Updated-10.50am - 6 July
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The Prime Minister has announced a series of measures easing the lockdown in England.
The following changes will take place from 4 July 2020:
- Social distancing guidance will change. You should try to stay 2m apart from others where possible, but where this isn’t possible you should keep at least one metre apart
- Restaurants and pubs will be allowed to reopen, providing they follow safety guidelines. Customers will have to give their contact details on entry. New guidance is being issued for businesses by the government
- Holiday accommodation will reopen and people in England will be able to stay away from home
- Two households of any size will be able to meet indoors or outside. This doesn’t have to be the same set of households. Multiple households should not meet indoors because of the risk of infection
- Outdoors, people from multiple households can meet in groups of up to six. Two households can meet regardless of size
- More outdoor spaces will open including outdoor gyms and children’s playgrounds. We are currently working on a plan to open these in Blackpool and will be giving more information shortly
- Hairdressers will be able to reopen. Other close contact services such as nail bars cannot open yet
- Libraries, community centres, cinemas, museums, theme parks and amusement arcades among other venues will be able to reopen
- Places of worship will be able to open for prayers and services and weddings with up to 30 guests
- Nightclubs, gyms, swimming pools and indoor play areas remain closed
The government has issued new guidance on social distancing after 4 July 2020.
You can read the government's guidance on social distancing until 4 July 2020 on their page titled ‘staying alert and staying safe until 4 July’.
Both of the above pages include information on:
- Protecting different groups of people
- Staying at home
- Businesses
- Venues
- Visiting public places
- Public gatherings
- Going to work
This guidance applies only in England.
They have also published Frequently Asked Questions to help explain what people can and can’t do until 4 July 2020 and what people can and can't do after 4 July 2020. This currently covers:
- Accessing public spaces
- Advice for vulnerable groups including the ‘shielded’
- Going to work
- Public transport
- Schools and childcare
- Borders and enforcement
It is crucial that residents protect themselves against the spread of coronavirus.
Call 111 if you need to speak to someone. Only use this service if:
- You feel you cannot cope with your symptoms at home
- Your condition gets worse
- Your symptoms do not get better after 7 days
Local care home support plan documents
The government has introduced an NHS Test and Trace service for those with coronavirus (COVID-19) or have had close contact with someone who has tested positive.
The intention of the service is to help return life more to normal, in a way that is safe and protects our NHS and social care. The service will allows tracing the spread of the virus and isolates new infections and plays a vital role in giving an early warning if the virus is increasing again, locally or nationally.
More information on the NHS test and trace service
Maintaining records of staff, customers and visitors
The easing lockdown measures following the COVID-19 outbreak is being supported by NHS Test and Trace.
Organisations in certain sectors should assist this service by keeping a temporary record of customers and visitors for 21 days, in a way that is manageable for your organisation, and assists NHS Test and Trace with requests for that data if needed. This could help contain clusters or outbreaks. Sectors that this guidance applies to:
- Hospitality, including pubs, bars, restaurants and cafés
- Tourism and leisure, including hotels, museums, cinemas, zoos and theme parks
- Close contact services, including hairdressers, barbershops and tailors
- Facilities provided by local authorities, including town halls and civic centres for events, community centres, libraries and children’s centres
- Places of worship, including use for events and other community activities
More information on how to collect and maintain records
Advice to smokers about coronavirus
Quitting smoking is an important way for individuals to reduce their risk from coronavirus (Covid-19).
Smoking increases the risk of lung infections. Smokers are twice as likely to get pneumonia and five times more likely to get flu than non-smokers.
Quitting smoking rapidly reduces your risk of other health problems such as heart attack and stroke. It is especially important to prevent these problems at a time like now, when health systems are going to come under strain.
For help to quit smoking
Stay cool at home
- Many of us will know how to stay safe at home this summer
- Know how to keep your home cool
- Look out for others safely, follow Covid-19 guidance
Stay cool, keep well
- Drink plenty of fluids, and avoid excess alcohol
- Slow down when it's hot
- Stay connected, listen to the forecast
Cooler, safer places
- Go indoors our outdoors, whicever feels cooler
- Self-isolate at home if advised to do so
- Use cool spaces considerately, keep your distance
Watch out
- Be on the lookout for signs of heat realted illness
- Cool your skin with water, slow down and drink water
- Stay safe when swimming
- Get help. Call NHS 111 or in an emergency 999
For more information
Blackpool Council is committed to maintaining essential services and protecting the most vulnerable members of our community.
