Chichester District Council Coronavirus Update – October 2020
Monday 26 October 2020
Issued by the Communications Team – publicrelations@chichester.gov.uk
www.chichester.gov.uk/coronavirus
www.facebook.com/ChichesterDistrictCouncil
This briefing is to keep you updated on the evolving situation around coronavirus (COVID-19) and the actions being taken in the district.
Who does it affect?
- Residents and businesses within the district
- Chichester District Council staff and councillors
- Parish councils
- Community groups and charitable organisations
In this briefing
· Latest update
· Hands, Face, Space reminder
· Test and Trace reminder
· Walk-in Covid testing site in Chichester
· Self-isolation payments from CDC
· Halloween safety
· Claim tax back for working from home because of Covid
· Could you be entitled to help towards the cost of heating your home?
· West Sussex Affordable Energy Newsletter – Winter
· HELAA planning document published
· ‘Let’s Talk: Climate Change’ consultation reminder
· £15,000 investment in Priory Park as part of events strategy
· Review of rules for dogs in public spaces approved
· Look out for your winter edition of initiatives magazine
· Winter opening times at WSCC household waste and recycling centres
· Share this with a friend
· Check the latest travel corridors list
Latest update
This month the Government introduced a three-tier system of Local COVID alert levels for England, based on the prevalence of the virus in local areas.
The Government has also been involved in discussions with local leaders in those parts of the country which are currently experiencing the highest increases in coronavirus infection rates.
At the moment in Chichester District and across West Sussex, the alert level is Medium. This means that you must:
· Follow all the existing recommended hygiene practices
· Follow the Rule of 6 when meeting indoors or outdoors
· Follow social distancing when you meet
· Work from home if possible.
It also means that pubs and restaurants must close at 10pm.
You can find out more information about the three tier system and the different rules that at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/local-covid-alert-levels-what-you-need-to-know
Hands, face, space
There are three simple actions we must all do to keep on protecting each other:
· Wash hands: keep washing your hands regularly
· Cover face: wear a face covering in enclosed spaces, and
· Make space: stay at least two metres apart – or one metre with a face covering or other precautions.
You can find more information on what you need to do at www.chichester.goc.uk/coronavirus while the very latest government advice is available at https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus
NHS Test and Trace app
If you haven’t already, please consider downloading the NHS Covid-19 contact tracing app. This will help trace and stop the spread of coronavirus, allowing NHS Test and Trace to contact customers with public health advice should there be a COVID-19 outbreak. The app also has a symptom checker, to help you decide whether you need a test or not. If you do, it gives you the option to book one. The app is free to download from the App Store and Google Play. For more information about the app, see https://covid19.nhs.uk/ and for details about how Test and Trace works, see https://www.gov.uk/guidance/nhs-test-and-trace-how-it-works
Walk-in Covid testing site in Chichester
The new NHS Test and Trace walk-in test site is now operating in Northgate car park, Chichester. Please be aware that this is available on an appointment- only basis. The majority of the car park is open to commuters, residents and visitors as usual. Testing is available to anyone with coronavirus symptoms and you can book a test by visiting www.nhs.uk/coronavirus or by calling 119.
Self-isolation payments from CDC
If you are on a low income and have been instructed to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace since 28 September, you may be eligible for a self-isolation payment of £500. To help stop the spread of coronavirus, people across England are now required by law to self-isolate if they test positive for the virus, or if they are instructed to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace. The self-isolation support payments are there to help people on low incomes and to encourage people to self-isolate if instructed. We are processing applications and issuing these payments on behalf of the Government. To find out if you are eligible please see https://www.chichester.gov.uk/testandtracepayments
Halloween safety
This year we are urging people to stay safe amid the continuing pandemic and find alternative ways to celebrate Halloween and not do trick or treating or hold indoor parties. There are many ways that families can still take part in all the fun, from getting creative and giving your front door a spooky makeover to holding a virtual party instead. For some fun ideas see https://www.countryliving.com/diy-crafts/g3476/halloween-party-games/
Claim tax back for working from home because of Covid
If you have been asked to work from home because of coronavirus then you can claim tax back on this. You cannot claim if you choose to work from home. You’ll get tax relief based on the rate at which you pay tax. Find out more at https://www.gov.uk/tax-relief-for-employees/working-at-home
Help towards the cost of heating your home
If you are on a low income, then the Government’s Warm Home Discount could save you £140 off your electric bill. Check with your electricity provider to see if you are eligible. You can find out more at https://chichester.westsussexwellbeing.org.uk/topics/healthy-home/wellbeing-home or call our Wellbeing team for free friendly energy advice to help you stay warm and well this Winter on 01243 521057.
