RESIDENTS and businesses across Warwickshire are being reminded of the support available to them during lockdown.
As England returns to the toughest coronavirus restrictions, Warwickshire County Council (WCC) says it is committed to continuing to provide essential services for residents, and supporting the most vulnerable children and adults living across the county.
Advice and support services available include the Warwickshire Local Welfare Scheme which provides essential help for food and energy to the most vulnerable residents.
Self-isolation payments of £500 are available to those on low incomes or certain benefits who will lose income as a result of having to self-isolate, and a range of financial support is available for businesses which have been impacted or forced to close – both available from district and borough councils.
Government lockdown guidance means everyone must stay at home unless they have a ‘reasonable excuse’ – such as going to work if it cannot be done from home, essential shopping or obtaining services, education and childcare where eligible, and exercise once a day.
WCC leader Coun Izzi Seccombe added: “We know how difficult this new lockdown will be for so many people in so many ways, but we need our communities in Warwickshire to pull together again over this, just as they did last March.
“We need everyone to follow the rules. Infection rates in Warwickshire are still very high and we know that the new covid-19 variant spreads incredibly quickly.
“Whilst we have started the national covid vaccination programme, and this offers hope for a better year ahead, it will take some time before we get enough people vaccinated to protect our community. Until that time, you need to follow the national government guidance to protect yourselves, your families and others.
“The risk to you is not just from covid-19, but if hospitals are overwhelmed that may impact other care if you or your family need it unexpectedly. We need to pull together and get through this really difficult initial phase.
“But I’d like to remind Warwickshire residents that no one has to be alone. Support is available, whether that be a friendly voice to speak to on the phone, help getting food items if you have no one else to turn to, or financial support through government grants.
“Warwickshire County Council and all of our public sector partners are here for you, to help you and support our communities and residents through the challenges this lockdown will present.”
Details of all support services, and how to access them, can be found online at www.warwickshire.gov.uk or by calling the Warwickshire County Council hotline on 0800 408 1447.
One in three people with covid-19 don’t display any symptoms and could be spreading it without realising it, so Warwickshire residents are also being encouraged to use one of the county’s new community testing sites in Rugby, Leamington, Bedworth, Nuneaton and Water Orton. A sixth site is due to open in Stratford on January 12.
Visit www.warwickshire.gov.uk/covidcommunitytesting to book an appointment.
