 Welcome to this week’s COVID-19 update for Southampton
The Leader of the Council, Cllr Christopher Hammond, visited The Quays this week to see the preparations Active Nation have made to keep people safe as they reopen their sites across Southampton.
You can watch that video on YouTube here and find out more about what venues are open near you on the Active Nation website.
 Get a free COVID-19 test
The NHS is encouraging you to get a free COVID-19 test as soon as you get symptoms. Getting tested will help us all get back to safely doing the things we love. You can watch the new national 'Let’s Get Back' advert on YouTube.
Restaurants, pubs, salons and gyms are among the businesses who are being supported by NHS Test and Trace to log their customers to prevent transmission and help contain the virus.
The campaign is underpinned by a new business plan for NHS Test and Trace which outlines how the service will expand ahead of the winter. Find out more about how the Test and Trace system works on the gov.uk website.
Changes to shielding guidance
From tomorrow (01 August) the advice to ‘shield’ will be paused. It’s understandable that it may take some time to adjust, but if you or someone you know has been shielding it’s important to remain cautious, stay at home where possible and if you do go out, follow strict social distancing. Read the full guidance on shielding to find out more about what has changed.
Don’t forget that our dedicated COVID-19 resident helpline is open Monday-Friday (9am-5pm) for practical support and information so please do give us a call on 023 8083 4800, or complete our online form.
 The latest data on Coronavirus in Southampton
The latest data shows that new cases of COVID-19 remain low in Southampton. But the virus has not gone away. It is still really important that we continue to follow guidance and take precautions to protect ourselves and others:
- Follow social distancing guidance.
- Wash hands regularly.
- If you have symptoms, isolate immediately with members of your household. The UK Chief Medical Officers announced this week that the self-isolation period has been extended to 10 days for those in the community who have coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms or a positive test result. Visit the NHS website to book a test or alternatively call 111 for advice.
- Wear face coverings in shops, on public transport and anywhere else where social distancing is difficult (more information below).
You can read about all the latest changes to guidance that have taken place this week on the UK Government coronavirus web pages.
This dashboard provides full details of the data available for Southampton.
Eat Out to Help Out this summer
Eat Out to Help Out this summer and you’ll receive 50% off when you dine in participating cafés, pubs and restaurants throughout August (terms and conditions apply
With almost 100 places signed up to the scheme in Southampton, you really are spoilt for choice. Find a restaurant that’s registered for the scheme.
Visit Southampton are also listing participating restaurants on their website (if you are a business owner taking part, please make sure your business has a listing on this website so they can include you). You can view some useful information about returning to town and planning your visit here.
 Southampton City Council highlights the importance of staying in touch this International Day of Friendship
Yesterday (30 July) was International Day of Friendship and we have been supporting the importance of maintaining friendships during the COVID-19 pandemic to help tackle social isolation and loneliness.
A big thank you to Lynda from Holyrood who has been volunteering for council commissioned service Communicare, a local charity that enriches the lives of lonely and isolated people in and around the city. Recently, she has been a telephone befriender, providing contact and much-needed companionship for those who have been isolating at home.
Read more to find out how we are helping Southampton residents to maintain friendships and how you can get involved too.
 Carer's Leave Consultation
The Government is currently running a consultation on introducing carer's leave for employees in paid employment, as a vital step in helping both business and families providing care to disabled, older and ill relatives and friends to continue working. This consultation seeks views on a proposal to give employees a week of unpaid leave each year to provide care.
Responses to the consultation will help with understanding:
- How carers use existing employment rights;
- Who should be eligible to take the leave;
- What the leave can be taken for;
- How the leave would be available to take and the process for taking the leave;
- The costs and benefits to employers and employees.
The deadline for responding is 3 August 2020. You can respond online here, or email a response here.
 Southampton City Council awarded Gold for commitment to the Armed Forces Community
This week we were announced amongst the most supportive organisations for Britain’s Armed Forces, by receiving The Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award, the highest award achievable for an organisation.
The Council signed up to the Armed Forces Covenant in June 2013, which aims to promote mutual support between Southampton's civilian community and its local Armed Forces community, both past and present. The purpose of the Covenant is to advocate for the Armed Forces population who work and reside in the city, recognising the sacrifices made by Servicemen and women and their families.
Since signing up to the Covenant the council has worked in partnership with staff, members of the Armed Forces and local organisations, to ensure the Covenant is upheld. This has involved refining our policies, setting up an Armed Forces staff network, promoting reserving and marking events within the armed forces community calendar such as remembrance events and awareness days or weeks. Read more here.
 Stay safe this Eid
Staying alert for Eid Al-Adha will help protect friends and family from COVID-19.
Celebrate safely by maintaining social distancing during festivities and practise frequent hand washing to prevent the spread of infection.
Read the official Government guidance on the gov.uk website.
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