England.
Deaths mentioning COVID19
In week 17 (Saturday 24 April– Saturday 1 May) there was 0 deaths mentioning “novel coronavirus (COVID-19)”, which is 0.0% of all deaths, this compares with 0 (0.0% of all deaths) in Week 16
*Please note these figures are based on all deaths registered by the 8 May, they are provisional and will be subject to change. They include deaths that make any mention of COVID-19 on the death certificate. (Source: Weekly provisional figures on deaths occurring and registered in England and Wales by Local Authority)
*Please note the dates above, the ONS weeks run from Saturday- Friday and we are unable to change this.
Deaths in NHS Trusts² – 612 (0 new).
Friday 7th May 2021:
Key messages from GCC:
Government is expected to announce it’s plans for further easing of restrictions, including guidance around foreign travel. If given the go ahead, from 17 May, people can start to mix more with people outside of their household indoors, including at home, in pubs and restaurants and indoor entertainment venues like cinemas and theatres. People will also be able to stay overnight at friends and families homes.
For now, people should still only meet outdoors with up to six people or two households. Spending time outside means more fresh air circulating – making it more difficult for coronavirus to spread from person to person. Meeting up with other people in outdoor spaces also makes it easier to maintain social distance.
As restrictions continue to ease and we all begin to mix more, remember Covid could be doing the same! There is still a chance of catching and spreading the virus even if you have been vaccinated. There are now more than 110 rapid testing collection points across the county, including our four county-wide testing centres. Please book your rapid test today or find your nearest collection point on our website. Regular, rapid testing is available to everyone without COVID-19 symptoms.
Yesterday (Wednesday 5 May) marked World Hand Hygiene Day, ‘Seconds Save Lives – Clean your Hands’ – a helpful reminder that washing your hands regularly, alongside wearing a face covering, and keeping a safe distance from others, remains just as important now as it did at the start of the pandemic.
Vaccinations in Gloucestershire continue to be rolled out at pace too, with an incredible 500,000 jabs given in total – and over 150,000 of these are second doses.
Guidance around care home visiting has been updated, care home residents in England can now go on low risk trips without having to self isolate for 14 days when they return.
Gloucestershire COVID-19 stats:
In week 18 (Monday 26 April – Sunday 2 May) there were 60 confirmed cases of COVID19.
Cases
In week 18 (Monday 26 April – Sunday 2 May) there were 60 confirmed cases of COVID19.
15 were in Stroud
10 were in Gloucester
10 were in Cotswold
9 were in Forest of Dean
8 were in Cheltenham
8 were in Tewkesbury
* Please note these figures are provisional and subject to change.
The rate of cases in the last 7 days per 100,000 is 10.7 in Gloucestershire, 13.2 in the South West, and 22.2 in England.
Deaths mentioning COVID-19
In week 16 (Saturday 17 April– Friday 23 April) there was 0 deaths mentioning “novel coronavirus (COVID-19)”, which is 0.0% of all deaths, this compares with 1 (1.0% of all deaths) in Week 15
*Please note these figures are based on all deaths registered by the 1 May, they are provisional and will be subject to change. They include deaths that make any mention of COVID-19 on the death
certificate. (Source: Weekly provisional figures on deaths occurring and registered in England and Wales by Local Authority)
*Please note the dates above, the ONS weeks run from Saturday- Friday and we are unable to change this.
Deaths in NHS Trusts² – 612 (0 new).
Friday 30th April 2021:
Key messages from GCC:
Outdoor gatherings continue to be limited to six people or two households, and people must not socialise indoors with anyone they do not live with or have not formed a support bubble with. We are urging people to not be tempted to move indoors this bank holiday, as it’s expected to be a wet weekend.
Spending time outside means more fresh air circulating – making it more difficult for coronavirus to spread from person to person. Meeting up with other people in outdoor spaces also makes it easier to maintain social distance.
Regular, rapid testing is available to everyone without COVID-19 symptoms. By making twice-weekly testing part of your everyday life you can help supress the virus and keep each other safe. Alongside the vaccine, it is a key part of our journey out of lockdown so that we can return to as normal life as possible, as quickly as possible.
To make it as easy as possible for everyone to access, there are a number of ways to get a rapid test, including: taking a test at a rapid testing site, picking up a testing kit from various locations across the county or ordering a kit online. If you already get tests through your workplace or school, this is still the best route for you. For more information, visit the testing pages on our website.
A new Government campaign “Join the millions’ has launched to encourage any one who hasn’t already to take up the offer of the COVID-19 vaccination. Yesterday (Wednesday 28 April) Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Group announced that over 145,000 second vaccination doses have been delivered in the county.
Gloucestershire Covid-19 stats:
Cases
In week 17 (Monday 19th April – Sunday 25th April) there were 85 confirmed cases of COVID19.
Of these cases:
27 were in Gloucester
16 were in Cotswold
15 were in Stroud
12 were in Tewkesbury
10 were in Cheltenham
5 were in Forest of Dean
* Please note these figures are provisional and subject to change.
The rate of cases in the last 7 days per 100,000 is 13.8 in Gloucestershire, 15.2 in the South West, and 24.2 in England.
Deaths mentioning COVID19
In week 15 (Saturday 10th April– Friday 16th April) there was 1 death mentioning “novel coronavirus (COVID-19)”, which is 1.0% of all deaths, this compares with 2 (2.0% of all deaths) in Week 14
*Please note these figures are based on all deaths registered by the 24th April, they are provisional and will be subject to change. They include deaths that make any mention of COVID-19 on the death certificate. (Source: Weekly provisional figures on deaths occurring and registered in England and Wales by Local Authority)
*Please note the dates above, the ONS weeks run from Saturday- Friday and we are unable to change this.
Deaths in NHS Trusts² – 612 (1 new)
Friday 23rd April 2021:
Key messages from GCC:
On Monday 12 April outdoor pubs, shops, gyms and hairdressers reopened in line with the easing of restrictions across England. Outdoor gatherings continue to be limited to six people or two households, and people must not socialise indoors with anyone they do not live with or have not formed a support bubble with.
Spending time outside means more fresh air circulating – making it more difficult for coronavirus to spread from person to person. Meeting up with other people in outdoor spaces also makes it easier to maintain social distance.
Regular, rapid testing is now available to everyone without COVID-19 symptoms. By making twice-weekly testing part of your everyday life you can help supress the virus and keep each other safe. Alongside the vaccine, it is a key part of our journey out of lockdown so that we can return to as normal life as possible, as quickly as possible.
To make it as easy as possible for everyone to access, there are a number of ways to get a rapid test, including: taking a test at a rapid testing site, picking up a testing kit from various locations across the county or ordering a kit online. If you already get tests through your workplace or school, this is still the best route for you.
Gold has made the decision to only report on the CQC data monthly. The next update to the CQC data is expected to be on the 6 May. It will then be updated in the first week of each month.
Gloucestershire Covid-19 stats
Cases
In week 16 (Monday 12th April – Sunday 18th April) there were 70 confirmed cases of COVID19.
Of these cases:
18 were in Gloucester
17 were in Stroud
16 were in Cheltenham
8 were in Cotswold
6 were in Tewkesbury
5 were in Forest of Dean
* Please note these figures are provisional and subject to change.
The rate of cases in the last 7 days per 100,000 is 9.1 in Gloucestershire, 12.7 in the South West, and 23.3 in England.
Deaths mentioning COVID19
In week 14 (Saturday 3rd April– Friday 9th April) there was 1 death mentioning “novel coronavirus (COVID-19)”, which is 1.1% of all deaths, this compares with 1.1 (1.0% of all deaths) in Week 13
*Please note these figures are based on all deaths registered by the 17th April, they are provisional and will be subject to change. They include deaths that make any mention of COVID-19 on the death certificate. (Source: Weekly provisional figures on deaths occurring and registered in England and Wales by Local Authority)
*Please note the dates above, the ONS weeks run from Saturday- Friday and we are unable to change this.
Deaths in NHS Trusts² – 612 (1 new)
Tewkesbury Borough Council
Situation report:
•In Gloucestershire, cases currently stand at 58 which is down from 70 two weeks ago. The rate per 100k is 9.1. The total number of people who have lost their lives stands at 952.
•In Tewkesbury Borough, cases currently stand at 5. The rate per 100k is 19.8 which is a slight increase from two weeks ago. A total of 138 people in the Borough have lost their lives.
•Nationally, 33,257,651 people have received their first vaccination and 11,192,601 have received their second.
•The Princess Royal, Princess Anne and the Lord Lieutenant joined the Strategic Command Group this week and congratulated everyone in the community for their work and efforts in dealing with the pandemic. Princess Anne was particularly impressed with the way all organisations across the public sector have come together to deal with the many issues that have arisen and to support the community.
Service delivery:
Environmental Health:
•Environmental health officers conducted overnight inspections at hospitality venues last weekend. They were pleased to find that businesses are mostly compliant; the issues identified at two pubs were dealt with and advice has been issued accordingly.
•The team has been receiving an increase in licensing enquiries and in requests for Temporary Events Notices.
Communications:
•We will shortly be sending out an update on the promotional material that V8Media –a digital marketing and design agency -have been producing for us as part of the ‘Reopening the High Street Safely’ campaign.
Revenues and benefits:
•Interviews are due to take place next week for the recruitment of an additional Revenues Officer to support the team in its recovery from the pandemic. The focus of this role will be helping to return collection rates to a pre-pandemic level.
•After a break of 12 months, the first council tax and business rates liability order hearing is set for Friday, 28 May 2021.
Community:
•The county ‘Restart Fund’ of £1m is aimed at getting communities back up and running, and will assist, for example, community events that require financial support. The fund is in the early stages of development and the county has asked districts to contribute to the formulation of the eligibility criteria and to help to identify potential projects.
Business:
•We have received over 400 applications to the Restart Grant scheme and have been carrying out more detailed pre-payment checks at the request of the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy. We hope to pay out over 300 grants today totalling more than £2.5m.
•The Discretionary Restart scheme launches next Friday and will be open for two weeks. We will pay these after the application period has closed as we will split the remaining funds from the Additional Restrictions Grant between the successful applicants. We need to spend all of this money by the end of June 2021 so that we can claim a further grant for over £700k.
•The Department of Work and Pensions is lobbying to extend the Test and Trace support grant scheme beyond30 June 2021. Currently, we are receiving few applications for this grant due to the low Covid-19 rates in our borough.
Friday 16th April 2021:
Key messages from GCC:
On Monday 12 April outdoor pubs, shops, gyms and hairdressers reopened in line with the easing of restrictions across England. Outdoor gatherings continue to be limited to six people or two households, and people must not socialise indoors with anyone they do not live with or have not formed a support bubble with.
Regular, rapid testing is available to everyone without symptoms. Rapid testing uses Lateral Flow Devices (LFDs) to detect cases of Covid that we might not otherwise know about. The tests are quick and easy to do, and results come back in 30 minutes.
To make it as easy as possible for everyone to access, there are a number of ways to get a test. ‘Community Collect’ points have opened at all four of GCC’s community testing centres to complement on site rapid testing. Government has also launched Pharmacy Collect, which pharmacies will be joining over the coming weeks.
We recommend that people who haven’t done a rapid Covid test before, visit a testing centre first to get used to how they work.
GP leaders in the county are reassuring people aged 45-49 that residents will not need to travel outside of the county for their COVID-19 vaccination if they do not wish to.
Even though we are now allowed to socialise more, it’s still important to follow the rules around hands, face, space and fresh air.
Our “Keep going…it will be worth it” campaign continues, highlighting what people can do from 12 April, as well as reminding them of the steps they need to take to keep each other safe and help make sure we make it to the next step in Government’s roadmap. You can find and download our campaign assets from Flickr.
Gloucestershire Covid-19 stats
Cases
In week 15 (Monday 5th April – Sunday 12thApril) there were 54 confirmed cases of COVID19.
Of these cases:
17 were in Gloucester
14 were in Cheltenham
9 were in Tewkesbury
5 were in Cotswold
5 were in Forest of Dean
4 were in Stroud
* Please note these figures are provisional and subject to change.
The rate of cases in the last 7 days per 100,000 is 9.1 in Gloucestershire, 13.8 in the South West, and 26.5 in England.
Deaths mentioning COVID19
In week 13 (Saturday 27th March – Friday 2nd April) there was 1 death mentioning “novel coronavirus (COVID-19)”, which is 1.2% of all deaths, this compares with 1 (1.0% of all deaths) in Week 12
*Please note these figures are based on all deaths registered by the 10th April, they are provisional and will be subject to change. They include deaths that make any mention of COVID-19 on the death certificate. (Source: Weekly provisional figures on deaths occurring and registered in England and Wales by Local Authority)
*Please note the dates above, the ONS weeks run from Saturday- Friday and we are unable to change this.
Deaths in NHS Trusts – 611 (0 new)
Deaths in care homes – 406 (0 new)
Friday 9th April 2021:
Key messages from GCC:
On Monday 5 April, Government confirmed plans for easing restrictions across England from 12 April. Outdoor pubs, shops, gyms and hairdressers can reopen. Outdoor gatherings must still be limited to 6 people or 2 households, and you must not socialise indoors with anyone you do not live with or have not formed a support bubble with.
The Government has announced that everyone in England without symptoms will be able to get twice weekly rapid Covid-19 tests from Friday 9 April Community Collect points have opened at all four of GCC’s community testing centres to complement on site testing. Government has also launched Pharmacy Collect, which pharmacies will be joining over the coming weeks.
Even though we are now allowed to socialise more, it’s still important to follow the rules around hands, face, space and fresh air as well as getting a regular rapid test if you have no symptoms, but have to leave the house for essential reasons, and taking up the offer of a vaccination when invited.
Our “Keep going…it will be worth it” campaign continues, highlighting what people can do from 12 April as we enter stage two of the roadmap.
Great Western Railway Update:
“As the gradual lifting of Covid-19 restrictions begins, from today (Monday 29 March) we will be strengthening our busiest services and from 12 April more of our long-distance Intercity services will run with 9 or 10 carriages. Advice remains to keep travel to the minimum, but we want to be sure that we are providing customers with the services they need so that they can return to rail and travel with confidence when the time is right.
We are also planning further additional services in our summer timetable, which starts on Sunday 16 May, which will bring us back to around 90% of our usual timetable. You should now be able to see these in online journey planners so that customers considering trips to the South Cotswolds over the summer can book ahead.
We know that rail has a key role to play in the regional economy, especially for tourism, as we recover from the pandemic, and we want to be sure we are getting this right, if you have any suggestions, or questions, about current or future services, do let me know. We are listening and we want to help.”
Royal Agricultural University, Stroud Road, Cirencester, GL7 6JS (Monday-Friday)
North RFC, Stoke Orchard Road, Bishops Cleeve, GL52 7DG (Tuesday-Wednesday)
Stow RFC, Oddington Road, Stow on the Wold, GL54 1JJ (Wednesday)
Car Park off Newerne Street, Lydney, GL15 5RA (Thursday-Friday)
Car Park, Oldends Lane, Stonehouse, GL10 2DG (Thursday-Sunday)
University Of Gloucestershire, Entrance 3, Park Campus, The Park, Cheltenham, GL50 2RH (Saturday-Sunday)
Hartpury University & Hartpury College, Gloucester, GL19 3BE (Saturday-Sunday)
Lower Lode Depot, Lower Lode Lane, Tewkesbury, GL20 5TT (Thursday – Monday)
Gloucestershire Covid-19 stats:
Cases:
In week 14 (Monday 29 March – Sunday 4April) there were 63 confirmed cases of COVID19.
Of these cases:
14 were in Gloucester
12 were in Cheltenham
10 were in Tewkesbury
10 were in Cotswold
9 were in Stroud
8 were in Forest of Dean
* Please note these figures are provisional and subject to change.
The rate of cases in the last 7 days per 100,000 is 12.4 in Gloucestershire, 18.5 in the South West, and 36.1 in England.
Deaths mentioning COVID19
In week 12 (Saturday 20 March– Friday 26 March) there was 1 death mentioning “novel coronavirus (COVID-19)”, which is 1.1% of all deaths, this compares with 5 (5.4% of all deaths) in Week 11
*Please note these figures are based on all deaths registered by the 3 April, they are provisional and will be subject to change. They include deaths that make any mention of COVID-19 on the death certificate. (Source: Weekly provisional figures on deaths occurring and registered in England and Wales by Local Authority)
*Please note the dates above, the ONS weeks run from Saturday- Friday and we are unable to change this.
Deaths in NHS Trusts – 611 (0 new)
Deaths in care homes – 406 (0 new)
Tewkesbury Borough Council Bulletin:
Situation report:
•In Gloucestershire, cases currently stand at 70 which is down from the previous bulletin. The rate per 100k is 12.4. The number of people who have lost their lives stands at 950.
•In Tewkesbury Borough, cases currently stand at 13 which is down from the previous bulletin. The rate per 100k is 13.7. No people in the Borough have lost their lives since the previous bulletin so the numberremains the same at 137.
•Nationally, 31,807,123 people have received their first vaccination and 6,091,905 have received their second.
Service delivery:
Housing and rough sleepers:
•There are currently 14 rough sleepers across the county with none in Tewkesbury Borough. The first units of new accommodation for rough sleepers will become available in the next couple of weeks.