We have established a community Corona Kindness helpline for those who want to offer help and for those that need help.
The services that we can help with include:
- Food shopping
- Medical supplies
- Social isolation and loneliness
- Dog walking
If you need to access any of those things or you feel you can help, please email helpneeded@blackpool.gov.uk or helpoffered@blackpool.gov.uk.
If you need help call 0808 1963080.
Find out more about Corona Kindness
Corona Kindness hubs
Twelve corona kindness hubs are now in the process of being established in Blackpool across a broad geographical spread to meet vulnerable people’s needs.
Each hub will have a dedicated person to co-ordinate support to the people most at risk.
Find out more about the Corona Kindess community hubs
The annual bills for council tax that were sent out in March were prepared and printed before any government announcements.
We would like to thank all residents who are able to continue paying, as your contribution is helping us to maintain essential services that are delivered to all in our town. It is important if your circumstances have not changed, you pay what you should, maintain your direct debit payments, or payment plan as detailed on your bill.
If you are struggling to pay your council tax, we want to make you aware of the support available and how we can help if you have been affected.
Council Tax reduction grants
The chancellor announced additional hardship support for council tax payers in the recent budget.
Local authorities have been asked to award a reduction to all Working Age Council Tax Reduction customers.
The award will be £150 off their Council Tax bill or if less than £150 is owed in Council Tax after the award of benefit, the bill will be reduced to nil.
Working age residents in receipt of Council Tax Reduction do not need to contact us as the awards will be made automatically and a new Council Tax bill will be issued in due course.
If your financial circumstances have changed and you now need to claim Council Tax Reduction, please complete your application form as soon as possible
Due to the rapidly changing nature of the coronavirus pandemic, a number of services are to be suspended.
Some of these changes are as a direct result of the government’s guidance around social-distancing to limit the spread of the virus. The changes are outlined below.
- Customer First's front desk on Corporation Street is closed until further notice. Customers can still telephone 01253 477477 or email customer.first@blackpool.gov.uk
- The reception at Number One, Bickerstaffe Square, Talbot Road is now closed until further notice.
- Note that the reception areas at Blackpool Coastal Housing (Coastal House and Grange Park) are closed until further notice along with community centres across their sites. The closures will be reviewed on a weekly basis. If you need to contact Blackpool Coastal Housing call 01253 477900.
- Housing benefit will be paid as normal and services can still be accessed online. Enquiries can be emailed to benefits@blackpool.gov.uk or customers can telephone 01253 478847 between 9.00am – 5.00pm
- The vast majority of our services will continue as we seek to protect the most vulnerable members of our community during this difficult period.
- It is possible there will be a reduction in level of service in some areas due to an increasing number of staff absences. Please bear with us.
- If you need to contact us, it will help us if you can phone, email or use other electronic means. Daily service updates will be posted on this page
Please visit the register office information page for updated information on registering births and deaths or getting married at the Weddidng Chapel.
Worried about a child?
We are all currently experiencing difficult times and this may go on for some time yet.
Whilst things are different, we still want to hear from you if you have any concerns about a child that may be being harmed.
If you have any concerns at all about a child please get in touch on: 01253 477299
Children’s centres
- All family hubs are closed until further notice with the exception of Grange Park and Talbot and Brunswick.
Child employment during Covid-19
We have created advise on businesses that are employing children during this pandemic. This is available on our child employment page.
- Highfield Day Centres closed until further notice
- All adult, community and family learning courses are suspended until further notice.
- The tip on Bristol Avenue has reopened with restrictions Please check details before travelling.
- The Bulky Matters waste service has now restarted
- The Rover mobile recycling service has now restarted
- Household waste collections have now returned to their normal collection schedule
- If you're self-isolating and feeling ill, put any potentially infected items like used tissues or cleaning cloths into separate plastic bags and double-bag them. These bags should be put aside for at least 72 hours (3 days) before you put them into your external bin.
- All bins must be out ready at their collection point before 7.30am on the day they are due to be collected.
- Please leave your bins with the handles facing the road, ideally close to your neighbour's bins, and don't obstruct the pavement or road
Public toilets
- All public toilets have now reopened
- The Solaris, including the café, is closed until further notice.
