Message to residents from leader and chief executive of Bath & North East Somerset Council
We’re writing to update Bath & North East Somerset residents about what the council is doing to minimise the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on our local communities. We recognise that the situation changes quickly and we are saddened to learn that a man in his 80s, who was being cared for at the RUH and had tested positive for Covid-19, has died.
We know that you are receiving many messages about Covid-19. Our aim in this letter is to provide clear information that we hope is useful to you, your family, your neighbours and your community at this challenging time.
We have a dedicated section on our website www.bathnes.gov.uk/coronavirus. This updates you on council service changes resulting from the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic. Our priority during this period will be to maintain the critical services our communities, especially the most vulnerable, depend on. We are doing all we can to keep our communities safe during this challenging period. We would like you to understand that it is highly likely that there will be some reductions in service levels across the council. We also anticipate you may have to wait longer for some services during the Covid-19 pandemic. Thank you for your patience and understanding.
We are also co-ordinating our efforts with partners such as the Police, Curo, RUH and CCG, all of whom are working closely together to protect our local communities.
What you can do to help
We must work together as a community to protect ourselves and those around us. It is important that everyone follows the latest national advice and guidance.
It is vital that you read the social distancing measures we should all be taking to reduce social interaction between people in order to reduce the transmission of coronavirus. You must also:-
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, for at least 20 seconds, especially after using public transport, when you arrive at work or arrive home. Use a sanitiser gel if soap and water is not available.
- Always carry tissues with you and use them to catch your cough or sneeze. Then bin the tissue, wash your hands or use a sanitiser gel.
- Don't touch your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are unwell. Stay at home if you have symptoms. Please read the stay at home guidance for households with possible coronavirus (COVID-19) infection for more information.
For more information go to: www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/
We can support each other and public agencies during this challenging period by
- Only calling 111 if you can’t get help using the NHS online service.
- Being flexible and understanding of the pressure that we are all under
- Using online services wherever possible
Supporting local communities and the most vulnerable
Bath & North East Somerset Council is working to support community and the most vulnerable in their own homes. Our Third Sector Group (3SG) is recruiting volunteers through its #CompassionateCommunities scheme to offer support to community groups and charities as they work to help elderly or vulnerable people self-isolating.
More than a thousand people from across Bath and North East Somerset have already volunteered. If you're healthy and at low-risk, you can be a Compassionate Community Connector and help others across Bath and north East Somerset
Our website contains a wide range of resources for you to download and use, including posters and guides.
The Bath & North East Somerset Homeless Partnership are meeting regularly to limit the impact of COVID-19 on rough sleepers and others in housing need. There are opportunities for rough sleepers to self-isolate if needed
Supporting local businesses
We recognise the impact that the Covid-19 pandemic is having and will have on local business. We have produced a briefing pack to provide guidance on the support available for employers and businesses during this period.
Please contact the B&NES Business & Skills team at info@investinbath.co.uk or visit the Invest in Bath website if you require any further information.
More information
We have set up a dedicated email address for queries directly relating to Covid. 19
covid-19incidentcomms@bathnes.gov.uk
If you or others would like to receive these regular updates please sign up to our e-newsletters.
Follow us on twitter and facebook @bathnes and Instagram bathnescouncil
Finally, we want to extend our thanks to residents, partners, volunteers and local businesses who are doing their best to support each other in this difficult time.
Yours sincerely
Councillor Dine Romero Will Godfrey
Leader, Bath & North East Somerset Council Chief Executive
