Staying at home is best thing we can do to protect ourselves, our loved ones and the NHS, as the coronavirus pandemic enters its most dangerous phase.
The NHS is at its most critical point in its Covid response, with the disease still spreading fast before the effects of the first vaccinations can be felt.
Essential council services have continued throughout the pandemic and this will not change during the latest lockdown.
Recycling and waste are still collected from the kerbside, social care is provided for adults and children, roads are repaired and gritted, and community meals are delivered, among many others
Financial aid is available to support businesses through lockdown and beyond so make sure you get the money you are entitled to.
Since the start of the pandemic, North Somerset Council has distributed more than £46m of government grants to 4,000 businesses – but many more have yet to claim.
Volunteers from across North Somerset are continuing to work hard during this lockdown to ensure the most vulnerable residents are cared for.
The North Somerset Together support network was established last year to ensure residents can continue to get the help they need during the pandemic.
If you’re feeling pressurised and stressed since the new lockdown began, you are not alone.
Many people are feeling overwhelmed and anxious as they try to juggle various roles, whether working from home and home schooling simultaneously or continuing in a front-line job.
Many more events are happening online this month to keep you entertained while you stay at home.
Christmas is going to look very different this year and we must all do our best to enjoy the festivities while keeping our loved ones safe.
From tomorrow (Saturday), North Somerset moves into Tier 2 but this is still ‘high alert’ and residents are still urged to keep up the fight against Covid-19.
Short films depicting the stark reality of the coronavirus pandemic have been released to urge people to protect each other during the festive season
The hard-hitting films portray the real-life experiences of local people who are suffering the effects of the pandemic and have been released by health and care leaders across the Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire (BNSSG) area.
Covid Stories, put together by the Healthier Together Partnership, include two who sadly lost loved ones to coronavirus.
The stories aim to remind people of the continued impact of coronavirus being felt right across the community and the need to protect loved ones this Christmas as North Somerset moves into Tier 2.
Rehabilitation support worker Denise Lynham works in North Somerset for Sirona care and health, which provides adult and children’s community health services across BNSSG.
Denise lost her husband Steve to coronavirus earlier this year.
She said: “I didn’t get a chance to have a proper goodbye. Steve had no dignity at the end of his life and we’ve been left with a gaping hole in our family.
“I want to share our story and support this campaign because I think people need to be reminded that this virus is real, anyone can get it and it’s so important that we continue to do our best and follow the rules, especially over Christmas and for as long as we need to.
“It’s a lot easier than losing a loved one and going through what my family have this year.”
Imogen Poulter is a care home worker in Weston-super-Mare who witnessed first-hand the impact on staff and residents.
Imogen said: “I think it’s really important that people realise actually how badly you can be affected by Covid.
“I think that taking more precautions out in the community and not going out if you don’t have to will help. It won’t just help you, it helps other people.”
(Imogen and Marianne, North Somerset)
Denise and Imogen’s films are available to watch on the Healthier Together website, along with others.
All films were videoed according to strict coronavirus safety rules, with some shot by a professional cameraman and others recorded selfie-style or online using video conferencing.
(Abdul, Bristol)
Lockdown and Tier 3 restrictions this year have been incredibly difficult for local businesses as their ability to trade has been limited.
More grants are now available to help these businesses survive winter and North Somerset Council is going above and beyond to support the hospitality sector, which has been hit especially hard.
Continue reading ‘Above and beyond’ support for hospitality sector
Covid-19 testing for people without symptoms has started in North Somerset.
Students and staff at Weston College, in Weston-super-Mare, are the first to be offered the tests as part of a new trial organised by North Somerset Council.
