The latest COVID-19 update from RMBC….

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Thursday 14 May 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.


Covid advice

The five things we must continue to do

Although there has been some relaxation of the covid-19 restrictions, only by continuing to follow five vital actions will we carry on seeing a reduction in transmission of the virus.

They are:

  • Stay at home as much as possible
  • Work from home if you can
  • Continue to follow the rules on social distancing
  • Wash your hands regularly
  • Self-isolate if you or anyone in your household have symptoms

Click on the infographic above to download it and share the message on social media with your friends and family.

Rotherham Council Coronavirus website


Rotherham’s parks – you’re welcome, but please stay safe

Parks video

We’re expecting Rotherham’s parks might become a bit busier over the coming weeks as we all adjust to the new measures and we want to make sure that they remain safe and welcoming spaces for everyone.

New measures came into force yesterday.

We want to remind you to only visit the park with members of your household, to remain a minimum of two metres apart from other people and to respect staff and other park users at all times.

Our parks team has produced a short Facebook video to explain what to do and which park facilities are available to use.

Our car parks and tennis courts are open but cafes and attractions such as watersports and play areas will not. While you’re welcome to bring a picnic we ask that you don’t BBQ in the parks, we need our emergency services supporting the continued fight against COVID-19 rather than rescuing burnt BBQs! And please, always remember to take your litter home.

We’re looking forward to seeing you and hope you enjoy your visit.

Rotherham Parks


Rotherham Director of Public Health’s weekly message

Terrie Roche, Director of Public Health

Rotherham’s Director of Public Health, Teresa Roche has urged local residents to not let the slight easing of coronavirus restrictions undo all their hardwork and sacrifices which have helped protect the NHS and save lives.

Speaking in her weekly update, she said: “We need to stay alert around our own actions to make sure that we maintain social distancing, no matter what we are now doing.

“While the measures we have all taken over the past two months have seen a reduction in the Reproduction Rate (R) of the virus, to just below one, it is vital that we keep ‘R’ as low as possible. If R rises above one it will be because infections are rising and inevitably more deaths of loved ones will occur.”

A video explaining what the R rating is and how it works is availble to view on the Government’s YouTube channel.

Click on the button below to read this week’s message in full.

Director of Public Health’s Weekly Message


Don’t use public transport, unless you really must

Sheffield City Region Mayor, Dan Jarvis and South Yorkshire’s transport chiefs are calling on people to avoid public transport where possible, to allow those that need to use it to stay safe.

The Government’s Safe Travel Guidancemeans passengers must maintain two metres social distancing wherever possible and that South Yorkshire’s bus, tram and train networks will only be able to carry around 13-15 per cent of the normal number of passengers – even when all of the services are operating again.

Travel may take longer than normal and some routes are likely to be busier than usual due to social distancing measures and previous changes to timetables.

Emergency public transport timetables remain in place. Customers can also get the latest information online at travelsouthyorkshire.com/servicechanges, by calling Traveline on 01709 515151between 8am and 6pm, or on Travel South Yorkshire’s social media channels.

Detailed information about travelling and staying safe will be regularly updated on the Travel South Yorkshire website.

Travel South Yorkshire


Policing during the coronavirus

South Yorkshire Police & Crime Commissioner

South Yorkshire’s Police & Crime Commissioner, Dr Alan Billings is writing a weekly blog during the coronavirus pandemic.

The blog aims to keep members of the public, partners and communities up to date with how he is ccontinuing to oversee policing and public safety in the county.

In his latest blog, Dr Billings talks about his regular discussions with other Commissioners from across the country and Policing Minister, Kit Malthouse, covering coronavirus-related issues which affect policing, such as Personal Protective Equipment, testing and the ability of our courts to work remotely amid a building backlog of cases.

You can read the blogs and find out more about the role of the South Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner on the website:

South Yorkshire Police & Crime Commissioner website