- The Grundy Art Gallery is currently closed and will reopen on 29 July
- All aduly, community and family learning courses are suspended until further notice
All Blackpool Libraries are closed for the time being due to the coronavirus situation and following government guidance
At Home Library Service visits have also been temporarily suspended and we are contacting users of this service by phone
Blackpool Council’s libraries are now offering a massively extended range of online reading material for adults and youngsters who can no longer visit the town’s library buildings. Full details are available on the library service web pages
Blackpool Libraries do not have library overdue fines anymore, and your items will be automatically renewed, so there is no immediate need to return items
Please keep an eye on Blackpool Libraries’ social media channels (Twitter and Facebook) for any updates and more information.
Alternatively, if you have an enquiry please call 01253 478080 to speak to a member of staff or email: library.info@blackpool.gov.uk
Blackpool Sports Centre, Palatine Leisure Centre and Moor Park Health and Leisure Centre will be closed to the public after Friday 20 March until further notice. This includes the swimming pools.
If you have a membership with Active Blackpool, this will be automatically suspended with no further payments taken until we reopen.
If you currently hold a leisure card or membership with us and we do not have your email address please complete our contact form and we can keep you updated by email.
All council leisure services staff will be redeployed to critical services.
In the meantime, we know that staying fit and active is the best way to build a strong immune system and stay healthy.
Active Blackpool are providing the following to assist with your home workouts:
Active Blackpool have launched a new app to share workout plans, exercise classes and challenges with you.
The app links with a number of 3rd party workout trackers including Garmin, Fitbit, Strava, Mapmyfitness and more, to ensure all of your training is brought together in one place.
This demo video shows you some the basic features to get you started.
The first monthly challenges start on the 1 May. Download the app
Also through Active Blackpool’s relationship with exercise class provider Les Mills, you can now access Les Mills on Demand for free for 60 days, with a special discounted rate after. You can cancel your subscription at any time.
Access to this offer is through the following link only.
If you have any queries, please contact our hotline on 01253 478474 or email active.blackpool@blackpool.gov.uk
- All of our outdoor parks except Anchorsholme Park are open
- The gates to the main car park at Stanley Park are now closed at the request of police
- The park remains open to those visiting on foot, although people are being reminded to follow social distancing rules
- Children's playgrounds are currently closed. Details of how and when these will reopen will be anounced shortly
- You may meet six person from a different household, but social distancing rules must be followed
Talbot Road multi-storey is now closed until further notice. Permit holders will be able to use East Toppping Street car park instead during this time.
Seasider's Way car parks are closed until further notice.
Housing Options
As of Monday 23 March, the Housing Options public reception on Chapel Street will be closed in the mornings and open in the afternoons for emergencies only. The telephone lines are open 01253 477760.
More information for tenants/landlords in the private rented sector
Tourist Information Centre
The Tourist Information Centre has now reopened
FYCreatives, Church Street
The FYCreatives building will remain open but there will be a managed reception service from Monday 23 March.
The HealthWorks, Corporation Street
The HealthWorks building will be closed to clients and customers. Department for Work and Pensions services and other employment advice will be delivered via telephone interviews.
There will be a managed reception service from Monday 23 March.
FY1 offices
The FY1 building will remain open but there will be a managed reception service from Monday 23 March.
Enterprise Centre, Lytham Road
The FY1 building will remain open but there will be a managed reception service from Monday 23 March.
COVID-19 business help desk
Blackpool Council has set up a dedicated helpdesk to support local businesses during the coronavirus pandemic.
The helpdesk will help businesses to understand and access the £330 billion package of rescue measures announced by the chancellor – including temporary loans, rate relief, grants and other help to small businesses and self-employed.
The wide-ranging measures include:
- The coronavirus Job Retention Scheme offering 80% wage subsidies up to a cap of £2,500 per month for ‘furloughed workers’. Applies to all UK employers.
- Support for self-employed through the Self-employment Income Support Scheme.
- A business rates holiday for all retail, hospitality and leisure businesses in 2020-21, including business grants of £25,000 (for premises with a rateable value of £15k to £51k).
- A one-off grant of £10,000 to all businesses currently eligible for Small Business Rate Relief (SBBR)
- Business rates holiday for nursery businesses for 2020-21
- A Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) offering loans of up to £5m to companies with less than £41m turnover.