•Rough sleepers –who are often more vulnerable to respiratory or circulatory illness –are being targeted with a newly-launched vaccination programme.
•The team is now working under a new cross-county governance scheme that has been born out of the Covid-19 response. This will enable between Gloucestershire County Council, district authorities and partner agencies.
Environmental Health:
•Environmental health officers carried out routine checks over the Easter weekend. These followed the start of the government’s road map and, overall, both the public and businesses were found to be complying with the current rules.
•Two events were also hosted: dog agility classes at Dowty Community Centre and Maisemore Point-to-Point. Both events went well and Covid compliance measures were very well managed. Further events are planned and officers will ensure that these will adhere to government restrictions. •We are also working across the county and borough to ensure we help to welcome visitors back to the area.
•The team will be restarting ‘business as usual’ from 12 April and will be responding to service requests that require access to people’s homes.
•The team continues to be very busy supporting businesses that are preparing to reopen on Monday, 12 April.
Human Resources:
•We are now halfway through our six-week course of online yoga sessions for officers. The option to take part in the sessions by watching recordings of the classes is proving particularly popular –approximately 30 people have been watching the recordings each week in addition to those who attend the live sessions.
Tourist Information Centres:
•Tewkesbury Tourist Information Centre re-opens Wednesday, 14 April, and will initially open from Wednesday to Saturday each week. The Heritage Centre remains closed in line with national guidance.
•Winchcombe Tourist Information Centre will hopefully re-open in May, once the Heritage Centre is able to accommodate it following the completion of building works.
Re-opening High Streets:
•We have been awarded a further £84,500 through the Welcome Back fund, a follow-on from the Re-Opening High Streets scheme. Further guidance is expected shortly.
Property:
•Tewkesbury Leisure Centre will reopen on Monday, 12 April at 6am.
Tewksbury Growth Hub:
Details of the support provided by the Hub to local businesses as well as an insight into the economic context of the borough.
Communications:
•Next week’s changes to government restrictions will be promoted on our social media platforms. These messages will include an animated video detailing the restrictions that remain in place from Monday,12April.
Community:
•Shielding has now been paused. The Community Help Hub remains open, although very few requests for help are now coming through.
•Winter Grants –556 families/individuals have been assisted with food and fuel vouchers, hot food and essential supplies.
•The Emergency Community Covid Grants scheme for the Voluntary and Community Sector is still live. The scheme has widened itseligibility criteria to provide wider support.
•A time-limited Capital Community Grant scheme will go live next week. This will be aimed at not-for-profit organisations whose projects will have a beneficial impact across the community.
Business:
•All Covid-19 business grant schemes covering periods prior to 16 February have now closed.
•£2.4m (of the total £2.7m available) has been paid in Additional Restrictions Grants. The remaining £300,000will be used for a variety of business support opportunities,including a discretionary Restart Grant scheme which will run in similar fashion to the national scheme. We hope to launch this on 30 April.
•Applications for the Restart Grant scheme will go live later today on our website. This will be promoted on social media and emailed out to potentially eligible businesses. Due to the increased amount of information that the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) require from applicants to this scheme, all businesses must fill in a full application. BEIS have also asked us to make increased pre-payment checks so there will be a delay in making payments while this is carried out.
•Test and Trace support payments have continued to slow down due to the low Covid-19 ratesin Tewkesbury Borough
Friday 1st April 2021:
Key messages from GCC
As of 29 March, people in England can:
Meet outdoors with up to six people or two households/bubbles
Take part in organised outdoor sports
Use outdoor leisure facilities including tennis and basketball courts.
People who were shielding can now start following the guidelines in line with the rest of England.
On Monday 5 April, Government is expected to announce plans for further easing restrictions across England from 12 April.
Even though we are now allowed to socialise more, it’s still important to follow the rules around hands, face, space and fresh air as well as getting a regular rapid test if you have no symptoms, but have to leave the house for essential reasons, and taking up the offer of a vaccination when invited.
To help remind people of the vital steps they need to take to further reduce the rate of infection in our county and to protect each other, our Keep going…it will be worth it campaign continues. You can find and download our campaign assets from Flickr.
Community Collect is now live at all four rapid testing centres. Anyone who lives in a household with nursery, school or college aged children; is in a support or childcare bubble; or who works in a school setting can collect two boxes of 7 tests to carry out at home. There is no requirement to book. Regular testing is an important part of our journey out of lockdown.
Remembering the rules is especially important as we head into the Easter bank holiday weekend, and through into the school holidays, when more people will be keen to see friends and family – COVID-19 doesn’t take a break for Easter!
GP surgery teams are piloting an additional vaccination walk in service on Saturday 3 April (10 to 4pm) in two areas of the county – Gloucester and Cheltenham – for those people aged 50 and over who have yet to take up the offer of their 1st dose. Members of the public will be given the opportunity to talk with doctors and other health care professionals at the sites at Rosebank Surgery, Gloucester and St Paul’s Medical Centre, Cheltenham about vaccination and discuss any issues or concerns
Gloucestershire Covid-19 stats
Cases
In week 13 (Monday 22nd March – Sunday 28th March) there were 104 confirmed cases of COVID19.
Of these cases:
23 were in Cheltenham
23 were in Stroud
21 were in Gloucester
21 were in Forest of Dean
8 were in Tewkesbury
8 were in Cotswold
* Please note these figures are provisional and subject to change. (Source: https://coronavirus.data.gov.uk/ as at 16:00 17/03/2021)
The rate of cases in the last 7 days per 100,000 is 17.6 in Gloucestershire, 28.2 in the South West, and 54.7 in England.
Deaths mentioning COVID19
In week 11 (Saturday 13th March – Friday 19th March) there were 5 deaths mentioning “novel coronavirus (COVID-19)”, which is 5.7% of all deaths, this compares with 6 (6.2% of all deaths) in Week 10.
*Please note these figures are based on all deaths registered by the 27th March, they are provisional and will be subject to change. They include deaths that make any mention of COVID-19 on the death certificate. (Source: Weekly provisional figures on deaths occurring and registered in England and Wales by Local Authority)
*Please note the dates above, the ONS weeks run from Saturday- Friday and we are unable to change this.
Deaths in NHS Trusts² – 611 (0 new)
Deaths in care homes⁴ – 406 (0 new)
Friday 26th March 2021:
Key messages from GCC:
• From 29 March, people will be able to meet outdoors in groups of six, or two households together. Outdoor leisure facilities like tennis and basketball courts will reopen and people will be able to take part in organised outdoor sports.
• Our “Keep going…It will be worth it” campaign continues as we start to look ahead to step two of the Government’s road map and remind people about the things we need to keep doing to get there.
• Regular testing, alongside staying at home, following the rules of hands, face, space, ventilate, self-isolating and getting a test if you have COVID-19 symptoms remain crucial to keep reducing the rate of infection and protect one another.
• Testing at the community testing sites in Gloucester, Tewkesbury, Cirencester and the Forest of Dean remains for people who do not have symptoms, but who still need to leave the house for essential reasons including for work or to care for others.
• Households, support and childcare bubbles of school staff or school aged children or children in pre-school or nursery can also test twice-weekly: o At a local community test site o By collecting a home test kit from one of the PCR testing sites: Hempsted Meadows, Stroud or Cheltenham walk-in between 1.30pm and 7pm; or o By ordering a home test kit online
• A link to book a test can be found on the new and improved community testing pages of the GCC website.
• Children in Gloucestershire who are entitled to receive Free School Meals will be supported with vouchers for the Easter holidays.
Gloucestershire Covid-19 stats
Cases
• In week 12 (Monday 15th March – Sunday 21st March) there were 122 confirmed cases of COVID19.
Of these cases: • 32 were in Stroud • 30 were in Cheltenham • 18 were in Gloucester • 18 were in Tewkesbury • 17 were in Forest of Dean • 7 were in Cotswold * Please note these figures are provisional and subject to change.
The rate of cases in the last 7 days per 100,000 is 17.6 in Gloucestershire, 28.2 in the South West, and 54.7 in England.
Deaths mentioning COVID19
• In week 10 (Saturday 6th March– Friday 12th March) there were 6 deaths mentioning “novel coronavirus (COVID-19)”, which is 6.3% of all deaths, this compares with 10 (9.1% of all deaths) in Week 9.
*Please note these figures are based on all deaths registered by the 20th March, they are provisional and will be subject to change. They include deaths that make any mention of COVID-19 on the death certificate.(Source: Weekly provisional figures on deaths occurring and registered in England and Wales by Local Authority)
*Please note the dates above, the ONS weeks run from Saturday- Friday and we are unable to change this.
Deaths in NHS Trusts² – 611 (2 new)
Deaths in care homes⁴ – 406 (1 new)
Friday 19th March 2021:
Key messages from GCC:
Covid hasn’t gone away and to help keep life moving, we all must play our part in keeping cases down.
Regular testing, alongside staying at home, following the rules of hands, face, space, ventilate, self-isolating and getting a test if you have COVID-19 symptoms remain crucial to keep reducing the rate of infection and protect one another.
A fourth asymptomatic testing site at the Link Youth Support Centre in Tewkesbury will open to the public on Wednesday 24 March. Testing at the site is for people who have no symptoms, but who still need to leave the house for essential reasons including for work or to care for others. A link to book a test can be found on the new and improved community testing pages of the GCC website.
Rapid, regular testing is now being offered the households, support and childcare bubbles of children in pre-school or nursery. This is in addition to households, support and childcare bubbles of school staff or school aged children.
In just 10 days, we will reach the next milestone in the Government’s road-map, working towards a more normal way of life. From 29 March, people will be able to meet outdoors in groups of six, or two households together. Whilst this is great news for us all, we must not give up now. We will be launching a campaign next week called: “Keep going…It will be worth it” recognising everything we are looking forward to in the weeks to come, whilst remembering what we have to do to get there.
Gloucestershire Covid-19 stats:
Cases
In week 11 (Monday 8th March – Sunday 14th March) there were 133 confirmed cases of COVID19.
Of these cases:
38 were in Stroud
28 were in Gloucester
21 were in Cheltenham
17 were in Tewkesbury
16 were in Forest of Dean
13 were in Cotswold
*Please note these figures are provisional and subject to change.
The rate of cases in the last 7 days per 100,000 is 22.0 in Gloucestershire, 31.0 in the South West, and 57.7 in England.
Deaths mentioning COVID19
In week 9 (Saturday 27th February– Friday 5th March) there were 9 deaths mentioning “novel coronavirus (COVID-19)”, which is 8.5% of all deaths, this compares with 12 (9.6% of all deaths) in Week 8
* Please note these figures are based on all deaths registered by the 13th March, they are provisional and will be subject to change. They include deaths that make any mention of COVID-19 on the death certificate. (Source: Weekly provisional figures on deaths occurring and registered in England and Wales by Local Authority)
*Please note the dates above, the ONS weeks run from Saturday- Friday and we are unable to change this.
Deaths in NHS Trusts² – 609 (4 new)
Deaths in care homes⁴ – 405 (1 new)
News from TBC:
The next Management Team meeting will take place on Friday, 9 April. Thereafter, these meetings – and their accompanying bulletins – will run fortnightly. Additional bulletins may be distributed on an ad-hoc basis as we move forward with recovery and changes to Covid restrictions continue. Situation report • In Gloucestershire cases stand at 140 which is down 51 from the previous week. The rate per 100k is at 22, down from 30 the previous week. The number of people who have lost their lives stands at 949 which is an increase of 5 in the last week. • In Tewkesbury Borough cases currently stand at 19 which is down 7 from the previous week. The rate per 100k is 20, down from 27.4 in the previous week. No people in the Borough have lost their lives in the last 7 days so the number remains the same at 137. • A further testing site will open on Wednesday, 24 March at Tewkesbury Youth Support Centre in Link Road. • Gloucestershire County Council has launched a new hub on its website to help people understand which Covid test they should get and when they should get tested. Service delivery Environmental health: • A timetable is being drafted of all actions that will require environmental health officers’ input for the roll out of government’s road map. • The team is still very busy with ‘business-as-usual’ activities as well as increasing enquiries as businesses prepare for re-opening. • There has been an increase in new food businesses and applications for street trading.
Revenues and benefits: • Top up payments from the council tax hardship fund continue to be made to the council tax accounts of working age residents receiving council tax reduction. Payments totalling £405,000 have now been allocated. Human resources: • The council has successfully offered two apprenticeships, with interviews for two more to be held shortly. • A six-week programme of online yoga for staff is starting on Tuesday, 23 March. This will be a live session but will be recorded and uploaded to the intranet so that people who are unable to attend the live session can still take part. This will support the wellbeing of staff. • The February Pulse Check has been analysed and feedback has been shared with Heads of Service. Approximately 60% of officers responded: overall, officers indicated that they continue to work well from home and feel well supported, and the percentage of people who said they ‘agree’ or ‘strongly agree’ was higher in all areas than in the November Pulse Check. However, there are some areas on which we need to focus attention to prevent problems. These primarily concern mental health and supporting teams under pressure. The HR & OD Manager has been working with management team to address these issues. Communications: • On Tuesday, 23 March, the first anniversary of the first UK lockdown, we will be encouraging residents from across the borough to join the whole country for a National Day of Reflection to acknowledge the millions of people who have been affected. As a mark of respect, we will lower the flag outside the council offices to half-mast and ask officers to take part in a minute’s silence at 12 noon. We will also raise awareness of the day with articles on our website and intranet, and posts on social media. Community • Shielding officially ends on Wednesday, 31 March but the Help Hub will need to remain open for the self-isolation practical support offer that councils need to provide. • Primary Care Networks continue to provide vaccinations for the under 50s. 49% of adults in Gloucestershire have received their first vaccination. Business • Over £1m in national lockdown grants has been paid covering the period 16 February – 31 March. These are being paid quickly as we are emailing those who received the 5 January – 15 February grant to ask recipients to confirm they are still eligible. • Guidance has now been received for Restart Grants and the team are currently working preparing these for launch. • £134,711 has been paid in Additional Restrictions Grants (ARG) so far in March. • BEIS have confirmed that we need to spend all our ARG money by 30 June 2021 to access the additional money available under this scheme. We have a new ARG scheme for the current lockdown which involves paying additional amounts to those who have already received a grant for the period 16 February – 31 March 2021. This should result in well over £1.5m being paid out to businesses affected by the lockdown. • Test and Trace support payments: these have slowed down considerably as our local Covid-19 rates drop. We have now received guidance from the Department of Health and Social Care about paying parents and guardians who are caring for a child or young person who is self-isolating. This may result in more claims since we can now issue payments wherever a school has instructed a child to self-isolate. In the last few days, some schools have sent home full year groups or bubble. However, as far as we are aware, there are no such cases in Tewkesbury Borough. We will also be reflecting this change in our local discretionary policy
Friday 12th March 2021:
Key messages from GCC:
Covid hasn’t gone away and to help keep life moving, we all must play our part in keeping cases down
Regular testing, alongside staying at home, following the rules of Hands, Face, Space, self-isolating and getting a test if you have COVID-19 symptoms, remain crucial to keep reducing the rate of infection and protect one another
Secondary aged pupils are being encourage to test regularly from home using kits provided to them
Members of a household, childcare bubble or support bubble of school staff or a pupil; or in an occupation associated with schools such as out of school clubs; or who have to visit schools for work can get a twice-weekly rapid test through their employer if they offer testing to employees;
at a local community test site;
by collecting a home test kit from one of the PCR testing sites: Hempsted Meadows, Stroud or Cheltenham walk-in between 1.30pm and 7pm;
or by ordering a home test kit online.
A third rapid, regular testing site for people with no symptoms opened in the Forest of Dean on Wednesday 10 March. The new community testing centre is located at Miners Welfare Hall on Parragate Road in Cinderford
We have developed a new hub of information around testing, visit www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/testing
GP leaders in the county are reassuring people aged 55 and over that they are expecting significant additional quantities of vaccine to arrive in Gloucestershire shortly and that residents will not need to travel outside of the county for their COVID-19 vaccination if they do not wish to
Residents do not need to call their GP as they will be contacted by their surgery
Letting fresh air in to indoor spaces by opening windows can help prevent the spread of Covid-19. There is new guidance on ventilating indoor spaces.
Gloucestershire Covid-19 stats:
Cases
In week 10 (Monday 1st March – Sunday 8th March) there were 186 confirmed cases of COVID19.
Of these cases:
50 were in Stroud
34 were in Gloucester
29 were in Tewkesbury
29 were in Forest of Dean
28 were in Cheltenham
16 were in Cotswold
* Please note these figures are provisional and subject to change.
The rate of cases in the last 7 days per 100,000 is 30.0 in Gloucestershire, 32.9 in the South West, and 59.7 in England.
Deaths mentioning COVID19
In week 8 (Saturday 20th February– Friday 26th February) there were 12 deaths mentioning “novel coronavirus (COVID-19)”, which is 10.3% of all deaths, this compares with 17 (13.9% of all deaths) in Week 7
*Please note these figures are based on all deaths registered by the 6th March, they are provisional and will be subject to change. They include deaths that make any mention of COVID-19 on the death certificate.
