The global coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak is causing unprecedented disruption to normal British life.
From the nationwide lockdown to the suspension or alteration of many services, a lot has happened in a short space of time. Many people have questions or are unsure of what to do.
Lawley and Overdale Parish Council wants to try and help its residents through this time, so we are building this central coronavirus page. As well as national information, we are compiling information and links about local changes that you may need to know.
As per our office closure announcement, Lawley and Overdale Parish Council staff are currently working from home, and the office is closed to all visitors. We are still available for contact through our usual channels, however, as are our councillors.
If you can’t find something you are looking for here, please get in touch with us and we’ll do our best to help you.
For the latest government bulletins, advice, and information on the outbreak, visit gov.uk/coronavirus.
Domestic abuse has increased during lockdown. If you are a victim of domestic abuse, find out how you can get help.
England entered a new national lockdown in January. A roadmap for easing restrictions has now been published; as of 29 March, people were permitted to gather outside in groups of six or two households. On 12 April, certain non-essential businesses such as pubs and hairdressers will open. This includes Telford’s libraries. Please see the Gov.uk website for information about the current restrictions.
After becoming a ‘hotspot’ in late February and early March, COVID-19 infection rates in Telford & Wrekin are now below the national average, and appear to have levelled-off.
Telford & Wrekin Council now operates eight locations where you can pick up a rapid test kit. The Council is encouraging people who must travel to work to get tested twice a week.
Vaccinations continue Telford & Wrekin. If you meet certain criteria, you no longer need to wait for an invitation for a vaccine – you can book your vaccination online.
The NHS will never charge you for a vaccination, or ask you for bank details to confirm your identity. Watch out for scams and fraudsters.
Face coverings in shops and supermarkets were made compulsory for many people from 24 July 2020.
As coronavirus infections rise nationwide, the government has implemented the ‘Rule of Six’. It restricts social gatherings from multiple households to a maximum of six people, outside of work and education settings. Find out more about the ‘Rule of Six’ on the gov.uk website.
In October the government introduced local COVID alerts, which rated areas either ‘Medium’, ‘High’, or ‘Very High’, with increasing restrictions for each rating. For the time being, however, the national lockdown has replaced COVID alert levels.
NHS information
- Symptoms and what to do – Coronavirus (COVID-19) – NHS UK
- Advice for everyone – Coronavirus (COVID-19) – NHS UK
- Advice for people at higher risk – Coronavirus (COVID-19) – NHS UK
- Self-isolation if you or someone you know has symptoms – Coronavirus (COVID-19) – NHS UK
- NHS Volunteer Responders
- Coronavirus vaccine research studies – NHS UK
UK Government information
- Coronavirus: what you need to do – Gov.uk
- Coronavirus FAQs: what you can and can’t do – Gov.uk
- Coronavirus (COVID-19): getting tested – Gov.uk
- Coronavirus travel corridors [note: currently suspended due to national lockdown] – Gov.uk
- A guide to your COVID-19 vaccination for people with a learning disability and their carers – PDF download
Telford & Wrekin Council
- Coronavirus homepage – telford.gov.uk
- Staying safe in homes with shared facilities – advice for landlords (.pdf, 213 KB)
- Staying safe in homes with shared facilities – advice for tenants (.pdf, 212 KB)
- Community Support Request – Online form – telford.gov.uk
- Free school meals – telford.gov.uk
- Digital library – still open during lockdown – telford.gov.uk
- Household recycling centre opening restriction guidance – telford.gov.uk
- Number of Coronavirus cases in Telford & Wrekin week ending 30th August 2020
Supporting children
Financial help
- Coronavirus support for employees, benefit claimants and businesses – Gov.uk
- Coronavirus and claiming benefits – understandinguniversalcredit.gov.uk
- Apply for Universal Credit – Gov.uk
- If you can’t pay your bills because of coronavirus – Citizens Advice
- Grants and benefits to help you pay your energy bills – Citizens Advice
- Help and support with debt – CAP Telford
Mental health support
Lawley and Overdale Parish Council takes no responsibility for the content of external links.