- Support for larger firms through the COVID-19 Corporate Financing facility – aimed at companies with short-term cashflow issues.
- Support for business paying sick pay to employees (a rebate scheme)
- Support for businesses with outstanding tax affairs though HMRC’s Time to Pay service
- Support for businesses to defer VAT payments for three months (until 30 June 2020)
- For self-employed income tax payments due on July 31 will be deferred until 31 January 2021
The council’s helpdesk will be manned by business support experts working closely with colleagues in the business rates department.
Businesses should complete an enquiry form. The team will then respond with bespoke help and guidance.
Regular updates on government support for business during the pandemic.
A number of financial supports have been introduced by the government to help businesses. These include:
- Business rates relief
- Business support grant funds
- Support for the self-employed
- Support for small and medium-sized businesses
- Support for large businesses
View full details of financial support available
Applications are invited for financial support under a new £2.4m discretionary grants scheme which goes live from Monday 1 June.
The Local Authority Discretionary Grants Fund supports small businesses and charities that have fallen outside of the scope of current grant schemes - the Small Business Grants Fund and Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grants Fund. The top-up fund is 5% of the value of those funds.
The fund will provide support for active small businesses and charities who can demonstrate on-going fixed property-related costs and suffered a significant fall in income due to the COVID-19 crisis.
For further information, including full eligibility criteria, and details of how to apply.
The government’s coronavirus job retention scheme went live on 20 April, with businesses able to claim up to £2,500 a month towards staff wages.
Employers can furlough anyone they employ, provided that on or before 19 March they were on PAYE payroll and HMRC has been notified of payment via the RTI system.
The scheme has now been extended to the end of October. Key details to note:
- Furloughed workers across the UK will continue to receive 80% of their current salary, up to £2,500
- From August, furloughed workers will be able to return to work part-time with employers being asked to pay a percentage towards the salaries of their furloughed staff
- The employer payments will substitute the contribution HMG is currently making, ensuring that staff continue to receive 80% of their salary, up to £2,500 a month
Further details on implementation will be made available by the end of the month
The government has issued new guidance to help businesses in the UK to get back up and running and workplaces operating as safely as possible.
This follows the Prime Minster setting out steps to beat the virus and restart the economy, so we can protect jobs, restore people’s livelihoods and fund the country’s vital public services.
View the guidance
Blackpool Council wants to assist business as much as possible during these incredibly challenging times.
It is of paramount importance that we all follow the government guidelines to limit the spread of coronavirus.
Where workplaces are permitted to be open, precautions need to be taken to reduce the risks; to yourself, your employees, and to the general public.
We have therefore provided a checklist for businesses, of measures that must be in place to control the risk of coronavirus.
View coronavirus checklist for businesses
Unfortunately, if businesses cannot comply with the relevant requirements, then the business will be asked to temporarily cease trading.
As of 4 July 2020, many of the businesses and venues that were previously required to stay closed to the public will be able to reopen:
- Restaurants and pubs will be allowed to reopen, providing they follow safety guidelines. Customers will have to give their contact details on entry.
- Holiday accommodation will reopen and people in England will be able to stay away from home
- Hairdressers will be able to reopen. Other close contact services such as nail bars cannot open yet
- Libraries, community centres, cinemas, museums, theme parks and amusement arcades among other venues will be able to reopen
- Places of worship will be able to open for prayers and services and weddings with up to 30 guests
- Nightclubs, gyms, swimming pools and indoor play areas remain closed
You can find more information on the changes that come into effect from 4 July on the government website.
Businesses must carry out a risk assessment before they reopen in order to identify the risks and controls required in the business to open safely with social distancing measures. This guidance should help you with this.
We have also produced a number of signs/posters that you may find useful. These can be downloaded and used as you need.
It is also the business owners responsibility to manage queues both inside and outside the premises.
Any businesses that would like advice on how to protect people from coronavirus in the workplace are encouraged to call the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) telephone advice line 0300 790 6787.
All of Blackpool’s key attractions, theatres and most hotels are temporarily closed along with all bars, restaurants, cafes, nightclubs, gyms and cinemas.
Many events due to be staged over the coming months have been cancelled.
Our current advice to visitors is to follow government advice and stay at home.