(Source: Weekly provisional figures on deaths occurring and registered in England and Wales by Local Authority)
Please note the dates above, the ONS weeks run from Saturday- Friday and we are unable to change this.
Deaths in NHS Trusts² – 605 (3 new)
Deaths in care homes⁴ – 404 (3 new)
News from TBC:
Situation report • Gloucestershire: Cases: 191 (a decrease of 9 in the last week). Rate: 33.1 per 100k (down from last week). People who have lost their lives: 944 (an increase of 3 in the last week). • Tewkesbury Borough: Cases: currently 26 (a decrease of 4 in the last week). Rate: 27.4 per 100k (up from 23.2 last week). People who have lost their lives: 137 (an increase of 1 in the last week). Service delivery Environmental health: • The team continues to deal with an increased number of enquiries relating to the government’s road map out of lockdown and the reopening of businesses. • There have been 26 enquiries from people wanting to run events during August and September. Unfortunately, official guidance on this will not be available until a series of pilot events have been completed in April and May. • Plans are currently being developed by the team to ensure restrictions will be adhered to by tourists who will be returning to the borough in the coming months. Revenues and benefits: • The team is currently very busy dealing with calls relating to council tax bills, after bills were mailed out to residents this week. • 40 new working-age council tax reduction applications were received this week. This increase may be due to residents having received their council tax bills earlier this month. Property and assets: • Tewkesbury and Bishops Cleeve cemeteries are currently extremely busy with an average of three to four burials per week. • The National Recovery Leisure Fund has allocated a further £11,000 for the reopening of Tewkesbury Leisure Centre. • The leisure centre will be reopening at midnight on 12 April and will be offering a month’s free membership to all NHS staff. Human resources: • A six-week programme of free yoga sessions will be available to council staff from 23 March, aiming to support officers’ mental and physical wellbeing. The sessions will be recorded and shared on the intranet, so anyone who is unable to attend the live session can take part at a time that suits them. Community • The number of people requesting help through the Gloucestershire Help Hub, such as the Clinically Extremely Vulnerable (CEV), remain low. • £26k of winter grants, which support vulnerable families with under-fives by providing food and fuel vouchers, have been allocated. (A total of £50k is available in the Winter Grant fund.) Business • National lockdown grants (covering 16 February to 31 March): £929,474 has been paid to 387 applicants. Officers in the business cell can pay these grants quickly as they are emailing businesses that received the ‘5 January to 15 February’ grant and are asking them to confirm they are still eligible. • Restart Grants – more information on these will follow when the team receives the national guidance. • Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG) for March: 75 applications have been received. A new ARG scheme has been launched for March to cover the second half of the lockdown. The team has emailed businesses that received an ARG grant for February to ask whether they are still eligible. • Test and trace support payments: The council has received 277 test and trace applications. £68,500 has been paid to the 137 applicants who were eligible. 138 were not eligible and officers are awaiting more information for two others. These applications have slowed down considerably. However, we expect this number to increase when the scheme opens to parents who cannot work as a result of their children having to self-isolate
Friday 5th March 2021:
Key messages from GCC:
County schools get ready to welcome all pupils back into education safely from next week (Monday 8 March) as part Government’s road map to ease restrictions across England.
Secondary aged pupils will be encouraged to take a rapid test using LFDs at school before they return to face-to-face teaching, followed by another two tests at school, before continuing regular testing at home using kits provided to them. They will also be asked to wear face coverings in the classroom, as well as in other school spaces where social distancing is more difficult.
Households, childcare and support bubbles of primary and secondary-age pupils or staff with no symptoms can also get a Lateral Flow Devices (LFD) test kit to use at home. Test kits can be collected from the testing sites based at Hempsted Meadows in Gloucester and the walk-in testing facility in Cheltenham anytime between 1.30pm and 7pm, Monday-Sunday. You can check online if the location is open or busy before you go. You do not need to make an appointment.
A third asymptomatic (for people with no symptoms) testing site will open at the Miners Welfare Hill in Cinderford on 10 March and a fourth centre at the Link in Tewkesbury will open by the end of March. The testing centres will use Lateral Flow Devices (LFD) to detect COVID-19 when people are most infectious to prevent the spread.
Plans are underway to increase access to LFD testing through other sites across the county, including through the newly announced Community Collect model, to be announced in the coming weeks.
Anyone who lives or works in Gloucestershire and has to leave home for work or caring responsibilities can now book a regular LFD test at their nearest site.
Gloucestershire Covid-19 stats:
Cases
In week 9 (Monday 22nd February – Sunday 28th February) there were 202 confirmed cases of COVID19.
Of these cases:
62 were in Stroud
43 were in Gloucester
32 were in Cheltenham
27 were in Forest of Dean
21 were in Cotswold
17 were in Tewkesbury
* Please note these figures are provisional and subject to change.
The rate of cases in the last 7 days per 100,000 is 35.3 in Gloucestershire, 49.6 in the South West, and 90.6 in England.
Deaths mentioning COVID19
In week 7 (Saturday 13th February– Friday 19th February) there were 16 deaths mentioning “novel coronavirus (COVID-19)”, which is 14.0% of all deaths, this compares with 23 (16.9% of all deaths) in Week 6
*Please note these figures are based on all deaths registered by the 27th February, they are provisional and will be subject to change. They include deaths that make any mention of COVID-19 on the death certificate. (Source: Weekly provisional figures on deaths occurring and registered in England and Wales by Local Authority)
*Please note the dates above, the ONS weeks run from Saturday- Friday and we are unable to change this.
Deaths in NHS Trusts² – 602 (8 new)
Deaths in care homes⁴ – 401 (7 new)
Friday 26th February 2021:
Key messages:
On Monday 22 February, the Prime Minister announced Government’s plans to ease restrictions across England. Each step will be assessed against four tests before restrictions ease, starting with the return of schools on 8 March. There will be a five-week gap between each stage to allow Government to review the rates of infection.
A third rapid, regular testing site for people with no symptoms will open at the Miners Welfare Hill in Cinderford on 10 March. Anyone who lives or works in Gloucestershire and has to leave home for work or caring responsibilities can now book a regular Lateral Flow Device test at their nearest site. Plans are in place to roll out Lateral Flow Device testing through other sites across the county. Further details will be announced in the coming weeks.
A new walk-to PCR testing centre for people with symptoms is set to open at Stratford Park Leisure Centre in Stroud today (Thursday 25 February). People are able to book a slot in the same way they do for Hempsted Meadows and our mobile units via the national portal.
Gloucestershire Covid-19 stats
Cases in week 8 (Monday 15th February – Sunday 21st February) there were 293 confirmed cases of COVID19.
Of these cases:
68 were in Stroud
51 were in Tewkesbury
49 were in Forest of Dean
45 were in Gloucester
44 were in Cheltenham
36 were in Cotswold
* Please note these figures are provisional and subject to change. (Source: https://coronavirus.data.gov.uk/ as at 16:00 24/02/2021)
The rate of cases in the last 7 days per 100,000 is 47.6 in Gloucestershire, 70.7 in the South West, and 117.3 in England.
Deaths mentioning COVID19
In week 6 (Saturday 6th February– Friday 12th February) there were 22 deaths mentioning “novel coronavirus (COVID-19)”, which is 17.2% of all deaths, this compares with 28 (19.6% of all deaths) in Week 5
*Please note these figures are based on all deaths registered by the 20th February, they are provisional and will be subject to change. They include deaths that make any mention of COVID-19 on the death certificate. (Source: Weekly provisional figures on deaths occurring and registered in England and Wales by Local Authority)
*Please note the dates above, the ONS weeks run from Saturday- Friday and we are unable to change this.
Deaths in NHS Trusts² – 594 (15 new)
Deaths in care homes⁴ – 394 (6 new
Mobile Testing Unit locations
An important part of minimising and managing any future spread of Covid-19 is the speed at which people can be tested and isolation measures put in place, should an outbreak occur. The mobile testing unit is now available at locations across the county. Please see the planned locations below. Anyone with symptoms of Covid-19 can have a test. You must book a test in advance. Please do not turn up to one of the locations without booking – anyone without a booking risks being turned away.
To book a test or for more information on testing, go to the NHS website or call 119.
Latest locations and dates:
These dates are subject to change. Please check the GCC website for changes.
Mobile testing unit locations
Friday 26 Feb
Saturday 27 Feb
Sunday 28 Feb
Monday 1 Mar
Tuesday 2 Mar
Wednesday 3 Mar
Thursday 4 Mar
Friday 5 Mar
Saturday 6 Mar
Sunday 7 Mar
Monday 8 Mar
Stow
Stow Rugby Football Club, Oddington Road, Stow, GL54 1JJ
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Cirencester
Royal Agricultural University, Stroud Road, Cirencester, GL7 6JS
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Cheltenham
University Of Gloucestershire, Entrance 3, Park Campus, The Park, Cheltenham, GL50 2RH
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Bishops Cleeve
Cheltenham North RFC, Stoke Orchard Road, Bishops Cleeve, GL52 7DG
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Tewkesbury
Lower Lode Depot, Lower Lode Lane, Tewkesbury, GL20 5TT
Stratford Park Leisure Centre, Stratford Road, Stroud, GL5 4AH
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
News from TBC: Situation report Gloucestershire: There are now 306 cases in the county. The rate per 100,000 currently stands at 48 and a total of 931 people have lost their lives. Tewkesbury Borough: There are now 50 cases in the borough. The rate per 100,000 currently stands at 52.6. A total of 135 people have lost their lives.
Service delivery – Environmental health: The team is looking at the visitor economy across the county. Many residents, businesses and event organisers are enquiring about running local events following the government’s promotion of the road map out of the current pandemic. The team is waiting for detailed guidance from the government, which will hopefully outline how events will be managed after 21 June. Environmental health: The council’s covid compliance officer is carrying out inspections and risk assessments for polling stations –63 in total –to ensure the forthcoming Gloucestershire County Council and Police and Crime Commissioner elections are as safe as they can be for voters. Property: Testing is taking place six days a week (not Tuesdays) at the Lower Lode Depot. Customer Services:2021/22 garden waste renewals continue to perform strongly. To date, 15,500 renewal requests have been sent by email. 2,500 letters are to be sent shortly. Income to date is £291,000.
Community – The Community Help Hub will be staffed internally until 12 April. It will then revert to the county council’s call call centre. 8,400 new Clinically Extremely Vulnerable (CEV) people in the county have been added to the CEV list this week. The community cell is supporting those people who need help.The Winter Grants scheme is now in operation, supporting vulnerable families with children under five years of age. Initial feedback is very positive.
Business support – National Lockdown Grants (since 5 Jan 2021): 506 applications have been received totalling £3,535,895. The team will be emailing all these successful businesses with a simple form asking whether they are still eligible (from 16 Feb 2021). If eligible, the team will then pay the next amount which is 44 days’ worth (it covers until 31 March 2021). Additional Restrictions Grant: 144 applications have been received. 36 have been paid, totalling £123,000. 26 have been refused which are mainly for not submitting the information required with the application (they can re-apply). These are more time consuming to assess due to the evidence needed of financial loss, among other things. Self isolation payments: 266 applications received, 133 paid a total of £66,500. 130 were not eligible. This scheme has been extended until 30 June 2021 and the government is changing the eligibility shortly to include those who have to look after a child who is self-isolating.
Friday 19th February 2021:
News from TBC:
Situation report Gloucestershire: Cases have decreased by 107 in the last week – there are now 490 cases in the county. The rate per 100,000 currently stands at 76.9 and a total of 920 people have lost their lives. Tewkesbury Borough: There are now 58 cases in the borough. The rate per 100,000 currently stands at 61.0 – this is the lowest in the county. A total of 133 people have lost their lives. Vaccinations: Take up across Gloucestershire is currently as follows: Residents aged 80+: 99.7% Residents aged 75-79: 100% Residents aged 70-74: 89.3% Clinically Extremely Vulnerable residents: 87.6% Vaccination rates in Gloucestershire are the highest in the country. Residents in cohorts 5 and 6 are currently receiving vaccinations. General The council’s operational manager cohort will be considering the look and feel of the council offices for when staff return to the site. This will be discussed at a forthcoming meeting and will take into account customers visiting the site. Service delivery Property and asset management: The mobile Covid-19 testing site at the Lower Lode Depot is operational on Thursday, Saturday and Sunday this week. Public Health will adjust the operation of the site to meet local demand, but it is likely that it will remain open for two or three days per week for the foreseeable future. Communications: The Gloucestershire County Council communications team will shortly be promoting on social media a map featuring all testing centre locations across Gloucestershire. We will support and share these posts when they are made available. Human resources: More information is becoming available about long Covid. Studies show it is most likely to affect the working population, impacting those who have had Covid but may not have suffered from severe symptoms. The most common symptoms of long Covid are brain fog, mood changes, insomnia and fatigue. Without management, symptoms tend to get worse. We will work to ensure managers and staff are aware of what to watch out for so we can manage cases appropriately should they occur within the council workforce. Addressing vaccine misinformation: A news post was published on the intranet to counter vaccine misinformation and encourage officers to take up the offer of a vaccination when invited to do so. This included video clips from Public Health England addressing common concerns about the Covid-19 vaccine. Customer services: Garden waste renewals for 2021/22 have commenced. Over 5,500 renewal reminders have already been sent. To date, just over 3,000 stickers have been purchased, generating income of nearly £150,000. A further 10,000 renewal reminders are scheduled to be sent out this evening. Based on last year’s figures, it is anticipated that 80% of the renewals will be done online. An additional £45,000 has been added to the income target. Community support Clinically extremely vulnerable: New criteria have been announced for those designated as clinically extremely vulnerable (CEV). It is expected that between 500 and 700 new people in Tewkesbury Borough (5000 new people across Gloucestershire) will be added to this list. Gloucestershire County Council will write to all new CEVs explaining the support that is available to them. Shielding will continue until 31 March. Community Help Hub: The number of people requesting assistance through the Community Help Hub remains low compared to the first lockdown. Business support 400 additional council tax hardship fund awards – each of up to £75 – have been paid to working age residents receiving council tax reduction. A press release highlighting these additional awards was issued this week. National Lockdown Grants: 498 businesses have received grants totalling £3,462,385. These businesses have also all received tier-restrictions grants. We are still awaiting government guidance relating to payments following the six-week lockdown which ended on Monday 15 February. When we have the details, we will be able to pay businesses any further national lockdown grants automatically. Additional Restrictions Grants: 76 applications have been received, 17 businesses have been paid at a total of £56,000. Self-isolation payments: 243 applications received, 127 paid at a total of £63,500. Only nine applications were received this week as infection rates in the borough decrease.
Tuesday 16th February 2021:
Mobile Testing Unit locations – 15 – 22 Feb
The mobile testing unit is now available at locations across the county. Please see the planned locations below.
Anyone with symptoms of Covid-19 can have a test. You must book a test in advance. Please do not turn up to one of the locations without booking – anyone without a booking risks being turned away.To book a test or for more information on testing, go to the NHS website or call 119.
Latest locations and dates:
These dates are subject to change. Please check the GCC website for changes.
Mobile testing unit locations
Monday 15 Feb
Tuesday 16 Feb
Wednesday 17 Feb
Thursday 18 Feb
Friday 19 Feb
Saturday 20 Feb
Sunday 21 Feb
Monday 22 Feb
Stow
Stow Rugby Football Club, Oddington Road, Stow, GL54 1JJ
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Cirencester
Royal Agricultural University, Stroud Road, Cirencester, GL7 6JS
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Cheltenham
University Of Gloucestershire, Entrance 3, Park Campus, The Park, Cheltenham, GL50 2RH
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Bishops Cleeve
Cheltenham North RFC, Stoke Orchard Road, Bishops Cleeve, GL52 7DG
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Tewkesbury
Lower Lode Depot, Lower Lode Lane, Tewkesbury, GL20 5TT
Stratford Park Leisure Centre, Stratford Road, Stroud, GL5 4AH
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Friday 12th February 2021:
News from Tewkesbury Borough Council: Situation report; Gloucestershire: Cases have decreased by 300 –there are now 597 cases in the county. The rate per 100,000 is expected to be below 100 by next week. Tewkesbury Borough: The rate per 100,000 currently stands at 91.6 –a 31% drop from last week. This decline in cases demonstrates the effectiveness of the lockdown and indicates that people are following the guidance and taking the correct precautions.
Service delivery- Environmental health: Public Health England has approved a funding bid that will allow us to extend the employment contracts of our Covid Compliance Officers and Community Protection Officers until the end of 2022. Over the lockdown periods, the environmental health team has seen an increase in requests for litter-picking equipment by members of the public. This reflects a strong desire by residents to protect their local environment –a press release to celebrate this commitment will follow shortly. The vaccination rate in Gloucestershire is high –vaccination of the over 65s will commence next week. Housing and rough sleepers: Rough sleeper numbers across Gloucestershire have increased slightly to 20.There has also been an increase in people provided with accommodation throughout the recent cold weather period. We have maintained contact with the one rough sleeper in Tewkesbury Borough through our outreach team and an offer of accommodation remains open. The housing team has submitted a bid to MHCLG for the Protect Plus fund. They intend to use this funding to commission outreach support and provide bespoke accommodation options. Human resources: This week is National Apprenticeship Week and we have four new apprenticeship vacancies. These have been promoted at GlosCol and on job listings websites such as Indeed, and our communications team have been publicising them across our social media channels.Property and asset management: Public Health will use the Lower Lode depot as a part-time mobile Covid-19 testing site. This will be managed by Gloucestershire County Council. Tewkesbury Leisure Centre: The asset management team has secured £170k from the National Leisure Recovery Fund which will be used to support the reopening of the leisure centre in the new financial year.
