Coronavirus regional testing centre to open for key workers
A drive-through coronavirus testing facility is to open at Creekmore Park and Ride in Poole as part of the Government’s UK-wide drive to increase testing for thousands more NHS and other key workers, and is operating on an appointment-only basis for NHS staff and other key workers. 

This new testing facility is very much welcomed in Dorset. It will enable us to significantly increase the number of tests that we can provide locally, which will in turn assist all agencies in getting key staff back to work swiftly and safely.   Find out more      

Helping with vital travel
Drivers in the council’s travel team have been lending their skills and support to help Dorset’s vulnerable residents.

The travel team is playing a key role in transporting people home following a stay in temporary hotel accommodation after  leaving hospital.  They are also helping  key worker and SEN children get to school.

We are  doing everything possible to maintain public transport services across the county and are committed to honouring  services for public and school transport as well as  maintaining concessionary bus pass re-imbursement and providing grant support at the usual levels.   Find out more      

Dedicated support available for unpaid carers during Covid-19 crisis
Do you look after or support someone, who couldn’t manage on their own if you didn’t? It might be a relative, friend or neighbour with an illness, disability, mental health or an addiction.  If an unpaid carer is self-isolating because of coronavirus symptoms and needs urgent help to access food and essential household items for themselves or the person they usually look after they should contact the council’s community response helpline on 01305 221000. Lines are open 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week.

Or email communityresponse@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk or visit www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/coronavirus. Even if a carer receives Carers’ Allowance, they should still consider themselves as unpaid and help and support is available.   Find out more      

Dorset schools make protective kit for health workers 
Schools have been responding to the crisis by making face masks and other personal protective equipment (PPE) to help the NHS and other workers avoid infection. Many schools have also donated their own supplies of goggles and face shields, usually used in science and technology lessons, to local hospitals.

Cllr Andrew Parry, Dorset Council Portfolio Holder for Children, Education and Early Help, said: “I’d like to thank Dorset Schools for doing their bit to help our community get through these difficult times – it is very heart warming. We will get through this together.”   Find out more      

#Unacceptable – An officer tells her story…
  We are, with the support of the police, ambulance, public health and others, calling out #Unacceptable abuse on our key workers. 

There are, regretfully, an increasing number of threats against our frontline staff. It’s horribly sad to hear our colleagues having to face abuse as they try to go about their daily job and go home to their families. There are some of our officers who cannot do their jobs from home – which is in line with Government advice.

Our key workers are following the rules around social distancing to stay safe and help protect our NHS whilst keeping vital supply chains going. Please respect our colleagues as they do their work during these difficult times.   One of our enforcement officers shares her experience…      

If you can’t care for your children at home
If your work is critical to the coronavirus response, or you work in one of the critical sectors and you cannot keep your child safe at home then your children will be prioritised for childcare provision.

Our Family Information Service can help you find childcare for babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers.

Contact our Family Information Service Outreach Team if you’re having difficulty finding childcare. 

Our advisors will go the extra mile to help you find the childcare that meets your family’s needs.  Family Information Service – Dorset Council Email: familyinfo@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk
Tel: 01305 221066   Search directory online      

Free digital service from Dorset libraries
Access free Dorset library e-magazines, e-newspapers, e-books, e-audio, e-comics and e-reference from the comfort of your own kitchen table [or sofa, or bed, we aren’t judging!]

With the ongoing requirement for social distancing take advantage of the free digital services Dorset Libraries offer. You can use our digital services  from your phone, tablet or computer.      

Have your say on dogs in public spaces 
We are extending the public consultation on dogs in public spaces by three weeks to make sure people who were unable to obtain a paper version from libraries or the Council offices can do so.  

We know that some people hold very strong views on the topic, and we aim to reflect a balanced and fair perspective within the new order. To have a paper copy of the survey and the maps of the areas it covers call 01305 251010. This can be emailed to you or on your request posted.  Please return the completed survey as promptly as possible to ensure your comment are included. The closing date is now midnight on Tuesday 12 May. The survey will also remain open online   Find out more      

The impact of COVID-19 on our financial position
We are incurring additional costs of £13m per month as we support Dorset’s residents, communities and businesses through the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.

At the start of the COVID-19 outbreak in March, the government provided £1.6bn in additional funding to councils across England to help them tackle the crisis. Dorset Council’s share of this funding was £10.7m: this funding was spent in the first month of response.
  Last weekend, the government announced a further £1.6bn of additional funding for councils. We are still waiting to hear what our share of this funding will be.    Find out more          

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