Dear Colleagues,

These are unsettling times, but rest assured that we are meeting frequently with public health advisors to monitor the rising number of Covid cases and to review progress with our local action plan.

Sadly, today in our district 228.9 Covid cases per 100,000 residents have been reported, roughly doubling since last week.  This graph sets-out the rapid rise in cases across the county:

If we focus on our local communities, by scrolling-in on this interactive map we can see that particular areas are also experiencing significantly different infection rates.

We remain at the Medium Level on the Government Covid Alert tier system, which is explained here.  However, unless the rise in our number of cases is checked, we must expect that the local alert level will be increased next week, or soon after.

Coronavirus can be pushed back, town by town, street by street, home by home, by each of us personally taking precautions:

1.   Not mixing indoors with friends or relatives from other households who are not in our bubble. And remember, even popping in to see relatives, delivering parcels or shopping can still spread the virus.

2.   Regularly washing our hands and maintaining hygiene precautions at home, as well as wearing face coverings and maintaining social distancing when out and about.

3.   Downloading the NHS Covid-19 App, here for exposure alerts.

This applies to all of us whether at work, at home, or elsewhere.  However, as a public servant we all have a double task.  We need to look after our own health for its own sake but because of our job our health is important to the continued delivery of public services to our local community.  Without us lots of things that our community depend upon won’t happen and things will only get worse.

The new South Leamington testing centre which opened last week in Court Street carpark, will help us easily and efficiently manage rising demand.  So don’t hesitate to book a test by visiting the NHS website or calling 119.

Remember too that if help is needed dealing with the second wave, our local volunteer and Covid-19 support groups continue to operate.  If you’d like to get involved or require information about the support available, please visit these links for the:

·         Warwick & Leamington Covid-19 group

·         Kenilworth Covid-19 group

Together we can stop Covid in its tracks.  To help spread the word, please share this Update message so our collective efforts can have a positive local impact on what happens this Christmas.

Colleagues in our Health and Community Protection team are central to our work in tackling Covid 19 and to use a footballing technical term, are playing a blinder, by helping to ensure compliance with the Covid Regulations; checking up on incidences; pushing the messages out to workplaces; making sure business premises are safe for the public to use; as well as the normal every day service requests.

On a more cheerier note, as another week clicks by, good progress continues to be made with the recovery plan:

·         Despite the weather, construction of the new artificial playing pitch at Racing Club Warwick remains on schedule.  Over 300 lorry loads of top soil have been removed and the new ground levelled with laser controlled bulldozers. The drainage has also been installed, covered with hard-core and the surface prepared for a tarmac covering.

·         The Christchurch Gardens tennis courts are getting a complete make-over too.  The roots that had caused the lifting of the tarmac have been removed and barriers installed to protect against future reoccurring problems. Drainage holes have been drilled and filled with porous material and a tarmac layer applied.  New basketball backboards are also being installed, so come next March the courts can be given their final colour coating and painted with permanent line markings to complete the works.

What projects like this demonstrate is that despite the enormous challenge that Covid 19 has created for us, it amazes me how much you are still doing to deliver our everyday services and activities, ready for that day when we have consigned Covid 19 to the history books.

While this year’s traditional Autumnal events will not take place in their usual format, we can still get involved and mark these important moments.  Bonfire night will be best spent in our back gardens, so let’s think of our neighbours and furry friends, stay safe and follow this helpful guidance, here.

On Remembrance Sunday too, our towns will be marking this solemn occasion with small and private services.  No processions or large gatherings will be held, but acts of remembrance will be broadcast to the nation to ensure we are able to properly acknowledge the sacrifices that were made by so many for our cherished liberty.

Keep smiling and stay safe

Andrew Day                                     Chris Elliott
Leader, Warwick District Council          Chief Executive, Warwick District Council