The following is an update on the local activity in the fight against COVID-19

New guidance has been issued for people who are defined as clinically extremely vulnerable (CEV) to advise they stay at home as much as possible, except to go outdoors for exercise or to attend essential health appointments.

People who are in this category are at very high risk of severe illness from COVID-19 and therefore can register for additional support, via a new online service. https://bit.ly/3kxOER9 There are around 10,000 people across the borough that fall into this category, and only a very small percentage have registered for the additional support. Walsall Council will be contacting them raising awareness of the support available.

New Business Grant Scheme

A new business grant scheme to cover the 4 week national lockdown period has been announced. The scheme will cover businesses occupying properties subject to business rates that have been mandated to close by Central Government, and there are additional discretionary grants available to businesses that aims to help those businesses forced to close but have no business rate liability and those not legally forced to close but are nonetheless severely impacted by the restrictions.

Detailed information on these grant schemes can be found on Walsall Council’s website, along with a link to allow businesses to make their application. https://bit.ly/2K1WeXw

Diwali, the Hindu festival of light and the Sikh celebration of Bandhi Chor Divas

Diwali, the Hindu festival of light and the Sikh celebration of Bandhi Chor Divas take place this weekend.

Although current restrictions mean extended families are unable to meet in person this year, virtual Diwali celebrations are set to take place, helping to bring loved ones together during this special occasion. Residents are asked to take extra care because of the ongoing pandemic.

Visiting Care Homes – Advice

Walsall Council have issued guidance to residents intending on visiting their relatives in care homes, confirming they are welcomed to do so but must follow guidelines procedures or protocols put in place by the care provider to make sure infection prevention is maintained.

Please do not visit the care homes if you have any of the symptoms of coronavirus or if you have been told to self-isolate and consider alternatives such as video calls where possible.

Enforcement of COVID-19 Restrictions

Walsall Council staff from Regulatory Services working with Neighbourhood Police Teams have patrolled certain high-risk areas with the intention of tackling Coronavirus noncompliance.

Having a presence from both organisations has proved extremely beneficial. Council staff were able to get better access to and cooperation from business owners, and Police were able to get a more in-depth knowledge of the work that the Council does and access to resources such as letters and advice sheets.

Both organisations benefited from a consistent and robust message and further plans have been made to repeat this exercise in other areas over the next couple of weeks.

Prohibition notices (PN) are being served to three premises for trading in breach of the current ‘lockdown’ restrictions, and any breach of the Prohibition Notice will result in a fixed penalty notice of £1,000. Warning letters were given to five further premises, reiterating that they are only allowed to operate on a click and collect basis. Stay safe everyone.

Kind regards

Cllr Ian Shires