Ridlington Parish Council Brief – July 2020

The Latest Situation
As of 23rd July 2020 297,146 people have tested positive for Coronavirus in the UK. This includes both hospital testing data (pillar 1) and community testing data (pillar 2)

The total number of confirmed cases in Rutland as of 9am Thursday 23rd is 98.

There have been 23 COVID-19 related deaths recorded up to 10th July.

Testing numbers in the county are high but the rate of positive tests low. The results will be carefully monitored as travel increases, to and from the county, and the schools return in September.

More detailed information can be found on www.coronavirus-staging.data.gov.uk

 

Rutland Case Mapping
The government is now publishing more detailed information showing a breakdown of COVID-19 cases at a local level.

Rutland is divided into 5 geographical areas.

More detailed information can be found online at :  coronavirus-staging.data.gov.uk/cases

We all need to remain cautious and vigilant and to follow the guidance that has helped people stay safe especially as we head into the summer holiday period.  More information can be found at:  www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-outbreak-faqs-what-you-can-and-cant-do

 

Rutland’s Local Outbreak Plan  – this details:

• Previous Spread of Covid-19
• Early Identification and Proactive management of any local outbreaks
• Coordinating efforts with local partners and agencies
• Ensuring the public, businesses and stakeholders are aware of the plan and how it is applied.
• Can be read in full on the Local Outbreak Plan Section of The Rutland
• County Council Website.

 

Update on Operation Shield
There have been 364 calls registered through the crisis helpline.

From 3rd August 2020, the Crisis Line number will be automatically forwarded to the Adult Duty Line.

 

Continuation of free parking
RCC will continue suspending parking charges in all Council car parks throughout the summer.

NB. All on-street parking restrictions remain in place IN BOTH Oakham and Uppingham.

 

Restricted Library Services
Oakham Library is now offering a reduced collection and drop off service for books and DVD’s.

Planning is now underway for the introduction of a new Home Library delivery and collection service from 10th August. This service will take the place of the normal Mobile Library Service.

Registered library users can order books and DVD’s online via the Rutland Libraries website. (www.rutland.gov.uk/libraries)  OR over the phone by calling: 01572 722918

Items will be held in storage for 72 hours before they can be loaned back out again.

Reduced opening hours will apply to Oakham library – 09:30am – 2:00pm Monday , Wednesday and Friday and 09:30am to 1:00pm Saturday.

There will be no browsing, reading or computer services at this time and visitors will be asked to wear a mask inside the library and to observe social distancing rules at all times.

(This includes a limit on the number of people allowed into the library building at any one time).

Plans for community libraries in Uppingham Ketton and Ryall to open one day a week after 7th August will follow in due course.

 

Gyms and Leisure Facilities
Managers of Catmose Gym are reviewing the latest government guidance with a view to allowing access to the gym, a range of classes and indoor sport from 25th July.

The public swimming pools remain closed.

 

Rutland Registry Office
This has now been reopened for weddings civil partnership and birth registration services

BY APPOINTMENT ONLY.
Appointments to discuss weddings and civil partnerships can be made by calling: 01572 758370 or emailing: registrars@rutland.gov.uk

Appointments for registering a birth can be made by calling: 01572 758380.

 

Castle and Museum Service
Plans are in place to reopen Oakham Castle for visitors and small wedding bookings from August 21st.

The Castle gift shop will only be able to accept card transactions. NO CASH.

 

Outdoor Play Areas
Can now be reopened AS LONG AS all activity is consistent with government guidance on health, hygiene and social distancing.

Further information can be accessed at: www.gov.uk/government/collections/coronavirus-covid-19-list-of-guidance

A decision with regard to the Ridlington Play Area will be published shortly. At present it remains closed whist discussions continue regarding the difficulties in meeting the government directives.

 

Local Authority Discretionary Grant Fund Policy:
Is available to view online at: www.rutland.gov.uk/covidbusiness.

 

Medical Collection Scheme
This will cease from 1st August in line with the end of shielding. Plans are in place to reinstate this should a local outbreak/lockdown occur.

 

Reporting of Grounds Maintenance Issues
Such as fly tipping, graffiti, damaged road signs and problems with vegetation etc. remains very much welcomed by reporting online, through the website: www.fixmystreet.com or via the FixMyStreet app.