Coronavirus Information

Coronavirus – how you can help yourself and the NHS

COVID-19 is a new illness that can affect your lungs and airways. It's caused by a virus called coronavirus. This update provides you with information on what you can do to look after yourself, your family, your community and the NHS. Please share it with your family, friends and community.

Business Grants

More than £37.3m has been paid out to over 3,200 west Norfolk businesses in grants now.

Additionally, nearly £500,000 worth of discretionary grants have been paid to 71 operations.

We have been made aware of a number of firms asking for a fee to apply for discounts and grants on the behalf of companies. We are emphasising the there is no need to pay anyone to apply for this financial support.

Coastal Safety Measures

We have implemented a number of safety measures at the coast in response to Covid-19. This has included widening the path from the Cliff Top car park to the beach in Hunstanton and installing external wash basins. We have also put up signage reminding people to socially distance, there is also a one-way system on the ramps to and from the beach for pedestrians to use.

We are reminding people to maintain social distancing, not to visit at peak times, and to be respectful of local residents.

Reopening Businesses

On 15th June, many non-essential retailers reopened with Covid-19 secure measures in place.

To support the safe reopening of our high streets, we also implemented a number of measures. This has included one way systems, signage, and floor stickers. We have been encouraging people to shop safely and observe social distancing, advising shoppers to:

· ensure they avoid the busiest times between 10am and 1pm - take advantage of the extended opening hours that some shops are offering

· bring hand sanitiser, tissues and face coverings with them,

· prepare to pay with contactless methods if at all possible, this includes using the cashless parking app.

We appreciate all the efforts west Norfolk businesses have made to ensure they are able to operate safely.

We are now keen to find out the challenges to businesses across west Norfolk in light of Covid-19, and how consumers are using businesses across the district. We also want to identify priorities for investment and support in west Norfolk. We recently received European Regional Development Funding to support the safe reopening of the town centres and the feedback from this consultation will help to inform how that funding is invested.

Play Areas

From 4th July, play areas and outdoor gyms will be permitted to reopen. Users will be encouraged to observe social distancing and good hygiene in using the play areas. If and when we get further guidance on the reopening of play areas, we will share this with you.

Borough Council service impacts All of our service impacts can be found here:

Please remember our council offices are no longer accepting visits from the public. People can contact us through Live Chat on our website, or by calling us on 01553 616200. Anyone needing to provide documents can post and drop these into the letterbox which is emptied daily.

If you require specific information about any of the issues raised in this update, please contact

Useful contacts and information

The Recovery Strategy

Bereavement

The government has published a guide on 'What to do when someone dies during the COVID-19 pandemic' which shares important information to help bereaved families, friends or next of kin make important decisions during this national emergency and explains the next steps, answers some of your questions, and guides you to the extra help and support that is available.

Business Support

· The government advice for businesses is available here:

· The Growth Hub from the New Anglia LEP offers free, expert advice for any business in Norfolk and Suffolk and the advisers are able to signpost employers and employees to details of the new Government support schemes. They’re a valuable additional resource. Please call them on 0300 333 6536 or email

In addition, as businesses start to think about returning to work – especially non-essential retail – the following resources may be useful: · HSE: · Gov.uk: · 5 steps to working safely: · More free webinars are planned next week:

Education

Guidance on actions for education and childcare settings to prepare for wider openings from 1st June:

Health advice

The best places for health advice are: · NHS - · Public Health England -

Norfolk County Council Norfolk County Council has useful information:

Risk Assessment How to carry out a Covid-19 risk assessment:

Social Distancing

Guidance on staying alert and social distancing:

Social distancing guidance for young people

The Cabinet Office has published guidance for young people in England on social distancing that explains the new measures that will help young people stay safe as rules on being outside, or at school or work, change.

Staying Safe Outside the Home