West Sussex Affordable Energy schemes
The West Sussex Affordable Warmth Partnership, a collaboration of the district and borough councils in West Sussex, have produced a handy newsletter highlighting some of the schemes available to help residents save money on their energy bills this winter. You view this at https://mcusercontent.com/6f7b5333def1cb1586f053351/files/607b6b35-167a-4030-865a-ce13379fed84/WS_Affordable_Warmth_Newsletter_Sept_2020.pdf
Housing and Economic Land Availability Assessment published
Our council has just published a list of sites across the Local Plan area that may have the potential to accommodate housing and employment. The HELAA 2020 (Housing and Economic Land Availability Assessment) is a technical assessment which is updated on a regular basis and will be used as key evidence as part of the Local Plan Review. The document is part of the initial stages when looking at potential sites for development. Find out more at https://www.chichester.gov.uk/article/29759/Housing-and-Economic-Land-Availability-Assessment
‘Let’s Talk: Climate Change’ consultation reminder
We are reminding residents, businesses, community groups and organisations to give their views on our Draft Climate Emergency Detailed Action Plan before the consultation closes at midnight on 6 November. The plan identifies ways in which we can continue to reduce greenhouse gas emissions within the work we do as a council, as well as how we can support individuals and other organisations across the district to reduce their emissions too. To have your say on the plan and its suggestions, please visit www.chichester.gov.uk/letstalkclimatechange
£15,000 investment in Priory Park as part of events strategy
Leading councillors have agreed to invest £15,000 on purchasing a commercial power supply for Chichester’s Priory Park as part of the first ever events strategy devised for the Chichester District. Find out more at https://www.chichester.gov.uk/article/34517/Leading-councillors-agree-to-invest-15000-in-city-park-as-part-of-events-strategy-for-Chichester-District
Review of rules for dogs in public spaces approved
A review of the rules for dogs in public spaces has been approved for the Chichester District. Rules have now been extended for a further three years, with some small amendments. Find out more at https://www.chichester.gov.uk/article/34525/Dog-Control-Public-Spaces-Protection-Order-is-adopted-for-the-Chichester-District
Look out for your winter edition of initiatives magazine
The winter edition of our residents’ magazine initiatives will be delivered to your door at the beginning of November. You’ll be able to find out more about our Christmas ‘Shop local, Visit local, Support local’ campaign, as well as parking incentives in Chichester over the festive period, plus Christmas waste and recycling dates. As well as the paper copy, you will also be able to read an online version at https://www.chichester.gov.uk/initiativesmagazine once it has been delivered to residents.
Check winter opening times for household waste and recycling centres
Winter opening hours are now in place at West Sussex County Council’s household waste and recycling sites. Sites are now open from 9am-4pm until 31 March 2021. There will also be some seasonal changes to the days sites are open. If you are planning to use a site, please make sure that you check opening days, times, identification and permit requirements online before you make your journey. Find out more at https://www.westsussex.gov.uk/news/winter-opening-hours-to-begin-at-household-waste-recycling-sites/
Share this with a friend
As the situation around coronavirus changes, it’s important that people across our district have the most up-to-date information possible. Please encourage your friends and family to sign up to this newsletter so that we can all be prepared and play our part in the fight against the virus. Sign up at www.chichester.gov.uk/newsalerts
Check the latest travel corridors list
The travel corridor list is regularly updated. If you are travelling please make sure you check whether the country you are due to visit has been added or removed and whether any restrictions are in place. Find out more at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-travel-corridors