Community support – Grants: All Gloucestershire districts will soon launch a Winter Grants scheme. This will support vulnerable families with children under five years of age that are experiencing financial hardship. The scheme will focus on providing fuel and food vouchers. Funding: The community team held an online funding seminar in partnership with Severn Trent Water’s funding scheme. 40 local Voluntary and Charity Sector (VCS) organisations attended the event which was well received. The seminar focused on how to submit a strong application for funding. A new toolkit has been developed to help local VCS organisations through the funding process. Many of these organisations are struggling financially as a result of Covid-19 impacting on their income. Community Help Hub: The number of people requesting assistance through the Community Help Hub remains low compared to the first lockdown.
Business support – A press release highlighting the new Additional Restrictions Grants was issued this week. A total of £3,186,363 has been paid in National Lockdown Grants. 461 businesses have received the grant. Additional Restrictions Grants -70 applications have been received so far. Self-isolation payments: 247 applications received -124 paid, 116 not eligible.
Thursday 11th February 2021:
Key messages
The county’s second COVID-19 community testing site will open in Cirencester on 17 February at the Royal Agricultural University (RAU). The facility will use Lateral Flow Devices (LFDs) to provide rapid, regular testing for people with no symptoms.
LFD testing continues to be offered mainly to those who, for work or caring responsibilities still have to leave the house. People who are clinically extremely vulnerable should continue to shield.
Visit www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/community-testing for more information or to book at test at the Cirencester site (booking open from Monday 15 February) or the Gloucestershire-based facility located at the Friendship Café in Gloucester. People are encouraged to visit the site nearest to where they work or live.
If you have symptoms relating to COVID-19: a high temperature, a new and continuous cough or loss or change in sense of taste and smell you should isolate immediately and book a test at Hempsted Meadows PCR testing facility, the new walk in site in Cheltenham or at one of the county’s mobile units, using the national testing portal.
If you are the main carer of an elderly or disabled person whose welfare is at risk if you fall ill, then you can access the COVID-19 vaccination today. People must register as a carer with your GP to access the vaccine.
• People are reminded that under lockdown rules they should stay at home and not mix with other households inside or outside. Exercise once a day is allowed with people from your household or support bubble, or one other person outside.
Gloucestershire Covid-19 stats
In week 6 (Monday 1st February– Sunday 7th February) there were 600 confirmed cases of COVID19.
Of these cases:
170 were in Gloucester
75 were in Tewkesbury
84 were in Cheltenham
124 were in Stroud
79 were in Forest of Dean
68 were in Cotswold
* Please note these figures are provisional and subject to change.
The rate of cases in the last 7 days per 100,000 is 99.7 in Gloucestershire, 125.0 in the South West, and 192.8 in England.
Deaths mentioning COVID19
In week 4 (Saturday 23rd January– Friday 29th January) there were 39 deaths mentioning “novel coronavirus (COVID-19)”, which is 24.4% of all deaths, this compares with 66 (36.7% of all deaths) in Week 3
*Please note these figures are based on all deaths registered by the 6th February, they are provisional and will be subject to change. They include deaths that make any mention of COVID-19 on the death certificate. (Source: Weekly provisional figures on deaths occurring and registered in England and Wales by Local Authority)
*Please note the dates above, the ONS weeks run from Saturday- Friday and we are unable to change this.
Deaths in NHS Trusts² – 570 (33 new)
Deaths in care homes⁴ – 382 (6 new)
Friday 5th February 2021:
Key messages
Nearly 300,000 leaflets with information to support people during lockdown and beyond are being delivered to households from Monday 8 February. COVID-19 cases are starting to fall in the county, but we must keep doing all to stay safe. This means staying at home as much as we can. The Leaflet includes information about looking after your mental health and wellbeing, financial support, how to get practical support to help you to stay at home and more.
A walk in test centre for people with COVID-19 symptoms has opened in Cheltenham (using PCR tests). Tests are booked through the gov.uk site
Community Testing in Gloucester continues to be offered at the Friendship Café in the city mainly to those who, for work or caring responsibilities still have to leave the house.
Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Group has created a hub of information around the COVID-19 vaccination.
Gloucestershire Covid-19 stats
In week 5 (Monday 25th January– Sunday 31st January) there were 882 confirmed cases of COVID19.
Of these cases:
260 were in Gloucester
162 were in Stroud
134 were in Cheltenham
124 were in Forest of Dean
111 were in Tewkesbury
91 were in Cotswold
* Please note these figures are provisional and subject to change.
The rate of cases in the last 7 days per 100,000 is 137.5 in Gloucestershire, 177.7 in the South West, and 257.6 in England.
Deaths mentioning COVID19
In week 3 (Saturday 16th January– Friday 22nd January) there were 60 deaths mentioning “novel coronavirus (COVID-19)”, which is 34.9% of all deaths, this compares with 65 (33.3% of all deaths) in Week 2
*Please note these figures are based on all deaths registered by the 30th January, they are provisional and will be subject to change. They include deaths that make any mention of COVID-19 on the death certificate. (Source: Weekly provisional figures on deaths occurring and registered in England and Wales by Local Authority)
*Please note the dates above, the ONS weeks run from Saturday- Friday and we are unable to change this.
Deaths in NHS Trusts – 537 (13 new)
Deaths in care homes – 375 (12 new)
Wednesday 3rd February 2021:
Thousands more added to Emergency Community Fund
Tewkesbury Borough Council has invested a further £50,000 of extra funding to help community groups who are supporting vulnerable people through the coronavius pandemic.
The Covid-19 Emergency Community Fund launched in April 2020 to provide financial support to voluntary and community groups as they responded to exceptional challenges during the first lockdown. From April 2020 to December 2020, 105 grants – totalling £87,165 – have been distributed to 78 organisations across Tewkesbury Borough (with some receiving more than one grant).
Of the grants awarded last year, 56 funded IT equipment and other resources, 28 provided PPE and cleaning equipment, 17 supported ongoing service delivery costs, 15 covered volunteer expenses and nine helped with publicity costs (some grants supported more than one type of cost).
Now that Tewkesbury Borough Council has invested a further £50,000, it is once again urging community groups to apply. Groups that have already received funding can apply again if there is an exceptional need and the project meets the eligibility criteria.
The following activities are a priority for this grant programme:
Direct and immediate practical support for vulnerable groups
Initiatives to reduce isolation and vulnerability
Initiatives to support mental wellbeing
For more information on how to apply, go to the TBC website or contact Louise Gifford, Community Funding Officer, on 01684 272192 or at louise.gifford@tewkesbury.gov.uk.
Friday 29th January 2021:
Key messages
The walk to neighbourhood testing facility at the Friendship Café on Painswick Road, Gloucester is continuing to work well. People who work in Gloucester city, as well as those who live there, are now being invited to get tested.
Around 860 city residents have attended the testing facility since it opened at the Friendship Café just over two weeks ago. So far, nine people have tested positive for Covid using Lateral Flow Devices (LFDs). LFDs are used to identify Covid in people who have no symptoms.
Testing continues to be offered mainly to those who, for work or caring responsibilities still have to leave the house. People who are clinically extremely vulnerable should continue to shield.
For more information and to book a test visit gloucestershire.gov.uk and search community testing.
We are delighted to announce that Gloucestershire County Council has joined Nextdoor!
We will be posting news, information and updates on the wide variety of services we are responsible for including: our response to the COVID-19 pandemic and what you can do to stay safe; how to look after your mental health; planned and emergency works on our roads; important messages about Household Recycling Centres; and much more.
Gloucestershire Covid-19 stats
In week 4 (Monday 18th January– Sunday 24th January) there were 1193 confirmed cases of COVID19. Of these cases:
414 were in Gloucester
175 were in Tewkesbury
168 were in Cheltenham
155 were in Stroud
150 were in Forest of Dean
131 were in Cotswold
* Please note these figures are provisional and subject to change. (Source: https://coronavirus.data.gov.uk/ as at 16:20 27/01/2020)
The rate of cases in the last 7 days per 100,000 is 195.3 in Gloucestershire, 247.4 in the South West, and 369.4 in England.
Deaths mentioning COVID19
In week 2 (Saturday 9th January– Friday 15th January) there were 59 deaths mentioning “novel coronavirus (COVID-19)”, which is 31.9% of all deaths, this compares with 45 (31.9% of all deaths) in Week 1.
*Please note these figures are based on all deaths registered by the 23rd January, they are provisional and will be subject to change. They include deaths that make any mention of COVID-19 on the death certificate. (Source: Weekly provisional figures on deaths occurring and registered in England and Wales by Local Authority)
*Please note the dates above, the ONS weeks run from Saturday- Friday and we are unable to change this.
Deaths in NHS Trusts – 537 (32 new)
Deaths in care homes – 363 (13 new)
News from TBC: Situation report•In the South West, cases have decreased by 4,702to 13,942. The South West’s rate per 100,000 is 247.9.•Across Gloucestershire, cases are down by 321 to 1,248. The rate per 100,000 is 195.9. There have been an additional 67 people who have lost their lives this week, taking the total to 848.•In Tewkesbury Borough, cases are down by 33 to 179. The rate per 100,000 is 188.4. There has been a total of 123 people who have lost their lives in the borough.•The vaccination programme continues to be rolled out. Gloucestershire has administered a higher number of vaccinations than any other county in the country.•The number of inpatients in hospitals across Gloucestershire is reducing. Currently there are 183 inpatients testing positive. Hospitals remain busy with a high number of staff off with Covid-19 symptoms.
Service delivery•‘Help to beat Covid’ signs will be put up across the county to replace the ‘Cases are going up’ signs currently displayed. •Anti-lockdown posters were displayed in Bishops Cleeve this week, this was picked up by Gloucestershire Live. Environmental Health Officers and the Police will remove these when visiting the area.•We are currently offering support to 22 households from Tewkesbury Borough across our whole homelessness service who are in temporary accommodation. There are 14 rough sleepers across Gloucestershire –these are a core cohort for whom there are difficulties in finding solutions. Work is taking place to confirm they are registered with a GP to ensure they are included in the vaccination programme.•A household notification letter will be distributed to all households shortly advising who is registered to vote in that household and how to amend this if necessary, as well as providing details on how to register as an absent voter if required. •The environmental health team has conducted inspections of all open retailers across the borough and have found that the majority of business are Covid compliant. Any concerns are
being dealt with. •The examination of the Tewkesbury Borough Plan is due to take place next month and the planning policy team are busy in readiness for this. Further information on the examination will be given in the coming weeks.•Planning site visits will start to take place where they are absolutely necessary and will be conducted in line with the risk assessment. Officers must first consider whether the site visit can be completed using videos, photos or through a live stream.•Information has been received indicating that magistrates’ courts are starting to deal with council tax committal hearings. This means they could reopen from April for council tax and business rates liability order hearings.•Ubico were unable to carry out waste and recycling collections on Monday due to icy weather. Crews have been working hard to catch up with these collections. Any that have not been completed by the end of the day today will take place on Saturday.
Community•Holiday hunger proposals have been approved with each district being given £50k in funding to support this. The community team are working with CCP to administer and distribute the fund. •There is an indication that 1 in 8 people that have been diagnosed with Covid-19 will suffer longer term implications. The NHS has set up a website Your COVID Recovery | Supporting your recovery after COVID-19 to provide information to those recovering from Covid-19 which we will help publicise. The local NHS Trusts has set up clinics to support with long-Covid.
Business•A press release has been published this week giving details of the grants available to businesses. •Applications for Local Restrictions Support Grants (Open) and (Closed) for the period between 2 Dec 2020–4 Jan 2021 are still being received. If a business has received a Closed grant the team are automatically paying them a national lockdown grant for the six-week period starting 5 January 2021.•231 applications have been received for the national restrictions grant. Whilst processing these the team are also checking whether they are eligible for the Local Restrictions Support Grant. This does take a bit more time, but it means the applicant only has to fill in one application to receive all the grant funding they are entitled to.•238 national lockdown grants have been paid at a value of £1,629,045•A new Additional Restrictions Grant policy is being finalised for a discretionary grant covering the six-week lockdown period. This will be aimed at businesses not eligible for the mandatory grant but who have been affected financially due to the lockdown. It is hoped this will be approved next week and an application form rolled out shortly after.•Self-isolation payments: 207 applications, 99 paid, 100 not eligible, awaiting further information from the remainder.
Thursday 28th January 2021:
New lockdown grant for closed businesses:
A national lockdown grant is available for businesses that have been required to close as a result of the current coronavirus restrictions. Tewkesbury Borough Council is responsible for administering the Covid-19 national lockdown grant across the borough and is inviting applications from local business owners.
In order to be eligible for the grant, a business must have been required to close as a result of the national restrictions imposed by the government from Tuesday, 5 January. Business owners must also operate a business-rated property registered on the council’s business rates system and must no longer be serving customers from the premises.
The current national lockdown is expected to last a minimum of six weeks. Business owners who have successfully applied will receive an initial payment to help them through this six-week period – the amount payable is based on the rateable value of the premises. If, at the end of six weeks, the lockdown continues, businesses will receive further payments according to the government’s guidelines without needing to apply again.
The council is advising business owners to check its Covid-19 business grants webpage as, if they are eligible for the national lockdown grant, they may also be eligible for a Tier 4 restrictions grant.
The council has received a large number of applications for the tier-restriction support grants announced last month and is busy prioritising and processing these. The team processing the applications would like to reassure applicants that they will make payments as soon as they possibly can.
Wednesday 27th January 2021:
Mobile Testing Unit locations
An important part of minimising and managing any future spread of Covid-19 is the speed at which people can be tested and isolation measures put in place, should an outbreak occur.
The mobile testing unit is now available at locations across the county. Please see the planned locations below.
Anyone with symptoms of Covid-19 can have a test. You must book a test in advance. Please do not turn up to one of the locations without booking – anyone without a booking risks being turned away.
To book a test or for more information on testing, go to the NHS website or call 119.
Latest locations and dates:
These dates are subject to change. Please check the GCC website for changes.
Mobile testing unit locations
Wednesday 27 Jan
Thursday 28 Jan
Friday 29 Jan
Saturday 30 Jan
Sunday 31 Jan
Monday 1 Feb
Tuesday 2 Feb
Wednesday 3 Feb
Thursday 4 Feb
Friday 5 Feb
Saturday 6 Feb
Sunday 7 Feb
Stow
Stow Rugby Football Club, Oddington Road, Stow, GL54 1JJ
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Cirencester
Royal Agricultural University, Stroud Road, Cirencester, GL7 6JS
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Cheltenham
University Of Gloucestershire, Entrance 3, Park Campus, The Park, Cheltenham, GL50 2RH
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Bishops Cleeve
Cheltenham North RFC, Stoke Orchard Road, Bishops Cleeve, GL52 7DG
Stratford Park Leisure Centre, Stratford Road, Stroud, GL5 4AH
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Friday 22nd January 2021:
Key messages
The testing facility at the Friendship Café on Painswick Road, Gloucester has been supporting surrounding neighbourhoods for more than a week and is getting positive feedback from those who have been tested at the centre. With the centre up and running and operating well, testing is now being offered to those right across Gloucester, who even during this national lockdown, are still having to leave home for work or caring responsibilities.
The testing being offered uses Lateral Flow Devices, which are designed for people not showing any symptoms (asymptomatic), and want to be tested on an ongoing basis to have greater confidence that they are not unknowingly infecting family members or work colleagues.
The site will be open 8am – 7pm Monday to Friday and 10am to 4pm on Saturday and Sunday. Testing is by appointment only. For more information or to book a test visit the county council’s dedicated testing web page.
A new dedicated COVID-19 vaccination update page has been set up on our GCC website, including details on the roll out to social care staff.
Numbers published today, 21 January, by NHS show Gloucestershire has vaccinated more people than anywhere else! Amazing effort from our NHS friends. See full information on these statistics the NHS website.
Gloucestershire Covid-19 stats:
In week 3 (Monday 11th January– Sunday 17th January) there were 1474 confirmed cases of COVID19.
448 were in Gloucester
248 were in Forest of Dean
231 were in Cheltenham
199 were in Tewkesbury
185 were in Stroud
163 were in Cotswold
*Please note these figures are provisional and subject to change. (Source: https://coronavirus.data.gov.uk/ as at 16:00 20/01/2020)
The rate of cases in the last 7 days per 100,000 is 244.7 in Gloucestershire, 330.7 in the South West, and 478.0 in England.
