Coronavirus update
I have been asked to get the following notice out asap, particularly in light of half term and Halloween, etc approaching – please pass it on. I will circulate an update tomorrow if there is anything to say.
From OCC
Oxfordshire close to 'high' COVID-19 alert level. Read here:
https://news.oxfordshire.gov.uk/oxfordshire-close-to-high-covid-19-alert-level/
People in Oxfordshire are being advised to be extra vigilant, particularly over half-term, as cases of coronavirus continue to spread across the county. Evidence shows that, in the past two weeks, the virus has spread to a much wider age range across the county and is no longer confined to younger people in urban areas. Hospital admissions have begun to increase as a result.
Oxfordshire County Council's Director for Public Health Ansaf Azhar said: "Across all areas of the county, we are starting to see a significant shift in the spread of the virus beyond people in their teens and 20s to older and more vulnerable age groups. This is a really concerning development. We know that, once the virus starts to spread to more vulnerable groups, then hospital cases will rise and deaths will inevitably follow. "We have seen what's been happening across the north of England and how the virus has quickly taken hold across huge swathes of the community. Based on the current trajectory of the virus, we could well find ourselves in a similar position in just a few weeks' time if we do not take collective action now."
"With half-term approaching, as well as events such as Halloween, Bonfire Night and Diwali coming up, it's very easy to get caught up in the excitement of meeting up and celebrating with friends and family. But we mustn't forget about COVID. We need to do everything we can to keep our families and communities safe and stop the spread.
"I know the temptation will be to meet up and socialise over half-term. However, the virus thrives when people are in close contact with one another. So I would strongly urge everyone to limit their social interactions and focus instead on the many COVID-secure family activities that are taking place over half-term."
Oxfordshire is currently at the 'medium' or tier 1 level in the COVID-19 alert system. This is the national three-tier system, which classifies areas as medium, high or very high based on their numbers of infection and overall risk level. Discussions have taken place this week with central Government about whether all areas of Oxfordshire should move to the 'high' alert level, given concerns over the spread of the virus to age groups beyond people in their teens and 20s to potentially more vulnerable groups.
The decision has been taken not to move the county to a high alert level at this stage. However, the situation is being monitored extremely closely and Oxfordshire's Director of Public Health and Council Leaders are pushing for a move to happen as soon as possible. Moving to a high alert level would mean that residents could not socialise with anybody outside their household or support bubble in any indoor setting, whether at home or in a public place.
Leader of Oxfordshire County Council Ian Hudspeth said: "In light of the escalating situation across the county, we are pushing hard for Oxfordshire to be moved to a high alert level. This would be a preventative measure to stem the spread of the virus and protect the county's most vulnerable residents. We are aware that some businesses, particularly the hospitality sector, would be affected if we moved to a high alert level, and we welcome the announcement from Government today that additional support will be available. However, we must do everything we can to keep residents across the county safe. We know that the majority of transmissions occur when different households mix, so increasing our alert level to high, which prevents households from mixing socially in indoor settings, is one of the best ways we can help our residents at this critical time."
More Gov.UK alerts:
Jenrick confirms allocations of £1 billion funding for councils this winter
Allocations confirmed for individual councils from the £1 billion of additional support announced by the Prime Minister earlier this month.
Self-Employment Income Support Scheme Grant Extension
The grant is being extended from 1 November 2020. Find out if you're eligible and how much you can get.
The situation changes regularly and rapidly, so if in doubt please check for the latest guidance on: https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus
A message from the Royal British Legion
There will be no house to house collection for the Royal British Legion this year, but poppies and donation boxes will be available at the following locations in Uffington:
The village shop; Uffington primary school; St. Mary's Church; Norton House, Broad Street; 21 Patricks Orchard.
The COVID-19 pandemic has had an overwhelming impact on people's livelihoods and way of life, leaving some in the armed forces community in dire need of urgent help and support. The Legion's work is more vital than ever as we support our community through additional hardships from those struggling with social isolation, financial difficulties and unemployment, to those who have lost loved ones or are facing the threat of homelessness.
Please give as generously as you are able during this difficult time.
Uffington Apple Juice
The last 40 bottles of juice were sold at the Farmers Market on Sunday, and after expenses, £100 has been gift aided to St Mary's Church and £100 donated to ACCESS in Bangalore. Thanks to everyone who supported this project - bringing us apples, buying the juice and to the village shop for helping to sell it. Let's hope for another bumper crop next year! Fenella and Carl Oberman.
Halloween - Dogs Trust
Karen at Glenfield, Broad Street, Uffington is planning a small fund raiser for Dogs Trust for Halloween. 'I plan to put a box of knitted stuffed animals on my wall with a sign that says "Halloween animals free to a good home - donations to Dogs Trust welcome". There will be a collection box, signage and stickers from them.' See attached photo: https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/images/a9dc39d9-22dc-4be6-9f57-f68dead492a0.jpeg
'Your Mission Starts Here' – Spy Oxfordshire exhibition to open at Soldiers of Oxfordshire Museum.
Flyer attached here:
https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/files/6a88682e-3ae9-43d0-8956-26537ddf44af/SOF_SPY_A5_FLYER.pdf
Website: https://www.sofo.org.uk/
From OCC
Street Tag. Street Tag is a new family-friendly game that rewards primary schools, families, individuals and communities for physical activities such as walking, running, and cycling. See attached: https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/images/f5234961-8dd7-469d-8c8b-664abdc25651.png
Street Tag is turning streets and parks in Oxfordshire into a giant virtual playground. You can play to win rewards for your child's primary school, or as an individual or team of up to six people in Oxfordshire's community league.
Watch your total distance accumulate and see how you far you climb up the local leaderboard. Get ready to push yourself and start your journey to a healthy lifestyle with Street Tag. For more info on how to play, head to www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/streettag
From the Police
Police & Crime Bulletin October 2020 | Cyber resilience, reducing drug crime, support for the visually impaired and more...See:
https://5kgdp.r.ah.d.sendibm4.com/mk/mr/JtgThLBZyICFUfsadSi1e9XP3eQ8Pmw0cP4cKKLB5mSD9fdDEx2gWHxE0TSH8TkaOx3MB_GuwasY3A1uSL_8DRsXKv53I9jdLh1_Td0iBjXH0SI-
Did You Know That You Can Report Rural Crimes Online? Rural crime is an issue for large areas of the Thames Valley and we know that it can have a huge impact on our rural communities. However, these crimes tend to go unreported. We're reaching out to our rural communities and encouraging you to report anything you've seen, however big or small, which can help us tackle agricultural, equine, wildlife and heritage crime.
Did you know that you can report a crime in your area, or pass on any information that you may have, on our website? It's quick and easy to do and it can be done whenever is most convenient for you. After all, you know your community best and you're most likely to know when something doesn't feel right.
Whether it's something suspicious you've spotted in your local area or something you've overheard which may point to organised crime, we want to hear about it. It can sometimes be difficult to know whether something that you've seen is a crime and whether you should get in touch. But we'd encourage you to contact us, as we can use this information to build a better picture and to target our resources effectively. By working together, we can prevent opportunistic and organised crimes taking place in our communities.
If you see something, report it on our website: https://www.thamesvalley.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime/
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