Friday 23rd October 2020
Due to the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19), we will now be providing email updates to members and stakeholders every Friday to let you know about the latest information we have and any changes to local services that may be affected. We will issue further updates if required.
If you do not wish to receive these updates please click on “unsubscribe” at the bottom of the page.
The Leader of Rotherham Council, Councillor Chris Read has been setting out why the new High Alert measures are needed to try and reduce the spread of coronavirus in South Yorkshire.
He said: “To provide some context, at the height of the first wave the number of people being treated for coronavirus in Rotherham hospitals was 70 – last week that number had already exceded 60.
“It’s a really serious situation. We know that, when people start getting ill and gooing into hospital, unfortunately, more deaths are only a matter of weeks away.
Watch the Leader’s full video message.
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Latest Rotherham weekly infection rate data
The latest seven day average for infection rates in Rotherham continues to increase.
The seven day Covid-19 infection rate in Rotherham for this week is 377.2 per 100,000 (7 days to 17th October), with 1,080 new cases reported in the last week. This compares to a rate of 273.9 per 100,000 for the previous week, in which there were 778 new cases and represents another significant increase.
Rotherham enters highest Covid Alert Level
Rotherham and the rest of South Yorkshire will enter Local Covid Alert Level: Very High from midnight tonight – the highest of three alert levels.
This means that, in addition to current national restrictions, the following rules will apply across our borough:
- You must not meet socially with friends and family indoors in any setting, unless they are part of your household or support bubble. This includes private homes and indoors in hospitality venues, such as pubs.
- You can meet in groups no larger than six in public parks, public gardens and at beaches, providing you remain socially distanced. However, you must not meet with people outside of your household or support bubble in a private garden.
- Pubs and bars will be closed unless they are serving ‘substantial’ meals. You will only be served alcohol whilst eating.
- Office workers who can work from home should do so.
- It is advised to avoid travel where possible, in or out of the region, except for essential journeys such as school, college and work.
- The following restrictions on premises are also in place in South Yorkshire:
- Soft play centres, betting shops, casinos and amusement arcades are to close.
- Leisure centres and gyms can remain open with some restrictions on classes
Easy-to-follow guide to restrictions
We have updated our easy-to-follow guide to Rotherham Covid-19 restrictions, taking into account the new Very High Alert Level measures (see above).
Download a JPEG version of the guide here, suitable for sharing on social media.
Download a PDF version of the guide here, suitable for printing to give out as hard copies.
We have also added a number of Frequesntly Asked Questions about the Very High Alert Level to our website.
Good testing capacity at local sites
Following a national shortage of testing slots several weeks ago, local testing sites in Rotherham are now reporting good availability.
Anyone showing Coronavirus symptoms, even mild ones, should book an appointment for a test as soon as possible. Book a test on the NHS website or by calling 119.
If you’re getting a test because you have symptoms, you and anyone you live with must self-isolate until you get your result. This also applies to anyone in your support bubble (where someone who lives alone – or just with their children – can meet people from 1 other household).
You must also self-isolate if you cannot get a test.
Concerned that businesses are not complying?
The new Very High Alert Level restrictions mean changes to the businesses can operate in Rotherham, particularly bars and pubs.
Only pubs that are serving substantial meals should be open from Saturday 24th October onwards and alcohol should only be served to customers whilst they are eating.
The Rotherham Council enforcement team is working additional hours this weekend to ensure businesses are adapting and abiding by the new restrictions.
If you have any concerns please call 01709 823140. The team will be operating from 12 noon to Midnight on both Saturday and Sunday.
Council backs campaign to end child food poverty
Rotherham Council will support families in need across the borough by funding free school meals during next week’s half-term holiday.
The Council has informed schools of the decision today and is finalising details on how the scheme will be rolled out in the next few days.
Councillor Gordon Watson, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Children’s Services at Rotherham Council said: “This is a time of great uncertainty for many families across our borough and with the new tier three restrictions coming into force this weekend, we know that this will lead to greater financial hardship for some of the borough’s poorest families.
“The financial pressure on all Councils, especially at this time, is greater than ever but no child should go hungry. Not ever.”
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Helping you back into work
These are economically tough times for everyone and the Covid pandemic has had a real impact on people’s lives.
Many organisations have been hit hard, meaning some of you may be looking for new employment. While the prospect of getting back into work is exciting, there are also lots of things to consider and for some people returning to work after a break can feel like a big step. To help make this transition easier, we have launched a new programme which aims to support you into education, training and employment.
Pathways Rotherham is a team made up of dedicated key workers who can help you to develop basic skills and move towards or into employment. The support they offer is tailored to individual needs and includes employment help, training support and help to access education and work experience.
How can the Pathways Team help you?
- Support you to overcome barriers to learning, training, access to education and employment
- Offer one-to-one coaching and support
- Access specialist support around debt, housing or substance misuse
- Build your confidence and self-esteem
- Find specialist support to help you with childcare needs
- Identify suitable volunteering or work experience opportunities
- Access appropriate learning or training courses
- Help develop a bespoke CV
The support offered is based on a number of criteria and will be offered to residents working less than 16 hours or claiming Universal Credit.
If you feel like you would benefit from one-to-one help and advice about employment find out more at www.rotherham.gov.uk/pathways-rotherham
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