Deaths mentioning COVID19
In week 1 (Saturday 2nd January– Friday 8th January) there were 44 deaths mentioning “novel coronavirus (COVID-19)”, which is 32.8% of all deaths, this compares with 43 (31.2% of all deaths) in Week 53
*Please note these figures are based on all deaths registered by the 16th January, they are provisional and will be subject to change. They include deaths that make any mention of COVID-19 on the death certificate. (Source: Weekly provisional figures on deaths occurring and registered in England and Wales by Local Authority)
*Please note the dates above, the ONS weeks run from Saturday- Friday and we are unable to change this.
Deaths in NHS Trusts² – 505 (35 new)
Deaths in care homes⁴ – 350 (18 new)
Please be aware that there was an inaccuracy with last week’s reporting; the correct number of deaths in care homes for week ending 8th January was 332.
From TBC :
Situation report• In the South West, cases have decreased by 3,300to 18,644. The South West’s rate per 100,000 is 331.•Across Gloucestershire, cases are down by 923to 1,569. The rate per 100,000 246.3. There have been an additional 52deaths this week, taking the total to 781.•In Tewkesbury Borough, cases are down by 91 to 212. The rate per 100,000 is 223.1. There have been an additional 16 deaths this week, taking the total to 113.•Whilst numbers of cases are decreasing, the number of residents being admitted to hospital is unfortunately increasing.• A vaccination subgroup has been created by the NHS to investigate why certain sections of the local community are not volunteering themselves for vaccination. •The Department of Work and Pensions is working with districts to set up youth hubs across the county to support young people with careers advice and guidance on start-up businesses.
Service delivery• A leaflet containing key contact details for services that support vulnerable residents has been produced by Gloucestershire County Council. This will be distributed to households across the county from Monday, 8February.•A press release to promote the latest national restrictions grants available to business that have been forced to close will be issued next week.• There has been a suggestion that the government is looking to roll the vaccination programme out to include certainkey workers across councils and public services, for example social workers. The council is waiting to hear whether this includes other front-facing staff such as environmental health officers etc.•We have an opportunity to bid for a £5,000 fund from MHCLG to provide support to rough sleepers who have very bespoke needs.• The Environmental Health team is conducting inspections of all open retailers across the borough. Approx 60% of these have been completed so far. •The Compliance working group is currently putting together a proposal for additional funding to extend the Covid Community Protection Officer programme.•A new Pulse Checksurvey will be distributed shortly to Tewkesbury Borough Council employees to assess how officers are doing mentally and physically, and to gain an understanding of how they are coping while working from home.•The council will be reinstating its apprentice scheme next week.•Gloucester County Council has been allocated £6.5m from the government’s containment management fund. Discussions are ongoing about how some of this money can be allocated among districts. •All polling stations have been booked for 6 May in readiness for elections. •We are currently offering support to 20 households from Tewkesbury Borough who are in temporary accommodation. We are also working with one rough sleeper in the borough. There are 13 rough sleepers across Gloucestershire –these are a core cohort for whom there are difficulties in finding solutions.•The 2021 Tewkesbury Medieval Festival has been cancelled due to Covid restrictions. •We are currently receiving an average of 27 new council tax reduction claims each week. Total case load stands at just over 3,000.•The Revenues and Benefits team are looking into options for allocating the balance of the council tax hardship fund. •Three members of the Ubico team were self-isolating last week but they have now recovered and are back at work.
Community•A new websitepromoting wellbeing across Gloucestershire has been launched. Be Well Gloucestershire is a new campaign aimed at encouraging residents to access support for their mental health through out2021. www.bewellglos.org.uk•Phone calls to the Community Help Hub continue to come in at a manageable rate. •Community groups continue to benefit from emergency community support grants.Further funding has been added to the grant programme. This will be publicised shortly.
Business•New National lockdown grants: 161 applications. We hope to start making payments for the national scheme next week.•The business cell is continuingto process Tier 2, 3 and 4 grant applications.•The government is potentially expanding the test and trace scheme–this would involve a £500 paymentfor anyone who has testedpositive.•Self-isolation payments: 190 applications, 94 paid, 90 not eligible, awaiting further information from the remainder.
Wednesday 30th December 2020:
News from TBC: From 00:01 on 31 December 2020 Gloucestershire will be moving up to Tier 4 of the Covid-19 restrictions. Management Team Plus met at 3.30pm this afternoon, chaired by the Chief Executive, to ensure that the council responds effectively to the new Tier 4 restrictions and has support in place for residents and businesses.
Service delivery-Advice to council officers has been reinforced. Staff must work from home if they are able to do so –this is in line with Tier 4 requirements. All non-essential retail and leisure, including Tewkesbury Leisure Centre, will need to close. Leisure centre staff will be furloughed until restrictions ease again. Accommodation and hospitality businesses will also need to close –there are limited exceptions for homelessness accommodation and housing officers are looking into accommodation that will remain open for this purpose. Environmental health officers will be working with police colleagues to monitor compliance of the new additional restrictions across the borough. The Business Hub will provide further targeted advice. The main areas of tewkesbury.gov.uk have already been updated to reflect the new Tier 4 restrictions and the support that is available to the public and businesses. The communications team is sharing the national messages on Tier 4 restrictions through the council’s social media channels. Risk assessments will be reviewed for planning site visits for both officers and members. There is no change to funeral restrictions and play areas will remain open. Personal care services will also close.
Community-Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue and Gloucestershire County Council will pick up requests for support from clinically extremely vulnerable residents, until 4 January. Our community cell is ready to take up the work following this date.
Business-Business grants –the business grants team is working on Tier 3 and Tier 4 grants to make the application process as smooth as possible.
Thursday 24th December 2020:
Key messages:
Gloucestershire to move to Tier 3 from Boxing Day: Gloucestershire will be subject to Government’s Tier 3 restrictions from 00:01 on Saturday 26 December. We have scheduled ‘reminder’ social media posts between now and Boxing Day, in the hope that it encourages people to follow the Tier 3 guidance when it comes in to effect.
Christmas Bubbles on 25th December: On Christmas Day only, you are able to form a Christmas bubble with people from no more than three households, should you wish to do so. To help keep yourself and others safe, you should keep your bubble small, maintain as much distance as possible and avoid staying overnight if you don’t have to. You should not join a Christmas bubble with anyone from a Tier 4 area.
‘Letters to Father Christmas’ videos from members of the community have continued to appear on our social media channels. We aim to raise awareness of things people have missed doing this year and that they want to get back to in 2021, in turn reminding them to follow the guidance.
Gloucestershire farmer and Cotswold Farm Park owner Adam Henson has produced to video message about staying safe this Christmas and into the New Year, which went out on Monday across Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Do it for Gloucestershire: more video case studies will appear on social media in the New Year, featuring both businesses and the public, with the aim of encouraging people in Gloucestershire to stick to the guidelines, so we can get back to normal as quickly as possible.
“2020 is nearly over – but COVID isn’t.’’: look out for our striking red image on lampposts across Gloucester, as well as on social media, online, on the ad-van, supermarket screens and in newspapers.
Christmas message from the council leader: Cllr Mark Hawthorne has recorded a brief message to the county which will go out on social media on Christmas Eve. He mentions good work done by NHS and Social Care colleagues throughout 2020, and also those mentioned in our ‘This Is…’ campaign.
In the last 7 days there were 1,103 confirmed cases of COVID19.
Of these cases:
313 were in Gloucester
176 were in Stroud
160 were in Cheltenham
133 were in Tewkesbury
178 were in Forest of Dean
143 were in Cotswold
* Please note these figures are provisional and subject to change.
The rate of cases in the last 7 days per 100,000 is 176.9 in Gloucestershire, 136.9 in the South West, and 318.9 in England.
Deaths mentioning COVID19
In week 50 (Saturday 5th December – Friday 11th December) there were 31 deaths mentioning “novel coronavirus (COVID-19)”, which is 21.4% of all deaths, this compares with 28 (21.9% of all deaths) in Week 49
*Please note these figures are based on all deaths registered by the 19th December, they are provisional and will be subject to change. They include deaths that make any mention of COVID-19 on the death certificate. (Source: Source: Weekly provisional figures on deaths occurring and registered in England and Wales by Local Authority)
Please note the dates above, the ONS weeks run from Saturday- Friday and we are unable to change this.
Deaths in NHS Trusts² – 376 (24 new)
Deaths in care homes⁴ – 298 (9 new)
Monday 21st December 2020:
New grants support businesses into the New Year
New support grants are now available for businesses in Tewkesbury Borough that have been financially impacted by Covid Tier 2 restrictions.
Tewkesbury Borough Council is responsible for administering and delivering the grants and will welcome applications from Monday, 21 December, with payments being made in the new year.
These grants are targeted at:
Businesses that were legally required to close when the borough went into Tier 2 on Wednesday, 2 December.
Businesses operating in – or directly supplying – the hospitality, bed and breakfast, hotel and leisure sectors that remain open but have been severely impacted due to local restrictions.
In addition, a Christmas grant in the form of a one-off payment of £1000 is available for ‘wet’ pubs – pubs whose income predominantly comes from the serving of alcohol rather than food orders – to offset their loss of much-needed business during what would usually be a very busy and profitable period. Pubs that operated as wet pubs before the pandemic, but now serve food in order to remain open, also qualify for this payment.
To make the application process easily accessible, the council has introduced one single form for all businesses to fill out, regardless of which grant applies to them.
Councillor Rob Bird, leader of Tewkesbury Borough Council, said: “This has been an exceptionally challenging year for businesses throughout the borough and we are continuing to do everything possible to help them by offering extra financial assistance over the Christmas period.
“Hospitality businesses in particular will be severely affected by the Tier 2 regulations over the festive season, but we hope this additional funding will go some way to alleviate the financial impact of the local restrictions. We want to make sure they receive all the support they are entitled to and I urge any business owner in the borough who is eligible for one of these grants to apply.”
New Campaign Launched: “2020 is nearly over – but COVID isn’t.’’ We want everyone to be able to enjoy the Christmas that they deserve – whilst remembering that although 2020 might nearly be over, COVID isn’t. This campaign comes as a response to the rising number of infections in Gloucestershire and the lead up to Christmas. Please look out for our striking red image on social media and share where possible with your own contacts. We are advertising this message across the county in as many places as possible; online, with ad-vans, supermarket screens, lamp post leaflets and in newspapers.
Christmas Bubbles between the 23rd and 27th December: You can choose to form an exclusive ‘Christmas bubble’ with people from no more than three households. To help keep yourself and others your friends and family safe, you should keep your bubbles small, maintain as much distance as possible and avoid staying overnight if you don’t have to. Full information on Christmas Bubbles on the uk website.
Gloucestershire remains under Tier 2 restrictions: Gloucestershire is subject to Government’s Tier 2 restrictions until the 23 December and again after 28 December. We have scheduled ‘reminder’ social media posts between Christmas and New Year, in the hope that it encourages people to follow the Tier 2 guidance during the festive period outside of Christmas Bubbles.
‘Letters to Father Christmas’ videos from members of the community will appear on our social media channels in the lead up for Christmas, launching today 18 December at 4pm. We aim to raise awareness of things people have missed doing this year and that they want to get back to in 2021, in turn reminding them to follow the guidance. A ‘positive’ toned message.
Tier 2 and Christmas bubble myth busting quizzes will also run over the festive period on social media.
Gloucestershire Covid-19 stats:
In week 49 (Monday 30th November– Sunday 6th December) there were 886 confirmed cases of COVID19.
Of these cases:
279 were in Gloucester
184 were in the Forest of Dean
147 were in Stroud
106 were in Cheltenham
91 were in Tewkesbury
79 were in Cotswold
Please note these figures are provisional and subject to change. (Source: https://coronavirus.data.gov.uk/ as at 18:04 16/12/2020)
The rate of cases in the last 7 days per 100,000 is 139.7 in Gloucestershire, 98.5 in the South West, and 216.8 in England.
Deaths mentioning COVID19
In week 49 (Saturday 28th November – Friday 4th December) there were 27 deaths mentioning “novel coronavirus (COVID-19)”, which is 23.5% of all deaths, this compares with 22 (20.2% of all deaths) in Week 48
*Please note these figures are based on all deaths registered by the 12th December, they are provisional and will be subject to change. They include deaths that make any mention of COVID-19 on the death certificate. (Source: Source: Weekly provisional figures on deaths occurring and registered in England and Wales by Local Authority)
Please note the dates above, the ONS weeks run from Saturday- Friday and we are unable to change this.
Deaths in NHS Trusts – 352 (22 new)
Deaths in care homes – 289 (5 new)
Thursday 17th December 2020:
From HMRC: Extension to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme – what you need to do now
The UK Government has reviewed the terms of the scheme, and announced that the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) will remain at the current level of 80% of usual wages for the hours not worked, and will be extended until the end of April 2021.
Reminder of monthly deadlines
Thank you if you submitted your November furlough claim by the deadline of 14 December.
If you did not submit your claim by this date, we may still accept it if you have a reasonable excuse for not claiming by the deadline. Go to GOV.UK and search ’claim for wages’ for more support.
Please note that reasonable excuses do not apply to late claims for periods before November, which should have been submitted already.
What you need to do now
If you haven’t submitted your claim for November but still need to, check if you have a reasonable excuse by searching ‘claim for wages’ – if your reason means you can claim late, please do so as soon as you’re able to.
Check you have not made any errors on your November claims, by looking at the eligibility criteria and calculating how much you can claim – search ‘Job Retention Scheme’ on GOV.UK.
Submit any claims for December no later than 14 January.
Keep any records that support the amount of CJRS grants you claim, in case HMRC needs to check them.
You can now make December claims
You can now submit your claims for periods in December. These must be made by 14 January.
To help you plan ahead to meet the monthly deadlines, here’s a list of the key dates you need to know:
14 January 2021 – final date to submit claims for December 2020 by 11:59pm
15 February 2021 – final date to submit claims for January 2021 by 11:59pm
15 March 2021 – final date to submit claims for February 2021 by 11:59pm
14 April 2021 – final date to submit claims for March 2021 by 11:59pm
14 May 2021 – final date to submit claims for April 2021 by 11:59pm.
Frequently asked questions about CJRS
You can find everything you need to know about the CJRS on GOV.UK by searching ‘Job Retention Scheme’, but here are some answers to the most frequently asked questions.
What if I’ve claimed too much in error?
If you have claimed too much CJRS grant and have not already repaid it, you must notify us and repay the money by the latest of whichever date applies below:
90 days from receiving the CJRS money you’re not entitled to
90 days from the point circumstances changed so that you were no longer entitled to keep the CJRS grant.
If you do not do this, you may have to pay interest and a penalty as well as repaying the excess CJRS grant. For more information on interest search ‘Interest rates for late and early payments’ on GOV.UK.
You can repay as part of your next online claim without needing to call us. If you claimed too much but do not plan to submit further claims, you can let us know and make a repayment online through our card payment service or by bank transfer – go to ‘Pay Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme grants back’ on GOV.UK.
What if I haven’t claimed enough?
If you made a mistake in your claim that means you received too little money, you’ll need to amend it within 28 calendar days after the month the claim relates to – unless this falls on a weekend or bank holiday, in which case the deadline is the next weekday. The deadline to amend claims for November is Tuesday 29 December.
To find out how to amend your claim, search ‘Get help with the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme’ on GOV.UK.
Why have monthly deadlines been introduced?
Introducing a 14-day deadline ensures that we can more regularly and accurately see and react to the impact of coronavirus on businesses and individuals.
Our data suggests that most employers have made their claim within 14 days each month. You can go to GOV.UK and search ’claim for wages’ if you were unable to meet a deadline.
Can I use CJRS grants to pay for holiday leave?
If you have furloughed employees because of the effect of coronavirus on your business, you can claim under the CJRS for periods of paid leave they take while on furlough, including for bank holidays such as Christmas Day or Boxing Day.
If your employee is flexibly furloughed, you can count any time taken as holiday as furloughed hours rather than working hours. This means you can claim 80% of their usual wages for these hours. You should not place employees on furlough just because they are going to be on paid leave.
If a furloughed employee takes holiday, you should top up their pay to their normal rate in line with the Working Time Regulations. For more information search ‘check if you can claim for your employees’ wages’ on GOV.UK.
Can I include a Christmas bonus in my calculation for the grant?
You can claim for regular payments that you are contractually obliged to pay your employees, including compulsory commission, fees and overtime. However, you cannot claim for discretionary commission, non-contractual bonuses (including tips) and non-cash payments. For more information search ‘steps to take before calculating your claim’ on GOV.UK.
How do I calculate the grant amount for employees?
A CJRS calculator can work out most fixed or variable pay calculations – you can find our CJRS calculator on GOV.UK by searching ‘calculate how much you can claim’. However, the CJRS calculator cannot be used for some employees, including those who:
were variably paid, and have been on more than one period of furlough where any part of any of the periods of furlough was in the 2019/20 tax year
have variable pay, started employment before 6 April 2020 and were not on their employer’s payroll on or before 19 March 2020
started employment with their employer during a calendar period in the 2019-20 tax year which corresponds with part or all of the period being claimed for.
For a complete list of circumstances, search ‘calculate how much you can claim’ on GOV.UK.
If you cannot use the calculator, you will need to work out what you can claim manually using the calculation guidance or by seeking professional advice from an accountant or tax adviser. It’s your responsibility to check that the amount you are claiming for is correct.
Where can I get further support?
