Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Last updated: 27 July 2022 8:31 AM
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.
The government has removed remaining domestic restrictions in England.
There are still steps you can take to reduce the risk of catching and spreading COVID-19:
- Get vaccinated
- Let fresh air in if meeting indoors, or meet outside
- Consider wearing a face covering in crowded, enclosed spaces
More information
- GOV.UK - Living safely with respiratory infections, including COVID-19
- NHS - Coronavirus (COVID-19) - Get NHS advice about COVID-19, including symptoms, testing, vaccination and staying at home.
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)
- GOV.UK - Face coverings: when to wear one, exemptions and what makes a good one
- COVID-19 advice and guidance for business
- 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.
- 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
- The Test and Trace Support Payment scheme ended on 24 February 2022.
- Supporting people to return to education training or employment
- 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 staying at home.
- GOV.UK - Living safely with respiratory infections, including COVID-19
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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Creating safer places -
COVID-19 Landlords and tenants advice -
Skills -
COVID-19 Changes to services -
Test and Trace Support Payment -
COVID-19 advice and guidance for business