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The changes to the lockdown are limited, it has not been lifted and we still have a long way to go. While this next phase feels significant, it is certainly not a return to normality. We should all still be staying at home as much as possible, but from tomorrow, (Wednesday 13 May), people in England can spend more leisure time outdoors, which is important for our mental and physical health.

As the lockdown continues and we prepare to commemorate VE day at home this bank holiday weekend, please remember that the coronavirus (COVID-19) related restrictions announced over six weeks ago still remain in place in order to help protect the NHS and save lives.

Our latest figures show 10,000 more daily trips on our A-roads compared to just one week ago. With that, an appeal again to stay home, and a reminder that the reason why the south west has one of the lowest number of reported cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) is because we’ve heeded the government guidance to stay put unless our journey is essential and stay compliant with social distancing.

Community reporting lags some way behind the hospital data, but what is clear is that the death toll will keep on rising for some time.
Here in Devon, whilst we can be thankful that the infection curve has been lower and slower than in other places, it is likely that we have yet to see the peak in initial cases.

It’s tempting isn’t it to project forward, and speculate on easing the national lockdown to regain some level of normality. But right now, amidst talk of ‘peaks’, it’s vital that we keep on with the social distancing currently in place as we move into the weekend. It’s thanks to the way we’ve changed our behaviour and complied with these measures that the infection rate in Devon is slower and lower than in other parts of the country.

We’re aware that there’s a lot of anxiety around. It’s natural that people are feeling worried, but it’s important that we recognise it and that we share our concerns with others where we can and that we take steps to look after our own wellbeing as well as those around us. There’s a lot of advice out there to help you take care of your mental health and wellbeing, so please look after yourself.

There are great many decisions being made at a national level, which change rapidly and have a profound effect on the delivery of local services and how we all keep safe and well in Devon. Alongside our local Members, and through engagement with Devon’s MPs and government, we are doing all we can to make sure the region’s voice is heard and that our concerns are discussed at the highest level.

We are really pleased that the vast majority of residents followed the government’s guidance and stayed at home this bank holiday weekend, thank you. There was a huge 85 per cent drop in traffic coming into Devon this Easter following our calls for holidaymakers and second home owners to stay away.

The Easter bank holiday weekend might be one of the most testing times for our resolve, with many of us having made prior arrangements to meet up with family and friends and to enjoy the great Devon countryside, or to travel to other parts of the country or abroad.

We welcome the first cohort of trainees for the new Healthcare Assistant roles. More than 600 people have registered so far. We’ve also taken a decision to increase the amounts we pay to care providers.