Attractions that have now reopened
- Blackpool Pleasure Beach
- Madame Tussauds
- Blackpool Tower Eye and the Dino Mini Golf
- Blackpool Sea Life Centre
- Coral Island
- Blackpool Zoo
- Grundy Art Gallery - Reopens 29 July
Please contact these attractions directly for information on booking and access arrangements.
The following attractions remain closed
- Grand Theatre
- Winter Gardens
- VIVA Blackpool
- Blackpool Football Club (fixtures in the English Football League are suspended)
- North, Central and South Piers
- Ascent Trampoline Park
- Blackpool Transport Heritage Tram Tours
- Sandcastle Waterpark
As a result of the attraction closures, the VisitBlackpool Resort Pass scheme is suspended for the months of April, May and June.
Events
Known event postponements and cancellations include:
- The European Dance Championships (original dates 10-12 April, rescheduled to October 15 - 17) at the Winter Gardens
- The Blackpool Junior Dance Festival (original dates April 16 - 19. Ballroom, Latin and sequence events rescheduled to August 31 - September 4. Formation events rescheduled to September 19 - 20)
- Blackpool Air Show (due to be held over 7 and 8 August)
- Ride the Lights (due to be held 2 September)
- The Blackpool Illuminations Switch-On. Details of a 'Virtual Switch-On' will be announced shortly (Due to be held 4 September)
- Blackpool Dance Festival (original dates May 16 - 29, rescheduled to August 25 - September 6)
- The annual USDAW conference in April has been cancelled along with the International Fitness Exhibition. The GMB union conference in June has also been cancelled. All were due to be held at the Winter Gardens
Virtual visit
VisitBlackpool has produced a Virtual Blackpool package tour which includes a brilliant online collection of rollercoaster rides, water slides, tours of venues and attractions, educational videos, and plenty of fun and games for the family to enjoy.
From Monday 15 June it will be mandatory to wear a face covering when using public transport.
Concessionary travel
From Monday 15 June holders of concessionary travel passes, including elderly and disabled will no longer be able to travel for free before 9.30am. If you’re travelling earlier than this, you will need to pay the correct fare.
Holders of Blackpool issued disabled concessionary passes who travel before 9.30am will see an increase to their 50p concessionary rate. To bring Blackpool in line with the rest of Lancashire, the fare will increase to £1 if travelling before 9.30am.
Tram services are currently suspended until Sunday 19 July with the service 1 and other bus routes alternatives to the tramway.
Frequencies of bus services are reduced, but more bus journeys are being added from Monday 12 July
This change ensures that Blackpool Transport are still able to operate a reliable vital service for those who need to travel for essential reasons and comes in line with a large reduction in those travelling with us due to people following government rules.
More about these changes to services
Until further notice, all NHS staff can travel for free onboard the Blackpool Transport bus network. Simply show your NHS ID card to their drivers as you board. Get full information on the Blackpool Transport website.
£1.50 flat fare
Due to the reduction in services, from Sunday 5 April Blackpool Transport will be introducing a £1.50 flat fare until further notice.
This fare will be in place from the start of service and will be used regardless of where you are travelling from or to.
To travel with this fare, simply pay the driver as you would normally when you board the service. To minimise the handling of money and change, please wherever possible have the correct fare of £1.50 for your driver. All of our saver tickets can be used as normal throughout this time.
Rail travel
There is heavy disruption across the rail industry. Temporary timetables are in operation on the Northern network. Avanti West Coast has also cancelled the direct service between Blackpool and London until further notice.
The rail company, Grand Central, has postponed the launch of daily services between London and Blackpool until next year.
National Express
Coach services in and out of Blackpool are suspended until further notice
School reopenings
Following the latest Department for Education (DfE) announcement, Blackpool Council is committed to opening schools safely and is working with local schools to develop plans for the inclusion of early years, reception, year 1 and year 6 children from June.
Headteachers will consider the best approach for their own schools.
The circumstances at each school will determine whether it can have more pupils attending in line with the government’s plans for the chosen year groups. Support will be given to headteachers as they decide on the appropriate measures to suit their individual school’s layout, staffing levels and pupil numbers.
In partnership with the school unions, trust boards and governing bodies, the council is working to ensure that priority is still given to children of critical workers and children who are vulnerable.
