Many thanks to Kevin Foster for permitting us to use part of his weekly Residents’ Update.
This is an abridged version and the full version can be found on his website.
Lockdown Extended,
Devon & Cornwall Police and Torbay Council have been given a range of powers to enforce the law and to give guidance where needed. Fines have been issued to those ignoring the rules in our bay and will continue to be. I am advised the majority have been issued to those living locally.
Still There To Care,
Many residents have taken to heart the message to stay at home and support the NHS in its fight against Covid-19, yet there has been a reminder this week it is still there if you need urgent care for other conditions.
This week Firefighters joined the NHS frontline in our bay by becoming Ambulance drivers, bringing their skills of responding to emergency calls with them. They will be accompanied by a clinician when responding to 999 Ambulance Calls.
The Emergency Department at our local Hospital is open and arrangements have been put in place to separate suspected Coronavirus patients from those with other health needs. If you are short of breath, have chest pains or a severe allergic reaction the expert NHS teams are still on hand to support you either via 999 or heading to the Hospital.
You can find more detail on urgent care services available in our area, including Newton Abbot Hospital’s Minor Injuries Unit.
Care Homes,
In my call with Torbay Council today I was advised the Integrated Care Organisation, which is a merger of Torbay’s Adult Social Care and Health Services, is in daily contact with the 110 care homes in our bay. This is on a range of issues from PPE to testing and other supplies.
Supporting the Most Vulnerable,
Those most vulnerable to the virus are being advised to self-isolate until mid-June, with 2,963 people now being supported by Torbay Council to do this.
I was advised the council has been in touch with all but 10 of them, with a range of support being provided beyond food (and toilet roll) parcels. This includes outreach from library services and advice on keeping physically and mentally fit.
The whole team at the Council is working hard to deliver this and deserve our support in doing so.
4,100 Calls To Community Support Line,
4,100 calls have now been made to the Torbay Coronavirus Community Support hotline established by the Torbay Community Development Trust.
As of today they had processed 1,463 requests for help with a range of support provided to local people in need. The phone line, which will be staffed 24/7, covers Torquay and Paignton. The number is 01803 446022. Brixham Does Care can be contacted directly on 01803 857727 (Mon-Fri, 9am-4:30pm).
Given the number needing support in terms of food deliveries a joint appeal on behalf of the food banks in the bay for funds has been launched, which you can find by clicking here.
Domestic Abuse Support,
Whilst the current restrictions are needed to deal with Covid-19, one concern is the impact they may have on victims of Domestic Abuse who may find it harder to access support or be trapped indoors with an abusive partner.
There have been requests to promote the support available to those who may feel alone, which includes the 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline number 0808 2000 247, run by Refuge, which can also be found online.
Fishing Industry,
Given the impact of the current situation on the fishing industry in our bay I am pleased to see a £10 million fund for England’s fishing and aquaculture sectors announced by the Government.
Palace Hotel Demolition,
The demolition work at the Palace Hotel is now well underway and the once grand façade is slowly disappearing.
and finally……Climbing a Mountain At Home.
On a local level another fundraising effort saw Torbay Councillor James O’Dwyer “climb a mountain” in aid of Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust Emergency Appeal. As he could not travel to the real mountain in Morocco , he did 11960 stairs at home to equal its height. You can find his page by clicking here.
That is all for this week and enjoy your weekend.
Best Wishes,
Kevin
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