Wiltshire Council's reaction to new national restrictions

Wiltshire Council is here to support residents and businesses following the government's announcement of a new four-week period of national restrictions to help curb the spread of COVID-19.

These additional restrictions come into force on Thursday 5 November until Wednesday 2 December 2020.

From Thursday 5 November 2020, new restrictions for Wiltshire will mean everyone must stay at home and may leave only for a limited set of reasons, including:

• for education (schools, colleges and universities)
• for work, if you cannot work from home
• for exercise and recreation outdoors with your household, support bubble or on your own with one person from another household
• for all medical reasons, appointments and to escape injury or harm
• to shop for food and essentials
• to provide care for vulnerable people

Terence Herbert, Chief Executive, Wiltshire Council, said: "I would like to thank our residents and businesses for their continued commitment in helping to curb the spread of the virus. Without these efforts, we would have seen even more cases in Wiltshire".

"Whilst infection rates in Wiltshire remain lower than in many parts of the country, we have still experienced a rising number of positive cases in recent weeks. We anticipated Wiltshire would move into a higher alert level in the coming weeks and we have already put plans in place to continue protecting our residents".

"Whilst this is undoubtedly a worrying time, I want to reassure residents that Wiltshire Council is here for them. We are here to provide support to all of our communities, particularly our most vulnerable residents. We will also ensure that support is available for our businesses. We are also working closely with schools as they return from half-term break. All schools are COVID-19  secure and it is important that young people in Wiltshire remain in school at this time".

"We are awaiting further details from central government about support available to businesses and the full impact the restrictions will have on council services. As soon as this is available we will provide more information.

"Our Wellbeing Hub remains open to anyone that needs additional support. Please call us on 0300 003 4576 , Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm.

"If we all continue to do the right thing and follow these measures, we can curb the spread of the virus and help protect ourselves and our loved ones too."

To help stop the spread of COVID-19:

• work from home if you can
• limit contact with other people
• wash your hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
• do not leave home if you or anyone in your household has symptoms
• wear a face covering in indoor settings where social distancing may be difficult, and where you meet people you do not normally meeting
• anyone who has symptoms should book a test and not leave home for at least 10 days. Those living in households should self-isolate for 14 days if they or any members of the household receive a positive test
• you can book a test by calling 119 or visit gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test

The council is hosting a live public COVID-19 update on Tuesday 3 November at 5pm. During the online broadcast Terence Herbert , Chief Executive will be joined by the Wiltshire Council Leader, Philip Whitehead and the Director of Public Health for Wiltshire, Kate Blackburn.