The council proposes that schools should start with one year group and then extend the provision to others if and when there is capacity to do so. Collectively we will better serve Blackpool children and families by building up the numbers of children slowly over the month of June, reassessing at the end of each day or week whether there is capacity to increase the numbers and reach of our offer.
Schools will communicate directly with parents, carers and other stakeholders of their decision and what the plan will be for their setting.
Parents will need to request that a place is made available for their child through the individual school. The school will then provide a confirmation depending on the capacity and to ensure that schools are as safe as possible for staff and pupils and that social distancing can be prioritised.
Blackpool Council is helping schools with the plans to open to a wider number of pupils by offering the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) including gloves, masks, visors and hand sanitiser, screens for reception and dining areas, assistance with risk assessments and support for governance, information on local testing availability, public health advice and other safety measures.
Schools are to keep up-to-date with the latest guidance from Public Health England and the Department for Education on when PPE is required in schools and how to use it and dispose of it safely and appropriately. The safety of children and young people in Blackpool is a priority for the council and the council’s children’s services team will continue to monitor the situation closely.
Further information and advice on what parents and carers need to know about schools and education during the coronavirus outbreak
Support for schools
A message from Dr Arif Rajpura, Director of Public Health to schools
Blackpool Council is committed to helping schools to make the right decisions for themselves as well as for our families and children.
In addition to the current provision for the children of key workers, the government has proposed a limited expansion of schools over the coming weeks from 1 June onwards.
Before expanding the numbers, schools will need to consider, amongst other things, changes in work practices including reducing social contact, enhancing hand and respiratory hygiene, as well as increasing cleaning regimes.
The opening of schools is important in supporting children's welfare and education, and also allowing those who are caring for children to resume their normal working lives.
There is clear evidence that the risk to children from COVID-19 infection is lower than in the general population. It also now appears that children under the age of 12 are no more infectious than adults and might actually be less infectious.
There is speculation around what is commonly known as the R number, but I would stress that in getting a clear picture of the local position it is important that we don't solely focus on the R value and fully understand where transmission is occurring.
Taking all this into consideration and balancing the risks of COVID-19 with the potential detrimental impact on child welfare and educational outcomes, we are now in a position to support schools to start to invite children back to school in the specified year groups.
This, of course, can only be done when individual schools feel that it is safe to do so. We are setting no specific target date for this, each school will expand its offer when appropriate for their situation.
Any lifting of restrictions is likely to introduce some element of risk, but the risks with this particular proposal are low, particularly if the working practices within the school are changed and positive cases are promptly identified and contacts self-isolated in the appropriate way.
Along with all the changes in working practices outlined in the guidance to schools, Blackpool Council will be offering support through its Outbreak Management Hub in collaboration with Public Health England to respond to cases that might occur within a school. The contact details are set out below:
Blackpool Single Point of Contact (SPOC), 9.00am to 5.00pm, Monday to Friday. Telephone: 01253 478199 or Email: publichealth@blackpool.gov.uk. Out of Hours (including weekends and Bank Holiday), Public Health England (PHE) Telephone: 0151 434 4819
Working closely with the Diane Booth, the council's director of children's services, I will be closely monitoring how the pandemic is developing and will, of course, keep schools informed of any changes or developments in guidance.
Early years message from Dr Arif Rajpura, Director of Public Health
Blackpool Council is committed to helping early years' providers to make the right decisions for themselves as well as for our families and children.
In addition to the current provision for the children of key workers, the government has proposed extending early years' provision over the coming weeks from 1 June onwards.
Before expanding the numbers, settings will need to consider, amongst other things, changes in work practices including reducing social contact, enhancing hand and respiratory hygiene, as well as increasing cleaning regimes. I acknowledge that you only received your guidance over the bank holiday weekend, which might prove challenging.
The opening of early years' settings is important in supporting children's welfare and education, and also allowing those who are caring for children to resume their normal working lives.
There is clear evidence that the risk to children from COVID-19 infection is lower than in the general population. It also now appears that children under the age of 12 are no more infectious than adults and might actually be less infectious.
There is speculation around what is commonly known as the R number, but I would stress that in getting a clear picture of the local position it is important that we don't solely focus on the R value and fully understand where transmission is occurring.
Taking all this into consideration and balancing the risks of COVID-19 with the potential detrimental impact on child welfare and educational outcomes, we are now in a position to support settings to start to invite children back from 1 June 1.
