Tuesday 16 June 2020
Due to the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19), we will now be providing regular email updates for residents to let you know about the latest information we have and any changes to local services that may be affected.
If you do not wish to receive these updates please click on “unsubscribe” at the bottom of the page.
You can check the latest information on our website at any time by going to https://www.rotherham.gov.uk/coronavirus
Social distancing reminders in Rotherham Town Centre
Retailers re-open for business
Rotherham’s retailers began re-opening their doors for the first time since late March yesterday.
Shoppers returning to Rotherham town centre will have noticed a number of changes aimed at reinforcing 2 metre social distancing advice, which remains in place, including:
- Limits on the number of people allowed into retail premises at any one time
- Signage and floor markings in public areas reminding people about the advice
- Queuing systems, directional markings and separate exit and entry points at a number of shops and buildings
- Additional Council staff and police presence
Most of those retailers that are able to re-open under the revised restrictions did so, with more expected to follow in the coming days and weeks.
Our Indoor Market, Outdoor covered market, Tuesday Street Market and weekly Bazaar Market are all now open again – see Rotherham Markets on Facebook for details.
Anyone visiting the Town Centre is reminded not to congregate in large numbers and to follow government guidance on social distancing.
Press Release: Rotherham Town Centre open for business
Rotherham Tuesday Street Market is back
A message from Rotherham’s faith leaders
Faith Leaders in Rotherham have joined together to issue an open letter to local people in response to the Coronavirus pandemic.
In it, they highlight the positive response of the local community in coming together to support one another and express sympathy for the 200 local families who have lost loved ones as a result of the virus.
Their message reads:
The global Covid-19 pandemic has changed our lives dramatically over the last few weeks and every aspect of what we do has been affected.
Some of this has been positive with communities coming together and caring for each; but at the heart of this is a virus which can take away lives, and sadly over 200 families in Rotherham have lost their loved ones before their time. Everyone a tragic loss, with grieving family and friends left behind and unable to say goodbye in the ways we normally would.
During difficult times, we turn to our faith and to each other for support, but sadly at this time we have to do this at a distance.
There will come a day when we can all come together, to say hello to the living and farewell to those whom we have lost. As faith leaders in Rotherham we will help those of all faiths and none to ensure that our loved ones will be remembered together without distance.
We pray for all those affected.
Signed:
Joanne Archer-Siddall, Superintendent, The Methodist Church; Saghir Alam, Chair, Rotherham Council of Mosques; Bahá’í faith; Philip Batchford, The Vicar of Rotherham, Rotherham Minster; Venerable Malcolm Chamberlain, Archdeacon of Sheffield & Rotherham; Father Desmond Sexton, Parishes of Saint Mary’s, Rotherham, Saint Gerard’s Thrybergh and Blessed Trinity, Wickersley; Rabbi Golomb, United Synagogue.
Public transport capacity increased to meet extra demand
South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive (SYPTE) have confirmed an increase in capacity on a number of bus routes to meet an expected increase in demand as more people return to work and shops and other facilities are re-opened.
The wearing of face coverings is now mandatory on board all public transport services. SYPTE is working with operators to understand how the new face covering regulations will work on board and is awaiting further government guidelines in relation to exemptions including for health reasons.
Timetable changes came into effect this weekend. Extra services are intended to help people who have no alternative way to travel to make essential journeys on public transport and stay safe.
BUSES
Sheffield
- Powells service 6 – this service will increase to every 40 minutes from Monday 15 June
- Stagecoach services SL1, SL1a – some journeys will be reintroduced from Monday 15 June. These journeys will run Mon-Sat daytime but will not serve Unsliven Bridge.
- Hulley’s services 272, 274, 275 and 276 will have timetable changes
- TM Travel service 30/30a and 218 will have timetable changes
Rotherham
- Powells service 3 and 18 will have timetable changes
Doncaster
- Powells services 18 and 49 will have timetable changes
Barnsley
- Watersons service 36, 37 and 38 will be reintroduced with special timetables
TRAM & TRAM TRAIN
Stagecoach Supertram will be changing their timetables from Sunday 14 June 2020.
Yellow and Blue trams will run up to every 15 minutes on Monday to Saturdayand every 20 minutes on Sundays.
Tram Train will increase to 2 services an hour every day.
Latest South Yorkshire Travel Information
Laptops for vulnerable children and care leavers
Local schools are preparing and distributing laptops to local care leavers and vulnerable children across the borough to support their learning.
Rotherham Council has received a total allocation of 990 laptops under a Department for Education scheme to support online learning for disadvantaged children and young people who meet the Government’s eligibility criteria.
Our Assistant Director of Education, Pepe Diiasio is pictured with some of the laptops being prepared for young people from Wales High School.
The Government has a range of advice for parents and carers on supporting their child’s education during the coronavirus pandemic:
Guidance for parents
Marie Curie bereavement support
Grieving can feel isolating enough without social distancing.
Sadly, many people bereaved during lockdown have been unable to properly say goodbye to loved ones, comfort or even hug each other. If they can’t get the support they need, they will be more likely to struggle with the long-term effects of grief.
To help, Marie Curie offers a free bereavement support service. Anyone who is grieving can access up to six telephone sessions with a matched volunteer by calling 0800 090 2309.
Further details as well as online information and support is available here
The Marie Curie scheme is in addition to local support provided by a commissioned service in South Yorkshire and North Nottinghamshire.
Listening Ear provides a chance to talk to a trained therapist who can offer emotional health and wellbeing support following bereavement.
The service can be accessed by calling 0800 048 5224 (freephone) or via the Listening Ear website.
Loneliness Awareness Week
This week is Loneliness Awareness Week and we’re spreading ideas and tips for residents across Rotherham to keep in touch with their family and friends during lockdown.
We’re encouraging residents to get in touch with friends and family and start conversations to beat loneliness. Throughout the week we will be giving tips to stay in touch with loved ones on the Council’s social media platforms.
Join in the conversation by using #LetsTalkLoneliness on social media.
Getting in touch…
During this challenging time please, where possible and appropriate, use our online services rather than calling via telephone. We’re receiving a high level of calls daily and want to ensure we’re able to answer urgent calls regarding vulnerable residents and our front line services.