Thousands of people have joined and benefited from our live webinars which now offer more support on changes to CJRS, and how they affect you. To book online, or to view updated guidance, go to GOV.UK and search ‘help and support if your business is affected by coronavirus’.
Our phone lines and webchat remain very busy, so the quickest way to find the support you need is on GOV.UK. This will leave our phone lines and webchat service open for those who need them most.
Protect yourself from scams
Stay vigilant about scams, which may mimic government messages as a way of appearing authentic. Search ‘scams’ on GOV.UK for information on how to recognise genuine HMRC contact. You can forward suspicious emails claiming to be from HMRC to phishing@hmrc.gov.uk and texts to 60599.
Access the National Cyber Security Centre’s new guide on how to stay secure online and protect yourself or your business against cyber crime by searching ‘Cyber Aware’ on GOV.UK.
Tuesday 8th December 2020:
Mobile Testing Unit locations – updated and extended from last weeks dates.
An important part of minimising and managing any future spread of Covid-19 is the speed at which people can be tested and isolation measures put in place, should an outbreak occur. The mobile testing unit is now available at locations across the county. Please see this week’s locations below. Anyone with symptoms of Covid-19 can have a test. You must book a test in advance. Please do not turn up to one of the locations without booking – anyone without a booking risks being turned away.To book a test or for more information on testing, go to the NHS website or call 119.
This week’s locations:
These dates are subject to change. Please check the GCC website for changes.
Mobile testing unit locations
Wednesday 9 Dec
Thursday 10 Dec
Friday 11 Dec
Saturday 12 Dec
Sunday 13 Dec
Monday 14 Dec
Tuesday 15 Dec
Wednesday 16 Dec
Thursday 17 Dec
Friday 18 Dec
Saturday 19 Dec
Sunday 20 Dec
Monday 21 Dec
Tuesday 22 Dec
Wednesday 23 Dec
Thursday 24 Dec
Friday Dec 25
Saturday Dec 26
Sunday 27 Dec
Monday 28 Dec
Tuesday 29 Dec
Wednesday 30 Dec
Thursday 31 Dec
Friday 1 Jan
Saturday 2 Jan
Sunday 3 Jan
Monday 4 Jan
Stow
Stow Rugby Football Club, Oddington Road, Stow, GL54 1JJ
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Cirencester
Royal Agricultural University, Stroud Road, Cirencester, GL7 6JS
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Cheltenham
University Of Gloucestershire, Entrance 3, Park Campus, The Park, Cheltenham, GL50 2RH
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Bishops Cleeve
Cheltenham North RFC, Stoke Orchard Road, Bishops Cleeve, GL52 7DG
Stratford Park Leisure Centre, Stratford Road, Stroud, GL5 4AH
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Friday 4th December 2020:
Key messages
Gloucestershire is now subject to the Government’s Tier 2 restrictions.
Gloucestershire County Council has announced which services will reopen or stay the same with the Tier 2 restrictions.
Last week, Government announced that there will be greater easing of restrictions over Christmas (between 23 and 27 December only) and you will be able to form a ‘Christmas bubble’ with up to three households.
This week Gloucestershire County Council has taken delivery of 6000 lateral Flow Devices (LFD) from the Department of Health and Social Care, as part of a pilot, located at the Royal Agricultural University, which began yesterday (3 December). Tests are being offered to all students and staff at the University and near by Cirencester College and Deer Park School. Students and teachers who sign up will be tested twice a week.In addition to the county council’s pilot, The University of Gloucestershire and Hartpury University are delivering schemes for their students and staff. The NHS is also rolling out regular testing to all their frontline staff in Gloucestershire Hospitals Trust and Gloucestershire Health and Care Trust.
In week 48 (Monday 23rd November– Sunday 29th November) there were 646 confirmed cases of COVID19.
Of these cases:
225 were in Gloucester
117 were in Cheltenham
105 were in Stroud
92 were in Tewkesbury
37 were in Cotswold
70 were in Forest of Dean
* Please note these figures are provisional and subject to change. (Source: https://coronavirus.data.gov.uk/ as at 16:00 02/12/2020)
The rate of cases in the last 7 days per 100,000 is 106.4 in Gloucestershire, 92.0 in the South West, and 153.9 in England.
In week 47 (Saturday 14th November – Friday 20th November) there were 26 deaths mentioning “novel coronavirus (COVID-19)”, which is 19.7% of all deaths, this compares with 21 (16.8% of all deaths) in Week 46
*Please note these figures are based on all deaths registered by the 28th November, they are provisional and will be subject to change. They include deaths that make any mention of COVID-19 on the death certificate. (Source: Source: Weekly provisional figures on deaths occurring and registered in England and Wales by Local Authority)
Deaths in NHS Trusts² – 306 (54 new)
Deaths in care homes⁴ – 281 (2 new)
News from TBC:
Service delivery•Covid case numbers nationally are decreasing. In Gloucestershire, we have 679 cases, a reduction of 225 from last week. The rate across Gloucestershire is 106 per 100,000. In Tewkesbury Borough, we have 96 cases, a reduction of 40 since last week. The rate in Tewkesbury Borough is 101 per 100,000. The R rate across the South West region is between 0.9 and 1.1 –it is decreasing.•An update on the vaccine situation was given at the meeting of the Health Protection Board. The first available vaccine will be used within NHS settings due to the complex storage requirements. The second vaccine will be pushed out through the Primary Care networks (community hospitals and GPs etc) when it is available. •The local Test and Trace pilot in Gloucester City has gone well and is now being rolled out to Cheltenham postcodes. It will be rolled out county-wide from 14 December. •The number of people in temporary accommodation from Tewkesbury Borough has reduced.•Hand sanitisers are now available on the three main high streets in the borough –Tewkesbury, Winchcombe and Bishops Cleeve•Tewkesbury Leisure Centre has reopened this week–business as usual (with similar safety measures as those before the recent lockdown) and is experiencing good attendance. •Generally, compliance across Tewkesbury Borough is very good. Environmental health officers carried out some spot checks yesterday and found a minority of barbers/hair stylists not complying with face covering rules. Joint visits with the police, who can enforce the use of face coverings, will take place next week. •Following concerns within another districts around parents mingling during school runs, the environmental health team has also visited schools within the borough. Observations are positive with good compliance noted.•Stroud District Council has reported leaflets being delivered to a pocket of residents which spread anti-lockdown propaganda and mistruths about Covid. General feedback indicates that the public is thankfully not taking these leaflets seriously, but if members become aware of anything similar in their areas, please contact the council for advice.•Three press releases have been issued this week to highlight:
The great collaborative efforts of businesses, residents and the environmental health team in keeping infection rates down.The release also reinforced the message that safe shopping is essential as people return to their Christmas shopping post-lockdown. The free parking in town centres for the first three Saturdays in December.The reopening of Tewkesbury Leisure Centre. •There remains an increase in burials, around 5/6 per week rather than 1 which is typical under business as usual. The Property Team are working on a rota so they remain operational over the Christmas period. A new grave digging contract is also currently being procured.
Community•Now that we have left the lockdown period and entered the three-tiered system, as we are in Tier 2 there are no referrals for the community resilience team to support the clinically vulnerable –the team will continue to monitor the situation. •All CEVs have been written to by MCLG with the option to receive four months’ supply of vitamin D.•There are reduced numbers of referrals coming in through the Gloucestershire Help Hub. The community team are on standby and will adjust their response as it is needed. It has been reported that a lot of people helped through the hub are now in a position where they are getting the support they need. •From 24 December to 4 January, all Help Hub support requests will go through the GCC and food deliveries will be made through fire service.
Business•Tewkesbury Borough Council is, along with neighbouring districts, seeing lower than expected numbers regarding the take-up of business grants available. It is thought this is due to the confusion about the number of grants available, the eligibility criteria and the perceived small amount of funding available. Gloucestershire’s finance officers have fed this back to BEIS. The numbers are as follows:National Restrictions Grant –Received 408, Paid 313, Refused 42 Additional Restrictions Grant –Received 86, Paid 23, Refused 5 Self-isolation Payments –Received 75, Paid 39, Not eligible 33 •The additional restrictions grant scheme for businesses has now closed•A new business support scheme for businesses impacted by the new tier arrangements will be put in place in the coming weeks.•The repayment by supermarkets of business rates relief should result in an income of approximately £1m for the council, but this will go back to central government as it will offset the rate relief grant given by government. •Given the government’s announcement around increased opening hours for retailers, local businesses have been contacted. There is no current appetite for significant increase in hours other than normal requirements (eg late night Thursdays)
Tuesday 1st December 2020:
Mobile Testing Unit locations
An important part of minimising and managing any future spread of Covid-19 is the speed at which people can be tested and isolation measures put in place, should an outbreak occur.
The mobile testing unit is now available at locations across the county. Please see this week’s locations below.
Anyone with symptoms of Covid-19 can have a test. You must book a test in advance. Please do not turn up to one of the locations without booking – anyone without a booking risks being turned away.
To book a test or for more information on testing, go to the NHS website or call 119.
This week’s locations:
These dates are subject to change. Please check the GCC website for changes.
Mobile testing unit locations
Tuesday 1 Dec
Wednesday 2 Dec
Thursday 3 Dec
Friday 4 Dec
Saturday 5 Dec
Sunday 6 Dec
Monday 7 Dec
Tuesday 8 Dec
Wednesday 9 Dec
Thursday 10 Dec
Friday 11 Dec
Saturday 12 Dec
Sunday 13 Dec
Monday 14 Dec
Tuesday 15 Dec
Wednesday 16 Dec
Thursday 17 Dec
Friday 18 Dec
Saturday 19 Dec
Sunday 20 Dec
Stow
Stow Rugby Football Club, Oddington Road, Stow, GL54 1JJ
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Cirencester
Royal Agricultural University, Stroud Road, Cirencester, GL7 6JS
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Cheltenham
University Of Gloucestershire, Entrance 3, Park Campus, The Park, Cheltenham, GL50 2RH
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Bishops Cleeve
Cheltenham North RFC, Stoke Orchard Road, Bishops Cleeve, GL52 7DG
Stratford Park Leisure Centre, Stratford Road, Stroud, GL5 4AH
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Friday 27th November 2020:
Key messages
Government has confirmed Gloucestershire will be deemed ‘High’ risk and subject to Tier 2 restrictions from 3 December.
It is also possible for areas to move between tiers, so it’s very important that we continue to follow the guidance. This will depend on a number of factors, including number of cases, available capacity within the NHS and the level to which people are following the guidance, including getting testing and isolating, if they test positive.
Regular, good hand-washing, wearing a face covering and keeping two meters apart continues to be essential steps for everyone to follow.
GCC are running a new social media campaign until mid December called ‘Do It For Gloucestershire.’ They will be featuring both businesses and the public with the aim of encouraging people in Gloucestershire to stick to the guidelines, so we can get back to normal as quickly as possible. Please keep an eye out for the videos, which they will be posting out over the next couple of weeks, remember to like and share them with your friends and family. The first video went out on Tuesday across Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Gloucestershire Covid-19 stats
In week 47 (Monday 16th November– Sunday 22th November) there were 862 confirmed cases of COVID19.
Of these cases:
280 were in Gloucester
155 were in Stroud
141 were in Cheltenham
131 were in Tewkesbury
107 were in Forest of Dean
48 were in Cotswold
* Please note these figures are provisional and subject to change. (Source: https://coronavirus.data.gov.uk/ as at 17:37 26/11/2020)
The rate of cases in the last 7 days per 100,000 is 141.9 in Gloucestershire, 139.7 in the South West, and 209.1 in England. (15th-21st Nov 2020 inclusive)
In week 46 (Saturday 7th November – Friday 13th November) there were 20 deaths mentioning “novel coronavirus (COVID-19)”, which is 16.8% of all deaths, this compares with 10 (10.2% of all deaths) in Week 45.
Deaths in NHS Trusts² – 189 (4 new)
Deaths in care homes⁴ – 281 (2 new)
News from TBC:
Service delivery•Further Covid-safety advertising has been booked. This will comprise a series of digital radio and Spotify audio adverts to be broadcast over the next 12 weeks.•Signage, pavement stickers and hand sanitizer stations have started to be installed in Tewkesbury, Bishops Cleeve and Winchcombe. Due to wet weather, contractors have been unable to install some stickers. These will be installed as soon as possible. TBC are working in partnership with town and parish councils to keep the hand sanitizer stations topped up. •The environmental health team have seen an increase in the number of enquiries from businesses following the announcement they can reopen at the end of lockdown.No updated legislation has been received but officers are advising businesses based on the government guidance.•Due to the second lockdown, it was not possible to complete the final stage of canvassing. Therefore, residents have continued to be contacted by telephone. The updated electoral register is due to be published on 1 December. •Courts are now open to hear eviction proceedings, however legal processes can take several months. TBC will continue to work to prevent homelessness and work with households as early as possible however there may be an increase in the number of people requiring housing advice in the future and it is likely this will include families.•The leisure centre will be reopening following the end of lockdown. £100 million of grant funding is being made available by central government. TBC will be preparing an application for this in partnership with Places Leisure.
Community •A letter has been sent to all clinically extremely vulnerable residents across the county giving guidance on the tier 2 restrictions. This has been led by County and a further letter will be sent should Gloucestershire move to a different tier.•£1.5 million of funding will be available in Gloucestershire for winter funding.80% will be allocated to vulnerable families and 20% will be for other vulnerable residents. The grant funding can be used to help with food and utility bills.•£90,000 in community grants has been paid to 105 community groups. •69 self-isolation payment applications have been received:33 have been paid and 29 have been refused. •TBC are still receiving low numbers of phone calls from clinically extremely vulnerable residents. Follow-up calls are being under taken for those that have previously needed support.
Business•315 business grants have been received, 238 have been paidand 31 have been refused. A press release highlighting that grants are still available to businesses running a click-and-collect service has been sent out.•An Additional Restrictions Grant launched on Monday, 23 November. This is a discretionary grant that aims to cover the majority of businesses who do not qualify for other grants available. A press release was issued providing further details.To date 50 applications have been received.•A new discretionary grant will open following the end of lockdown and will focus on the businesses heavily affected by the new restrictions.
Wednesday 25th November 2020:
Mobile Testing Unit locations
An important part of minimising and managing any future spread of Covid-19 is the speed at which people can be tested and isolation measures put in place, should an outbreak occur.
The mobile testing unit is now available at locations across the county. Please see this week’s locations below.
Anyone with symptoms of Covid-19 can have a test. You must book a test in advance. Please do not turn up to one of the locations without booking – anyone without a booking risks being turned away.To book a test or for more information on testing, go to the NHS website or call 119.
This week’s locations:
These dates are subject to change. Please check the GCC website for changes.
Mobile testing unit locations
Wednesday 25 Nov
Thursday 26 Nov
Friday 27 Nov
Saturday 28 Nov
Sunday 29 Nov
Monday 30 Nov
Tuesday 1 Dec
Wednesday 2 Dec
Thursday 3 Dec
Friday 4 Dec
Saturday 5 Dec
Sunday 6 Dec
Monday 7 Dec
Stow
Stow Rugby Football Club, Oddington Road, Stow, GL54 1JJ
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Cirencester
Royal Agricultural University, Stroud Road, Cirencester, GL7 6JS
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Cheltenham
University Of Gloucestershire, Entrance 3, Park Campus, The Park, Cheltenham, GL50 2RH
X
X
X
X
Bishops Cleeve
Cheltenham North RFC, Stoke Orchard Road, Bishops Cleeve, GL52 7DG
Stratford Park Leisure Centre, Stratford Road, Stroud, GL5 4AH
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Click-and-collect businesses eligible for support grant
Businesses forced to close, but who are offering a ‘click-and-collect’ service, are eligible for a national restrictions support grant.
The national government website gives details about the types of businesses that are allowed to remain open and those that are required to close due to restrictions during the second lockdown.
In the main, businesses that sell or hire non-essential goods must close; they may, however, continue to do trade through delivery and through click-and-collect services, where items are pre-ordered and collected by the customers. Such businesses are still eligible for a national restrictions support grant because their main source of trade – whereby people make purchases by visiting the premises in person – has been forced to close.
Councillor Rob Bird, leader of Tewkesbury Borough Council, said: “We are aware of the very real difficulties facing businesses this winter and are taking every step possible to make sure they receive the financial support they are entitled to. We want to draw their attention to the fact that if they are required to close physically, they are still eligible for this support grant even if they are trading though delivery or click-and-collect. Selling goods by these means does not affect their entitlement to this funding, and I urge them to apply now.”
Applications for a national restrictions support grant can be made here.
Monday 23rd November 2020:
More financial support for businesses affected by the current lockdown
Tewkesbury Borough Council has been given additional government funding to support more businesses severely impacted by the current lockdown period.
The Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG) is for businesses who have suffered a financial loss as a result of the national restrictions that came into force on Thursday, 5 November but have not been required to close.
Councils are able to determine which businesses to target and how much they can receive through this additional funding.