This, of course, can only be done when individual schools feel that it is safe to do so. We are setting no specific target date for this, each school will expand its offer when appropriate for their situation.
Any lifting of restrictions is likely to introduce some element of risk, but the risks with this particular proposal are low, particularly if the working practices within settings are changed and positive cases are promptly identified and contacts self-isolated in the appropriate way.
Along with all the changes in working practices outlined in the guidance, Blackpool Council will be offering support through its Outbreak Management Hub in collaboration with Public Health England to respond to cases that might occur within a school. The contact details are set out below:
Blackpool Single Point of Contact (SPOC), 9.00am to 5.00pm, Monday to Friday. Telephone: 01253 478199 or Email: publichealth@blackpool.gov.uk Out of Hours (including weekends and Bank Holiday), Public Health England (PHE) Telephone: 0151 434 4819
Working closely with the Diane Booth, the council's director of children's services, I will be closely monitoring how the pandemic is developing and will, of course, keep schools informed of any changes or developments in guidance.
PPE, safety and governance
If you are a Blackpool school and wish to order PPE and/or screens, email paul.turner2@blackpool.gov.uk and your order will be delivered to your school when it is available. Please do this 5.00 pm on Wednesday 20 May.
If you want to work with the council teams on risk assessment and infection control, please contact kevin.dacre@blackpool.gov.uk and/or donna.taylor1@blackpool.gov.uk.
Governance support can be accessed through dawn.parkinson@blackpool.gov.uk.
School meals
Arrangements for those in school and those not attending can be arranged through Blackpool Catering Services. Email derek.wright@blackpool.gov.uk for more information or to discuss your requirements.
Transport
Any questions about school transport should be directed to Blackpool Transport on jane.cole@blackpooltransport.com.
Planning
Please use the following guidance and planning templates to assist you in the period between now and the 1 June.
All unions have also produced guidance and this should be referred to and used in your planning:
Safeguarding
If you require any advice relating to safeguarding and child protection please contact the advice line on 01253 478959 and/or Jeremy Mannino on Jeremy.mannino@blackpool.gov.uk.
As usual, you can contact the duty and assessment team on 01253 477299 if you have a concern about a child and need to make a referral.
Further communications will be issued dependent upon the changing advice and guidance.
Childcare
Childcare settings have been asked to prepare for wider reopening from 1 June onwards.
If you require childcare you should contact your usual nursery or childminder who will advise of their arrangements. Some providers may not yet be fully open or will be offering a reduced capacity.
If you need help or assistance please visit our dedicated childcare arrangements page.
Staying safe online
To help you make sure your children are staying safe online whilst at home, we have put together some resources to help you maintain their safety.
The closure of schools means that opportunities for children to talk to and play with friends will belimited to online interaction. This will almost certainly lead to children spending more time online.
Parents working from home may not be able to monitor their children’s use of devices as they usually would which may result in children being exposed to extreme ideas.
To help prevent this you should look out for increasedinstances of:
- Exploring new and unusual websites, chat forums and platforms due to boredom or frustration
- Joining new or secret groups since isolation
- Speaking with new friends or being secretive about chats during online gaming or in forums
- A strong desire to seek new meaning, identity and purpose
- Using language you wouldn’t expect them to know
- Watching, sharing or creating films online linked to religious, political or racial hate
More information and help is available on the NSPCC website or ring the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000.
Online learning resources
Blackpool Council and its partner agencies continue to support those at risk of, and those experiencing homelessness.
Blackpool Homeless Partnership (which consists of a wide range of statutory and third sector partners working together to prevent homelessness) are in constant communication. It is this collaboration of people who are ensuring accommodation, food and other support is being offered to those that need it.
