Members' Bulletin

“Vaccine incredibly successful, but more outbreaks likely”, says Director of Public Health Devon. Trading Standards Service expands to include Plymouth. Can you help Devon’s NHS work with local Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities on vaccine up-take? New film shares experiences from Devon vaccination centres. Asymptomatic community testing now available in Newton Abbot The picture in Devon schools; Children’s Services Improvement Partnership. And… Devon wins national award for project supporting unpaid carers!

Support for businesses welcomed (Budget statement); Latest messages from Steve Brown, Devon’s Director of Public Health – Parents encouraged to allow their children to be tested for COVID-19 at school – Testing will be the cornerstone of our way out of COVID-19. What we can and can’t do from Monday 8 March. More community testing sites roll out across Devon; Supporting children and families: Everything you need to know for school on Monday 8 March; Care home residents to be allowed one regular visitor and much more.

Case numbers falling generally in Devon but highest among 20 to 39 year olds; Map of coronavirus test and vaccination sites in Devon; Community testing available in Barnstaple; Extra 1.7 million people advised to shield; Social Worker Recruitment in Children’s Services; Free PPE and support for unpaid carers and Fairtrade Fortnight!

Updates from Steve Brown, Devon’s Director of Public Health on the latest coronavirus news in Devon; minimising the risk of spreading the virus even when you have had the vaccine; Community testing to identify asymptomatic workers and carers is launched in Exeter; New appeal to car sharers and people in the workplace to take extra precautions; Supporting children and families; Adult Care and Health update on care home vaccinations and frontline social care workforce; and much more.

“Keep it up as hope on the horizon” says Steve Brown, Devon’s Director of Public Health; Parking arrangements at County Hall for new community testing site; GPs offering vaccination appointments, COVID-19 vaccination staff update and much more.

Prime Minister announces national lockdown; CCG Members briefing – Coronavirus vaccination in Devon; New Oxford vaccine being given to first patients in Devon; COVID-19 vaccinations for health and care staff, school and children’s services update, Devon Link-Up Lockdown Challenge and much more.

Case numbers are rising in some age groups; Government confirm that Devon is to remain in Tier 2 for now; Just because we can, it doesn’t mean we must. Public Health Devon asks ‘is your trip essential?’; A smaller, shorter Christmas is safer; Vaccination sites announced in Devon; Last day to apply for free school meals holiday vouchers and support for people and families.

Tier 2 restrictions apply in Devon; Devon leads £2 million bid to end holiday hunger; Applications for COVID-19 Fund grants now closed; Town and parishes encouraged to attend Devon County Council’s annual budget meetings; Children’s Services and schools update; Mass vaccination programme update; and do you know anyone who could be a carer?

The Leader of Devon County Council and Chair of the county’s Local Outbreak Engagement Board, Cllr John Hart said in response to the announcement about the new tier structure; The Government has decided that Devon will be under Tier 2 local restrictions when lockdown ends, subject to parliamentary approval. In this special update:
Devon responses to tier 2 announcement from the Government
Tier 2: High alert – what does that mean?
Why is Devon in Tier 2: High Alert?
What about Christmas?

“Keep our wits about us” A new plea from Devon’s Director of Public Health; Interim Devon Carbon Plan is coming soon; Dr Virginia Pearson retires; Vaccine news welcomed but caution advised; Devon leads £2 million bid to end holiday hunger; Support to Devon carers is recognised nationally. “It’s already a winner”, says Councillor Andrew Leadbetter; and Thank you to social workers on 26 November.