Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Message from Councillor John Griffiths, Leader of West Suffolk Council West Suffolk Council has been and continues to lead and play its part in tackling COVID-19, keeping our communities safe, supporting out businesses and delivering services during this challenging time. On this page you will find information about what the council is doing and how you can play your part, as well as guidance and support for our communities and businesses.

Coronavirus remains a serious health risk. You should stay cautious to help protect yourself and others.

• Let fresh air in if you meet indoors. Meeting outdoors is safer.
• You must wear a face covering in shops and on all public transport.
• Get tested and self-isolate if required
• If you haven’t already, get vaccinated
• GOV.UK - Coronavirus: how to stay safe and help prevent the spread
• NHS - Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Helping businesses

Businesses can find general and detailed information on how COVID may affect them as well as support available:

• GOV.UK - Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19)
• Latest advice for retail business on use of masks: Advice and guidance for the wearing of face coverings or masks in shops
• COVID-19 advice and guidance for business
• As part of its measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19, the Government has announced grant funding to be paid out by councils to businesses that have, as a result, have been required by Government to close. Please visit our COVID-19 - Business grants webpage for more details.
• Creating safer places - West Suffolk continues to work with partners to help make places as safe as possible and to support businesses. But this requires the public and businesses to follow guidelines. Brandon, Bury St Edmunds, Haverhill, Mildenhall and Newmarket - changes to highways and footpaths information, and business information pack to help businesses.
• GOV.UK - Work and financial support
• The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and British Occupational Hygiene Society (BOHS) Simple Ventilation Self-Help Guide for Workplaces During the Coronavirus Pandemic.
• Whether you meet the criteria or not set by Government, there is help available for those facing financial difficulty or needing support. The Suffolk Support and Advice Service helps people across the county access information or support relating to debt, benefits, housing or employment. You can contact the service on 0800 068 3131 between 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday or visit Suffolk Support and Advice Service.

Helping the community

• For the latest information and advice from the NHS, including vaccines and boosters see Suffolk and North East Essex (SNEE) NHS COVID-19 Vaccination Service
• Suffolk Advice and Support Service - Find support during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, including our emergency phoneline if you need urgent help such as getting food and medicine, or financial concerns. Find out more: Suffolk County Council - Financial hardship
• The Government has brought in a payment for those on benefits or low incomes who have been asked by the national Test and Trace service to self-isolate. Find out more on how to claim for the Test and Trace support payments if asked to do so, you must self isolate.
• KickStart -providing six-month employment placements for 16-24s on Universal Credit to assist them in gaining the skills and experience they need to succeed in the future
• COVID-19 Community support
• COVID-19 Landlords and tenants advice
• New National Lottery community funding available

Government and medical guidance

While there are cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) in the UK, there is a risk you can catch it or pass it on. You could still catch or spread it even if you're fully vaccinated or have had the virus before.

• NHS - Coronavirus (COVID-19) - Get NHS advice about COVID-19, including symptoms, testing, vaccination and self-isolation.
• GOV.UK - Coronavirus: how to stay safe and help prevent the spread

Vaccination

Anyone who gets COVID-19 can become seriously ill or have long-term effects (long COVID). The COVID-19 vaccines are the best way to protect yourself and others.

The vaccine is highly effective against the virus causing symptoms and it is currently being distributed across the UK.

Getting vaccinated means protecting yourself and may also help to protect your family, friends and patients from the virus.

Details about the vaccination programme in Suffolk can be found at Suffolk and North East Essex (SNEE) NHS COVID-19 Vaccination Service

Staying physically and mentally healthy

The Suffolk Safeguarding Partnership have created a video is to raise awareness of safeguarding for children and adults at risk and tell members of the public what to do if they see something that doesn’t seem quite right. During this challenging time, it will be even harder for children and adults who are already vulnerable to tell us what is happening to them. We are all responsible for safeguarding and now more than ever it is important that we are alert to the signs of abuse and neglect. Please share this amongst your networks.

COVID-19 Information and wellbeing support guide - LifeLink has compiled this guide of great resources and virtual support.

Fraud advice

In an initiative between government and the independent charity Crimestoppers, the public can now call a new COVID Fraud Hotline (0800 587 5030) anonymously and free of charge to report suspected fraudulent activity. The COVID Fraud Hotline is open 24/7, 365 days a year on 0800 587 5030 or fill in the simple and secure anonymous form at www.Covidfraudhotline.org

Read more on the Government scheme: New hotline launched to report COVID fraudsters

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