Continued efforts ensure the following is in place:
- Regular street outreach by our team and partner agencies to identify anyone who is homeless or in need of support
- To date around 95 people have been temporarily housed in emergency accommodation, predominately B&Bs, to keep them safe and well
- 3 hot meals a day are now being provided, 7 days a week to the homeless via a delivery service. This ensures that they do not need to leave their accommodation to get food, keeping themselves safe and also limiting risk to everyone else
- Advice and support for those who are homeless, or at risk of homelessness via our Housing Options Team. Contact should be made via telephone where possible on 01253 477760. For emergency, out of hours support please call 01253 477600
- Those that smoke will be provided with Nicotine Replacement Therapy to discourage them from leaving isolation for cigarettes
- We’re working with Delphi (our drug and alcohol treatment services) on supporting those with any addiction needs and where possible we’ll be looking to support those individuals into recovery
- Entertainment is being considered, for example, radios being provided where there are no TVs within the accommodation. There are ongoing discussions how to support residents with their mental health through activity provision
People who are not homeless but still in need during this pandemic should contact the Corona Kindness helpline on 0808 196 30 80 Monday to Friday 9.00am to 5.00pm or email helpneeded@blackpool.gov.uk
If you are able to offer help in anyway, please let us know by emailing helpoffered@blackpool.gov.uk
If you want to donate food to the homeless please follow the link to find more information on how to do this (link to the bit on the website about Blackpool tower provision)
Please to follow government guidance on social distancing when keeping in touch with family and friends living in care homes and supported living services. You should continue to keep in contact with your friends and loved ones using digital technology such as video calling, social media or by phone rather than visiting in person.
The recent relaxtion of the lockdown measures means that there are now opportunities for residents living in care homes and supported living to receive visits from family, loved ones and close friends in some circumstances.
Each care provider will have their own policy on visiting, but it is recommended that people should only visit in person when it is absolutely essential and visits should be limited to a maximum of two people from the same household.
In homes where there are confirmed outbreaks of Covid-19, no visiting will be allowed, apart from in exceptional circumstances when residents are at the end of their lives.
More information on shielding and protecting vulnerable people.
The government has agreed measures with the energy industry to support vulnerable people through COVID-19.
These will help to ensure vulnerable customers who may fall into debt remain supplied with energy while in self-isolation.
With immediate effect, customers with pre-payment meters who may not be able to add credit can speak to their supplier about options to keep them supplied.
This will benefit over four million customers. This could include:
- Nominating a third party for credit top ups
- Having a discretionary fund added to their credit
- Being sent a pre-loaded top up card so that their supply is not interrupted.
Any energy customer in financial distress will also be supported by their supplier, which could include debt repayments and bill payments being reassessed, reduced or paused where necessary, while disconnection of credit meters will be completely suspended.
Please telephone the relevant company if you have a prepay meter tell them your self -isolating
- British Gas 0333 202 9802
- EDF 0333 200 5100
- EON 0345 052 000
- N Power0800 073 3000
- Scottish Power 0800 027 0072
- SSE 0345 026 2658
More information
Support for children with complex needs
The Department for Education has announced that low-income families with children that have complex needs and disabilities can apply for a grant to make their lives easier during this period of social distancing.
The grant can be used towards a number of resources, such as computers and tablets, specialist equipment and educational toys.
A proportion of funding has been committed specifically for families that are staying at home more than usual to shield themselves from COVID-19, and are looking after and educating critically ill or disabled children themselves.
For further information and to apply, visit the Family Fund website.
If you have a dental issue during lockdown, it is important that you know how to access help when you need it.
All high street dental and orthodontic practices can give advice, guidance and prescriptions, which you can collect from your local pharmacy. If you are in pain or in need of support and need help or advice, please telephone your dental practice in the usual way.
If you are not registered with a dentist, you can go to the website or call the Lancashire dental helpline: 0300 1234 010 .
This may be because:
- You have severe toothache
- A dental infection
- You have noticed other changes inside your mouth such as a white or red patch
- A lump or an ulcer that won’t heal
You will be assessed and given advice over the phone, which may result in a remote consultation with a dentist.
To support NHS services, it is important that you do not visit hospitals or doctors’ surgeries with dental problems.
As part of the gradual relaxation of lockdown measures, a new NHS Test and Trace service was launched on 28 May 2020 across England with the aim to help identify, contain and control coronavirus, reduce the spread of the virus and save lives.
Effective and timely contact tracing will need to be implemented to allow a sustained reduction in new cases and outbreaks and reduce transmission. This will be achieved through a Department of Health and Social Care led integrated programme that consists of a proximity alerting app, web-based and telephone-based contact tracing service and optimised testing arrangements.
Blackpool Council's public health team have published a detailed outbreak management plan for this process
*Please note that the document does not currently meet our accessibility guidelines. We are currently working to create an accessible format to be published by mid-July 2020.