Tewkesbury Borough Council has determined its eligibility criteria for the grant, which includes:
businesses which supply the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors
businesses in the events sector or who supply the events sector
businesses who have been forced to close due to circumstances beyond their control
businesses who have been severely impacted by the national restrictions in place from Thursday, 5 November 2020 to Wednesday, 2 December 2020
Councillor Rob Bird, leader of Tewkesbury Borough Council, said: “There will be many businesses throughout the borough who, although not themselves required to close, are adversely affected by the restrictions imposed during this second lockdown. This extra funding will enable us to provide financial support for these businesses and help them through a very difficult time, and I would ask anyone interested in obtaining funding to check the criteria to see if they are eligible.”
Further details on the grant’s eligibility criteria and the online application form can be found here.
Free support and advice on wider support schemes are also available through the Tewkesbury Growth Hub. For more information, please emailtewkesbury@thegrowthhub.biz.
Friday 20th November 2020:
Key messages
On Thursday, 5 November national restrictions came into force across England to help control the spread of Covid-19, to protect the NHS and to save lives.These include:
Stay at home
Work from home
Avoid travel unless essential
Remember: wash hands, cover face, make space
A full list of county council service changes is available on the Covid-19 section of the county council website.
With two weeks remaining until the national restrictions are set to end, we need to do all we can to prevent the number of Covid-19 cases in the county rising. We must all act now, the steps we all can take are simple, but could make a difference.
In week 46 (Monday 9th November– Sunday 15th November) there were 1031 confirmed cases of Covid-19:
245 were in Gloucester
207 were in Cheltenham
179 were in Stroud
147 were in Cotswold
147 were in Tewkesbury
106 were in Forest of Dean
* Please note these figures are provisional and subject to change. (Source: https://coronavirus.data.gov.uk/ as at 16:22 18/11/2020)
The rate of cases in the last 7 days per 100,000 is 156.0 in Gloucestershire, 192.7 in the South West, and 270.3 in England.
In week 45 (Saturday 31st October – Friday 6th November) there were 8 deaths mentioning “novel coronavirus (COVID-19)”, which is 8.4% of all deaths, this compares with 3 (2.3% of all deaths) in Week 44.
Deaths in NHS Trusts – 252 (9 new)
Deaths in care homes – 279 (9 new)
News from TBC:
Service delivery•An article has been posted on our website to raise awareness of the expansion of the current town centre permit parking scheme. This will allow more residents access to affordable parking in car parks during the current lockdown.•There are currently 29 people in hotel accommodation,and 35 rough sleepers in Gloucestershire. However, there are no rough sleepers in Tewkesbury Borough. An additional 50 units of temporary accommodation have been agreed with P3, an accommodation-based support charity. These will be available to people from across the county. •A further leaflet detailing support and advice available during the pandemic is being drafted by Gloucestershire County Council in partnership with the district councils. This will be distributed to households across the county.•Mass testing(lateral flow testing)is due to be rolled out in the next few weeks. It is likely there will be 63,000 tests available each week. A plan is being developed by Gloucestershire County Council to accommodate this.•A local test and trace system is being investigated to help contact thosethe national system is unable to. This will be managed by Gloucestershire County Council, but additional support at a local level may be required if County is unsuccessful in contacting residents. The approach is currently being trialled in Gloucester City and islikelytobe rolled out county wide following this trial.•Further Covid-safety advertising is being explored. This could take the form of social media promotions, and digital radio and Spotify audio adverts.•Signage, pavement stickers and hand sanitizer stations will be installed in Tewkesbury, Bishops Cleeve and Winchcombe from next week. We’re working in partnership with town and parish councils to keep the hand sanitizer stations topped up.•The environmental health team have seen an increase in the number of complaints about businesses being open during lockdown. The government guidance is unclear and has prevented enforcement action from taking place. This is being addressed at a national level.
Community •As part of the Community Cell, Tewkesbury Borough Council has three area teams in operation, responding to those in need and matching them to the support they require i.e. food, social support•A total of 1207clinically extremely vulnerable people in Gloucestershire have signed up to national website so far, but only 375requireextra support.•As those residents requiring help is lower than expected (for now) the proposal across the county is to only operate the help hub on weekdays.•GPs are submitting plans for the vaccination roll out and may look to the volunteer sector for support.•The voluntary sector is being asked to provide support to combat rising rates of loneliness through befriending schemes.•£85,000 has been paid to 101 community groups. A further £5000 of grant funding has been allocated to help groups promote safety messages.•57 self-isolation payments have been received, 24 have been paid, and 21 have been refused.
Business•257 business grants have been received, and 150 have been paid. The number of applications is low –we would expect to be receiving 600 to 700 applications.A press release highlighting that grants are still available to businesses running a click-and-collect service will be sent out shortly, and the environmental health team are pointing out grants that are available to businesses as they conduct their inspections. •An Additional Restrictions Grantis due to launch on Monday, 23 November. This is a discretionary grant that aims to cover the majority of businesses who do not qualify for other grants available. A press release will be issued on Monday providing further details.•The majority of businesses in Tewkesbury are Covid-complaint and are adhering to the current lockdown rules. Feedback from our community protection officers is that Tewkesbury is outstanding in terms of compliance.
Friday 13th November 2020:
Key messages
On Thursday, 5 November national restrictions came into force across England to help control the spread of Covid-19, to protect the NHS and to save lives.These include:
Stay at home
Work from home
Avoid travel unless essential
Remember: wash hands, cover face, make space
A full list of county council service changes is available on the Covid-19 section of the county council website.
New national guidance on care home visiting was published last week (5 November) and local advice and guidance has been updated as a result and shared with all care homes, to help them plan for and manage visiting.
The Gloucestershire Help Hub was stepped back up on 7 November to take calls over the weekend. Calls have been low so far, with queries about NHS Test & Trace and the Test & Trace support payments being distributed by district councils.
Gloucestershire Covid-19 stats
In week 45 (Monday 2nd November– Sunday 8th November) there were 842 confirmed cases of Covid-19
Of these cases:
178 were in Gloucester
223 were in Stroud
118 were in Cotswold
142 were in Cheltenham
89 were in Tewkesbury
92 were in the Forest of Dean
*Please note these figures are provisional and subject to change. (Source: https://coronavirus.data.gov.uk/ as at 16:13 11/11/2020)
The rate of cases in the last 7 days per 100,000 is 126.0 in Gloucestershire, 164.1 in the South West, and 244.9 in England.
In week 44 (Saturday 24th – Friday 30th October) there were 3 deaths mentioning “novel coronavirus (COVID-19)”, which is 2.4% of all deaths, this compares with 3 (2.7% of all deaths) in Week 42
Deaths in NHS Trusts – 243 (6 new)
Deaths in care homes – 270 (5 new)
News from TBC:
Service delivery •As there are a number of new officers directly responsible for covid-related activity, here is a brief summary of their roles and responsibilities: Covid Compliance Officer One officer allocated to Tewkesbury Borough Council, working within the environmental health team. He has been appointed to improve our engagement with the community and businesses, and enable more joint working across Gloucestershire, whilst supporting the government’s Covid-19 recovery strategy. Covid Community Protection Officers (CPOs) Officers from Gloucester’s Community Protection scheme have extended their patch to cover Cheltenham, Tewkesbury and Stroud, in a bid to help combat the spread of Covid. A further two CPOs will cover the combined Cheltenham, Tewkesbury and Stroud areas to distribute face coverings and hand gel, offer tips on social distancing and work with retailers to help them be Covid secure. To put these ambassadorial style roles in place, Gloucester City, Cheltenham Borough, Stroud District, Tewkesbury Borough and Gloucestershire County Council have worked together, pooling their Covid funding from Government. Although the officers do not have an enforcement role, they can as a very last resort, issue yellow cards to people who seriously or repeatedly flout advice given to them, which could lead to a fine from police or their local council. Feedback from CPOs so far is that businesses in Tewkesbury Borough are generally compliant –this reflects the good working relationships EHOs have established and maintained with businesses since the first lockdown back in March. Publicity is being planned to raise awareness of the expansion of the current permit parking scheme to allow more residents access to affordable parking in town centre car parks during the current lockdown. Due to the work of the county-wide homelessness cell, there has been a drop in the numbers of rough sleepers across Gloucestershire since the beginning of the current lockdown. The first informal planning hearing was held online this week. Revenues and benefits –there have been 39 new applications for the council tax reduction scheme.
Community •All Clinically Extremely Vulnerable (CEV) residents have been written to by MHCLG in the last week. A follow-up letter from Gloucestershire County Council (GCC) was also sent to CEVs outlining support available.•However, many CEVs did not receive the national letter. Lots of CEVs received the county letter first, causing confusion and over 300 calls to the Gloucestershire Community Help Hub on Tuesday.
•The national CEV website also went down Fri night to Tues morning. This meant no data was coming through to local authorities during this period.•All councils are now receiving two daily data feeds from GCC –one for the Community Help Hub for anyone who requires assistance, and one for CEVs who require assistance.•As part of the Community Cell, Tewkesbury Borough Council has three area teams in operation, responding to those in need and matching them to support they require i.e. food, social support•A total of 764 CEVs in Glos have signed up to national website so far –the vast majority don’t need extra support.•Anyone who is recently added onto CEV list by medical professionals will be written to by GCC outlining the support available and who to contact.•As those residents requiring help is lower than expected (for now) the proposal across the county is to operate the help hub on weekdays.•GCC will be receiving funds for assisting CEVs, elements of this funding will be drawn down by the districts .•Here is a link to mental health services available in the county, for circulation: https://www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/covid-19-information-and-advice/advice-on-covid-19/looking-after-your-wellbeing/wellbeing-support-for-all-gloucestershire-citizens
Business-Self Isolation payments Applications received –31o Paid –14o Refused –12-Business Grants Applications received –136o Paid -£39,350 (28 grants)-The Local Restrictions Support Grant opened on Monday and is welcoming applications from businesses mandated to close for the current lockdown period. An Additional Restrictions Grant is also on the way –this is a discretionary grant that aims to cover the majority of businesses who do not qualify for the Local Restrictions Support Grant. The policy is being finalised and approved this week, with the aim of opening applications week commencing 23 November.
Tuesday 10th November 2020:
News from HMRC:
Extension to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) – You’ll be able to apply for CJRS online from tomorrow – Wednesday 11 November – for periods from 1 November. You will need to submit any claims for November by 14 December.
What’s new in the support available
CJRS has been extended to 31 March 2021 for all parts of the UK. From 1 November, the UK Government will pay 80% of employees’ usual wages for the hours not worked, up to a cap of £2,500 per month. This will be reviewed in January.
You and your employees do not need to have benefited from the scheme before to claim for periods from 1 November. Go to GOV.UK for the full eligibility criteria.
HMRC intends to publish details of employers who use the scheme for claim periods from December, and employees will be able to find out if their employer has claimed for them under the scheme.
There are now monthly deadlines for claims. Claims for periods starting on/after 1 November must be submitted within 14 calendar days after the month they relate to, unless this falls on a weekend in which case the deadline is the next weekday. For further details go to GOV.UK and search ‘Claim for wages through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme’.
The Job Retention Bonus will no longer be paid in February 2021 and an alternative retention incentive will be put in place at the appropriate time.
The launch of the Job Support Scheme has also been postponed.
What you need to do now
Submit any claims for periods up to 31 October on or before 30 November. Claims for periods up to 31 October will not be accepted after 30 November. Claims are subject to eligibility and the rules in force at the time. Search ‘Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme’ on GOV.UK for full eligibility criteria.
What you need to do for your claims – for periods from 1 November
Read the new guidance – go to GOV.UK and search ‘Extension to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme’ – to check if you and your employees are eligible.
Agree working hours with any employees you wish to furlough for November and agree any changes to their employment contract.
Work out how much you can claim for your employees using our CJRS calculator and examples. Search for ‘Calculate how much you can claim using the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme’ on GOV.UK.
Submit any claims for periods from 1 November no later than 14 December.
You will need to keep any records that support the amount of CJRS grant you claim, in case HMRC needs to check them. You can view, print or download copies of your previously submitted claims by logging onto your CJRS service on GOV.UK.
Further support
Thousands of people have viewed, and benefited from, our live webinars which now offer more support on changes to CJRS, and how they affect you. To book online, or to view updated guidance, go to GOV.UK and search ‘help and support if your business is affected by coronavirus’.
Our phone lines and webchat remain very busy, so the quickest way to find the support you need is on GOV.UK. This will leave our phone lines and webchat service open for those who need them most.
Protect yourself from scams
Stay vigilant about scams, which may mimic government messages as a way of appearing authentic. Search ‘scams’ on GOV.UK for information on how to recognise genuine HMRC contact. You can also forward suspicious emails claiming to be from HMRC to phishing@hmrc.gov.uk and texts to 60599.
Access the National Cyber Security Centre’s new guide on how to stay secure online and protect yourself or your business against cyber crime by searching ‘Cyber Aware’ on GOV.UK.
Friday 6th November 2020:
Key messages
From Thursday 5 November, England has moved into a national lockdown with new restriction rules in place: stay at home, only leave home for food, medical reasons, exercise, education or work. Work from home if you can and avoid travel unless essential; schools and essential shops will remain open. Remember: wash hands, cover face, make space. GCC is actively encouraging staff to work from home if they can.
Gloucestershire prepares for national restrictions – this week Gloucestershire County Council have been assessing which of their services can continue and which will need to change. Unlike the previous restrictions in March fewer services will change due to different national guidance and the county council’s switch to providing services digitally.
The government has updated its guidance which outlines how Remembrance Sunday activities can take place in line with current Covid-19 restrictions and requirements in England.
GCC have been urgently looking at ways in which they can safely increase visiting in care homes, through increased infection prevention and control measures and a risk assessment process that can be tailored to an individual resident, visitor and setting. In light of the change to the national situation, they are reviewing the new associated guidance around care home visiting, to ensure anything they issue reflects the national position.
With Bonfire Night celebrations expected to take place this evening and into the weekend, GCC are reminding people that they should stay at home, and of the steps that they should take to stay safe when using fireworks and lighting bonfires in private gardens.
Gloucestershire Covid-19 stats
In week 44 (Monday 26th September– Sunday 1st November) there were 710 confirmed cases of COVID19.
Of these cases:
183 were in Gloucester
160 were in Stroud
122 were in Cotswold
106 were in Cheltenham
72 were in Tewkesbury
67 were in the Forest of Dean
* Please note these figures are provisional and subject to change. (Source: https://coronavirus.data.gov.uk/ as at 16:00 04/11/2020)
The rate of cases in the last 7 days per 100,000 is 112.4 in Gloucestershire, 145.6 in the South West, and 228.5 in England.
In week 43 (Saturday 17th – Friday 23rd October) there were 3 deaths mentioning “novel coronavirus (COVID-19)”, which is 2.9% of all deaths, this compares with 1 (1.1% of all deaths) in Week 42
Deaths in NHS Trusts² – 237 (1 new)
Deaths in care homes⁴ – 265 (0 new)
News from TBC:
Service delivery•The environmental health team has received positive feedback about the initial visits of the Covid community officers to the borough’s towns. Communities were reassured to see the officers out and about.•The council will not be offering free parking for this lockdown, to assist those residents that are required to work from home or have been furloughed more permits will be made available at £20.83 for the month. •Tewkesbury Leisure Centre has closed as a result of the national lockdown.•Council tax reduction caseload: 43 applications have been received in the last week, this may stabilise as a result of the new national furlough scheme.•The targeted approach that has been introduced to help rough sleepers across the county has seen numbers reduce. A county-wide rough sleeper count/estimate took place last week, which identified one rough sleeper in the borough. We are currently working with the individual to source alternative accommodation. Hotel placements remain low as longer term accommodation is being sought.•Branding for the new Covid safety signage and stickers to be placed on the high streets in Bishops Cleeve, Winchcombe and Tewkesbury have been approved and will be installed towards the end of November. •Following the announcement of the national lockdown food inspections have been put on hold, officers will only undertake inspections in homes when there is an imminent risk to the resident. •Gloucestershire County Council is keeping all household recycling centres open with the current booking system remaining in place. All other tipping points, sites and services remain the same. All third-party recycling bank providers (textiles, lightbulbs etc) are operating as normal.
Community support•Two letters are being sent to Clinically Extremely Vulnerable (CEVs) residents. One from the government has been sent and outlines what they are allowed to do, as well as encouraging residents to sign up for support on a national database. A further one from the county council will be sent shortly, offering local advice and guidance.•The community cell has been re-formed and will be providing support through the Community Help Hub as before, as well as to CEVs who require support. They are signposting vulnerable people and making sure they have access to the help they need. The Community Cell was stood up over the weekend to provide support where required and arising from the data received through the Help Hub and from the national CEV database.•Self isolation grants –25 applications have been received, 10 paid, 10 refused (mostly because of a lack of a valid NHS identification code) five applications are outstanding. Issues with the Test and Trace app are causing some problems identifying valid claimants.•There will be no national food parcels during this lockdown period.However,through the national database CEV residents can register to become eligible for priority supermarket slots. Customer services are assisting those residents that need additional support signing up to this. •A press release has been issued giving details on the grants available to community groups.£84,000 has been distributed in community grants to 99 groups.
