As we move into National Tier Two restrictions from Wednesday 2nd December, many of us will welcome the easing of restrictions and the chance to prepare for a very different festive season to usual. It is hearting to see the infection figures moving slowly in the right direction, and it’s reassuring to know that testing in Shropshire is readily available (details below). This week also sees a welcomed boost to business grants, a generous offer from the Shropshire Rural Communities Charity (RCC) to fund PPE for community groups, and a plea for information from The Shropshire Food Poverty Alliance.
New Covid-19 Business Grants
The second phase of Covid-19 Business Grants is now live. The additional discretionary grant fund will be awarded in three levels and will see more firms eligible for support.
Testing in Shropshire
What is available in Shropshire? Where can I go locally?
Public Health, Shropshire Council have provided Mobile Testing Units and Localised Testing Sites in our county for you to attend if you are showing signs of Coronavirus or a particularly concerned you may have it.
Please see the following table with a description of each model and where and how you can access it:
| Name of Model | What does this mean? | Where can I go? | How do I book? |
| Mobile Testing Site | Regional resource that are designed to be more flexible and responsive to outbreak scenarios or areas of increased positivity rates. Drive through only. | FROM THE WEEKEND Newport Road Car Park Newtown, Market Drayton TF9 1JT | Tests can be booked for yourself or any member of your household. Residents can register by calling NHS Test and Trace on 119 or by clicking here. |
| Localised Testing Site | Is a community-based, walk through testing facility that can be accessed by members of the public showing symptoms of Covid-19. The test sites are placed in areas that enable the local community to access them without the need for transport (via a car or public means). This is still available as a drive through. | Beatrice Street Car Park, Beatrice Street (Old Morrisons Site) Oswestry SY11 1QW | Launched: Friday 27th November 2020 Tests can be booked for yourself or any member of your household. Residents can register by calling NHS Test and Trace on 119 or by clicking here. |
| Localised Testing Site | London Road Car Park Shrewsbury SY2 6NS | Tests can be booked for yourself or any member of your household. Residents can register by calling NHS Test and Trace on 119 or by clicking here. | |
| Localised Testing Site | TBC |
Shropshire RCC Infection Control Fund
Shropshire Council has provided Shropshire Rural Communities Charity (RCC) with funding to set up a one-off grant fund in order to support small charities and community groups in Shropshire to continue to deliver services to people, particularly to vulnerable people, during the pandemic. Funding is available to purchase personal protection equipment (PPE) to enable staff and volunteers to safely meet with people without transmission of coronavirus through the community. Please see attachments for more information on how to apply.
Shropshire Food Poverty Alliance – improving food security for Shropshire Children
Please help with this new project from SFPA – with 30% of children in Shropshire living in poverty, improving access to healthy food is a vital issue. The Shropshire Food Poverty Alliance is calling for evidence. We want to make a strong case for Shropshire to secure the resources to ensure children have access to food 365 days a year. Please go to the link below to share your insights and experiences on the barriers and solutions to improving children’s food security in Shropshire.
https://www.shropshirefoodpoverty.org.uk/childrens-food-insecurity
Concerns about business compliance to Covid-19 regulations: if there are any concerns about businesses adhering to Covid-19 regulations please email them to advicecompliance@shropshire.gov.uk
Shropshire Councils Covid-19 Helpline 0345 6789 028 – this phoneline is designed to receive enquiries and concerns associated with Covid-19, of a non-medical nature.
Whittington Parish Council 