Covid-19 latest

I hope everyone was able to enjoy the nicer weather over the weekend.  Thank you for staying home and following the advice.

A number of people have raised concerns about images of people gathered in large numbers in parks.  The advice for how to stay safe whilst outside is HERE if you need further clarity.  The police already have the powers they need to disperse gatherings in public.

Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
The CJRS (furlough) is designed to help employers whose operations have been severely affected by coronavirus (COVID-19) to retain their employees and protect the UK economy. However, all employers are eligible to claim under the scheme and the government recognises different businesses will face different impacts from coronavirus.

There is more information on the scheme – which is expected to be ready to go live at the end of April –  including who is eligible and how claims will be processed, available HERE.

Offers of help from businesses
The Government has launched a hub for companies to offer their support to the national effort – for example with medical supply production, storage, logististics, IT help – there is a suggested list and more information on how to offer help HERE.

Grocery supplies to the vulnerable
I have received reports from those most at risk that supermarkets are getting in touch to offer them priority delivery slots, which is excellent news.

If you are at risk, because you have a medical condition which requires you to “shield” (check if that includes you HERE), you can register with the Government, who will share that information with supermarkets.  You can do that for yourself or someone else HERE.

Support for businesses 
Over the weekend a number of businesses have been in touch with me to let me know they have been successful in accessing the grants available, which is great news – please see HERE for the available help and how to apply.

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Thank you for reading these updates – please share them with others who may find them useful.

Thank you for staying at home!

Best wishes

Anne-Marie Trevelyan