Business support•The Government has provided funding to councils in England so that grants worth up to £3,000 per month can be distributed to business premises forced to close due to the restrictions. A press releasehas been issued to let businesses know if they are eligible and how/when to apply. •There will also be a discretionary policy forthcoming over the next few weeks –this is currently being worked up. The scheme should be available mid-end of November. More information will be given when the details of this have been finalised. •A letter to businesses from Director at Public Health, Sarah Scott, regarding employee welfare will be placed on our website for businesses in our borough shortly.
Financial support for Tewkesbury Borough businesses
In response to a second national lockdown, the government has amended its Local Restrictions Support Grant to include businesses that have been mandated to close between 5 November and 2 December.Tewkesbury Borough Council is responsible for administering and delivering the grant and will welcome applications from Monday 9 November on a rolling 28-day basis for as long as national restrictions apply.Those eligible for grant funding include non-essential retail, leisure, personal care, sports facilities and hospitality businesses.
There are three thresholds that will apply to each application:
·Businesses with a rateable value of exactly £15,000 or under will receive a payment of £1,334 per 28-day qualifying restriction period.
·Businesses with a rateable value over £15,000 and less than £51,000 will receive a payment of £2,000 per 28-day qualifying restriction period.
·Businesses with a rateable value of exactly £51,000 or above will receive £3,000 per 28-day qualifying restriction period.
There will be a further grant fund which will provide support to some businesses that are not specifically targeted with this mandatory grant and have been impacted by the lockdown. Currently, the details are still being worked through, including eligibility criteria, but when an update is available, it will be published on tewkesbury.gov.uk
More funding available for community groups
Tewkesbury Borough Council is encouraging community groups who are supporting vulnerable people to apply for a Covid-19 emergency community grant.This funding programme is aimed at charitable organisations and voluntary and community groups with charitable aims. Groups can apply for a grant of up to £1,000 for work which directly relates to challenges emerging from the Covid-19 pandemic, providing they are working with communities in Tewkesbury Borough. As we enter a second lockdown, the following activities are currently a priority for this grant programme:
Direct and immediate practical support for vulnerable groups
Initiatives to reduce isolation and vulnerability
Initiatives to support mental wellbeing
Running costs for organisations will be supported, including staff costs, volunteer expenses and transport costs. Small capital costs are also eligible, providing the capital items are directly linked to supporting the above activities.The Covid-19 Emergency Community Fund launched in April to provide financial support to voluntary and community groups as they responded to exceptional challenges during the first Covid-19 lockdown. So far nearly 100 grants have been awarded to organisations supporting communities in Tewkesbury Borough, including charities, neighbourhood projects, parish councils, and voluntary groups. Community groups who received a grant during the first lockdown are entitled to apply for further funding.
Lead member for communities, Councillor Clare Softley, said: “The voluntary and community sector has played such a key role in supporting vulnerable people impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic. We have seen just how effectively grassroots organisations can reach out to their local community, and we really want to encourage community groups to apply for an emergency grant so that they have the vital funds needed to continue this very important work.”
For more information on how to apply, go to our website or contact Louise Gifford, Community Funding Officer, on 01684 272192 or at louise.gifford@tewkesbury.gov.uk.
Tuesday 3rd November 2020:
Mobile Testing Unit locations
An important part of minimising and managing any future spread of Covid-19 is the speed at which people can be tested and isolation measures put in place, should an outbreak occur. The mobile testing unit is now available at locations across the county. Please see this week’s locations below.
Anyone with symptoms of Covid-19 can have a test. You must book a test in advance. Please do not turn up to one of the locations without booking – anyone without a booking risks being turned away. To book a test or for more information on testing, go to the NHS website or call 119. This week’s locations:
These dates are subject to change. Please check the GCC website for changes.
Mobile testing unit locations
Monday 2 Nov
Tuesday 3 Nov
Wednesday 4 Nov
Thursday 5 Nov
Friday 6 Nov
Saturday 7 Nov
Sunday 8 Nov
Monday 9 Nov
Stow
Stow Rugby Football Club, Oddington Road, Stow, GL54 1JJ
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x
x
x
x
x
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x
Cirencester
Royal Agricultural University, Stroud Road, Cirencester, GL7 6JS
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Cheltenham
University Of Gloucestershire, Entrance 3, Park Campus, The Park, Cheltenham, GL50 2RH
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x
Bishops Cleeve
Cheltenham North RFC, Stoke Orchard Road, Bishops Cleeve, GL52 7DG
Hartpury University & Hartpury College, Gloucester GL19 3BE
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x
Stroud
Stratford Park Leisure Centre, Stratford Road, Stroud, GL5 4AH
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x
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Monday 2nd November 2020:
New from HMRC: Latest changes that may impact you
The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS), which was due to end on 31 October, will now be extended, with the UK government paying 80% of wages for the hours furloughed employees do not work, up to a cap of £2,500 for periods from 1 November.
You will need to pay all employer National Insurance Contributions (NICs) and pension contributions. You can choose to top up your furloughed employees’ wages beyond the 80% paid by the UK government for hours not worked, but you are not required to do so.
There will be no gap in support between the previously announced end date of CJRS and this extension.
For more information, go to GOV.UK and search ‘furlough scheme extended’.
How will it work?
You will have flexibility to ask your employees to work on a part-time basis and furlough them for the rest of their usual working hours or furlough them full-time. You will have to cover their wages for any hours they work as well as all employer National Insurance and employer pension contributions.
You will be able to claim either shortly before, during or after running your payroll. There will be a short period initially when the online claims service will be closed while we update the system, and you will be able to claim in arrears for that period.
Further details will be provided in the next few days. Please do not call us for more information in the meantime – we will let you know via email as soon as this is available.
How to check if your employees are eligible
You can claim for employees who were on your PAYE payroll on 30 October 2020. You must have made a PAYE Real Time Information (RTI) submission to HMRC between 20 March 2020 and 30 October 2020, notifying a payment of earnings for that employee.
If employees were on your payroll on 23 September 2020 (i.e. notified to HMRC on an RTI submission on or before 23 September) and were made redundant or stopped working for you afterwards, they can also qualify for the scheme if you re-employ them.
Neither you nor your employee needs to have previously used the CJRS. Further details on eligibility will be provided in the next few days.
What you need to do now
Check if your employees are eligible for the scheme, based on the information above.
Agree working hours with your employees, so they know if they are furloughed fully or part-time during November.
Keep the records that support the amount of CJRS grant you claim, in case HMRC need to check it. You can view, print or download copies of your previously submitted claims by logging onto your CJRS service on GOV.UK.
Job Support Scheme
The new Job Support Scheme, which was due to start on Sunday 1 November, has now been postponed.
Further support
Guidance and live webinars offering you more support on changes to CJRS, and how they impact you, are available to book online – go to GOV.UK and search ‘help and support if your business is affected by coronavirus’.
Our phone lines and webchat remain very busy, so the quickest way to find the support you need is on GOV.UK. This will leave our phone lines and webchat service open for those who need them most.
Protect yourself from scams
Stay vigilant about scams, which may mimic government messages as a way of appearing authentic. Search ‘scams’ on GOV.UK for information on how to recognise genuine HMRC contact. You can also forward suspicious emails claiming to be from HMRC to phishing@hmrc.gov.uk and texts to 60599.
Parents and carers who want to apply for a free school meal voucher can do so an online form or by calling 01452 328518 (during office hours). There are more that 30 people taking calls but if all lines are busy there is a voicemail where people can leave their name and number and someone will call them back. Vouchers are bring issued as quickly as possible, normally the next day. A voucher code, that can be used at local shops and the big supermarkets is sent direct to the parent or carers mobile.For each of the school holidays since the Covid pandemic started the council has offered holiday hunger support to all vulnerable young people. This half-term is no different. The same support package will be in place over the Christmas holidays with the addition of any further help that its possible to offer struggling families during the ongoing crisis.
Stay safe or stay home this Halloween – Covid-19 doesn’t mean Halloween is cancelled this year, but with cases continuing to creep(y) up in the county, residents are being urged to find fun, alternative ways to celebrate safely.
In week 43 (Monday 19 September– Sunday 25 October) there were 506 confirmed cases of COVID-19.
Of these cases:
122 were in Gloucester
89 were in Cotswold
88 were in Stroud
80 were in Cheltenham
69 were in the Forest of Dean
58 were in Tewkesbury
* Please note these figures are provisional and subject to change. (Source: https://coronavirus.data.gov.uk/ as at 16:43 21/10/2020)
The rate of cases in the last 7 days per 100,000 is 75.8 in Gloucestershire, 126.7 in the South West, and 219.5 in England.
Of the deaths registered in Week 42, 1 mentioned “novel coronavirus (COVID-19)”, which is 1.1% of all deaths, this compares with 2 (1.8% of all deaths) in Week 41.
Deaths in NHS Trusts² – 236 (4 new)
Deaths in care homes⁴ – 265 (0 new)
News from TBC:
Service delivery•The targeted approach that has been introduced to help rough sleepers across the county has seen numbers reduce. There are currently no known rough sleepers in Tewkesbury Borough. A county-wide rough sleeper count is taking place next week. •The Covid Community Protection Officers scheme is being launched on Monday. It will see two officers covering Tewkesbury, Cheltenham and Stroud in a bid to combat the spread of Covid-19. •The Covid Compliance Officer has continued to carry out spot checks on businesses. During initial checks there were four businesses that were not displaying the QR code, the business owners have quickly rectified this, and all businesses are mostly compliant when checks are carried out. •Ubico have been more stringent with checks on recycling and have not emptied and stickered blue bins with incorrect items in. This has caused an increase in calls from residents to the Customer Services Team. This was necessary to reduce the amount of contaminated recycling being sent to and potentially rejected by the MRF.
Community support•There are concerns around crowds gathering for Halloween and bonfire night-rules on social distancing need to be adhered to. Some communities, particularly on social media, have suggested local alternatives to meeting up in groups (going on a ‘pumpkin spotting’ walk, for example).A press releasehas been written by Gloucestershire County Council giving alternative ideas. •The council’s community response cell has sent a survey to the borough’s voluntary community sector to ask about their current situation and how prepared they feel, should the area move up to the government’s Tier Two covid alert level. 18 responses have been received so far, and responses have been positive. The team will follow up with groups that have not responded. •The county council released information on the food voucher scheme they are running throughout the half term holiday. •£15,000 worth of grant funding remains for community groups. Work is now taking place to contact groups to distribute this money appropriately.•Additional signage promoting washing hands, face coverings and social distancing are being designed and will be installed in Tewkesbury, Winchcombe and Bishops Cleeve in the coming weeks. Hand sanitiser stations have also been procured and will be installed in each of the towns as soon as possible. Communication to members will follow at the appropriate time. •15 applications have been received for the £500 self-isolation grant. Five of these have been paid, the others have either been refused or are going through the approval process.
Business support•Work is taking place on other local restriction schemes for businesses that will be put in place should we move to the higher tiers.For example, government have announced a grant scheme for eligible businesses if an area is declared as Tier 2. More information will be given on these once this work is complete.
Tuesday 27th October 2020:
Mobile Testing Unit locations
An important part of minimising and managing any future spread of Covid-19 is the speed at which people can be tested and isolation measures put in place, should an outbreak occur. The mobile testing unit is now available at locations across the county. Please see this week’s locations below.
Anyone with symptoms of Covid-19 can have a test. You must book a test in advance. Please do not turn up to one of the locations without booking – anyone without a booking risks being turned away. To book a test or for more information on testing, go to the NHS website or call 119.
This week’s locations:
These dates are subject to change. Please check the GCC website for changes.
Mobile testing unit locations
Monday 26 Oct
Tuesday 27 Oct
Wednesday 28 Oct
Thursday 29 Oct
Friday 30 Oct
Saturday 31 Oct
Sunday 1 Nov
Monday 2 Nov
Tuesday 3 Nov
Wednesday 4 Nov
Thursday 5 Nov
Stow
Stow Rugby Football Club, Oddington Road, Stow, GL54 1JJ
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x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
Cirencester
Royal Agricultural University, Stroud Road, Cirencester, GL7 6JS
x
x
Cheltenham
University Of Gloucestershire, Entrance 3, Park Campus, The Park, Cheltenham, GL50 2RH
x
x
Bishops Cleeve
Cheltenham North RFC, Stoke Orchard Road, Bishops Cleeve, GL52 7DG
Hartpury University & Hartpury College, Gloucester GL19 3BE
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x
Stroud
Stratford Park Leisure Centre, Stratford Road, Stroud, GL5 4AH
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x
x
x
x
x
x
x
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x
Friday 23rd October 2020:
Key messages
On Monday 19 October, we launched the six-step plan for Gloucestershire focusing on protecting our most vulnerable residents, increasing enforcement action and, a call to us all to work together, and for each other, by following the public health guidance.
The legal notice to prevent the Stow Fair from going ahead was served using the county council’s powers under Covid-19 regulations on Tuesday 20 October.
Covid-19 doesn’t mean Halloween is cancelled this year, but with cases continuing to creep up in the county, residents are been urged to find fun, alternative, ways to celebrate safely. This might include a pumpkin trail, transforming your home into a haunted house and more – as well as remembering the main public health advice around hands, face and space, and sticking to the rule of six. Messages around how to have a Covid-safe Halloween will go out from next week. Please share them if you follow our social media channels.
We announced the Extra £6.6m to help county’s care providers prevent the spread of Covid-19.
Household Recycling Centres will move to normal winter opening hours from 25 October (10am – 4pm) .
Two schools are taking part in a School Streets trial which will start on 2 November. It will improve air quality and create more space for social distancing at drop of and pick up times.
Gloucestershire Covid-19 stats
In week 42 (Monday 12 October – Sunday 18 October) there were 374 confirmed cases of COVID19.
Of these cases:
94 were in Gloucester
71 were in Cheltenham
63 were in Stroud
52 were in Cotswold
47 were in the Forest of Dean
47 were in Tewkesbury
* Please note these figures are provisional and subject to change. (Source: https://coronavirus.data.gov.uk/ as at 16:43 21/10/2020)
The rate of cases in the last 7 days per 100,000 is 58.5 in Gloucestershire, 82.7 in the South West, and 168.8 in England.
In week 41 (Saturday 3rd – Friday 9th October) there were 2 deaths mentioning “novel coronavirus (COVID-19)”, which is 1.9% of all deaths, this compares with 1 (0.9% of all deaths) in Week 40
Deaths in NHS Trusts² – 232 (1 new)
Deaths in care homes⁴ – 265 (0 new)
News from TBC:
Service delivery•The county council has introduced a six-step plan across the county, as local action continues to slow the spread of Covid-19. The measures will support the Government’s new three-tier system, announced last week. •The council has received 11 claims for the £500 self isolation grant.•Applications for the council tax reduction scheme appear to be levelling off with a steady number of new applications each week.•The team responsible for business grants assurance is on standby to start paying business grants, should the area move up to any higher Covid-19 alert level.•The licensing team is developinglicensing applications online.•The environmental health team has been helping to advise, with partners, the organisers of the Maisemore Point to Point event on Sunday. There have been concerns about numbers and the event taking place.The organisers have worked with us to reduce numbers and to ensure the event is covid-secure. Both the Police and Environmental Health will be visiting during the event to ensure compliance and will take action if required on the day. •The council has been advised that it is to receive a fourth tranche of funding from central government –an additional £128,427, taking the funding total to £1,247,602. •A £100m scheme for public sector leisure centres, swimming pools and gyms has been announced at national level by the government –it is hoped this will help the council cover at least some of cost to the Council arising from the period of Leisure Centre closure over the lockdown period.•The numbers of rough sleepers across Gloucestershire has risen so there will be a targeted approach to helping those people. However, following work by the Council’s Housing Team, in Tewkesbury Borough, there are currently no known rough sleepers and the numbers of those in temporary accommodation is very low.
Community support•In Tewkesbury Borough, the number of cases of Covid-19 per 100,000 is relatively low in comparison with other areas. The number is higher in surrounding boroughs and districts and is increasing so we need to remain vigilant and continue to practice the key safety precautions. •There are concerns around crowds gathering for Halloween and bonfire night-rules on social distancing need to be adhered to. Some communities, particularly on social media, have suggested local alternatives to meeting up in groups (going on a ‘pumpkin spotting’ walk, for example).•As of 14 September, there are legal requirements relating to events which would apply to Remembrance Sunday events. However, the COVID 19 requirements, across all tiers, provide for a specific exception for Remembrance Sunday events for participants and spectators, provided appropriate precautions are undertaken by the event organiser. •The council’s community response cell has sent a survey to the borough’s voluntary community sector to ask about their current situation and how prepared they feel, should the area move up to the government’s Tier Two covid alert level.
Business support•The environmental health team has been spot-checking businesses over the last two weeks and has reported that the majority of businesses are welcoming and are found to be covid-compliant.
TBC recognise that there are lots of messages circulating and the media is inundated with different Covid-related stories from across the country – it can be hard to keep track of it all. As a simple reminder, we have pulled together the latest guidance from the government, which you can pass onto your local community and local organisations. There are three simple actions we must all do to keep protecting each other:
Wash hands – keep washing your hands regularly.
Cover face – wear a face covering in enclosed spaces.
Make space – stay at least two metres apart – or one metre with a face covering or other precautions.
As you will hopefully know, the government has introduced three tiers. For clarity on which each tier encompasses, this infographic is useful. We are currently in Medium.