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Latest Covid information
 
Public Health update on COVID-19 cases in Dorset
Cases of COVID-19 remain low in Dorset. Between 16 and 22 September, there were 18 confirmed positive cases in the Dorset Council area.

It’s more important than ever to keep washing our hands, wear a face covering in enclosed spaces and to keep 2 metres away from other people.   Latest updates from Public Health Dorset      
Download the NHS Covid-19 app
The new NHS COVID-19 app, available to download for free, is the fastest way to see if you’re at risk from coronavirus. The faster you know, the quicker you can alert and protect your loved ones and community.  
Find out more about the app    

New and updated rules this week
There are changes to the rules about where to wear face coverings, working from home if you can, meeting with others safely, self-isolation and new rules for businesses.  
Find out what you can and can’t do
     
Only get tested if you have symptoms
Only get a test if you have coronavirus symptoms or have been asked to get tested. This will help make sure people who need a test can get one.

From 28 September you could be fined if you do not stay at home and self-isolate following a positive test for COVID-19   Find out if you’re eligible for a test    

Holidays – returning to the UK
Be aware that you may have to self-isolate for 14 days on your return home from some countries (now including Curacao, Denmark, Iceland and Slovakia from 4am Saturday 26 September). Gov UK has a list of countries where you will have to self-isolate on your return to the UK.  
Find out which countries are affected    

What to do if you feel unwell, or live with someone who is unwell Get a test now and don’t leave home for at least 10 days if you have either: A high temperature – you feel hot to touch on your chest or back A new, continuous cough – this means you’ve started coughing repeatedly Loss or change in sense or smell or taste From 28 September you could be fined if you do not stay at home and self-isolate following a positive test for COVID-19 You can find more information and advice
#about COVID-19 on the NHS website.  


Local news  
 
Hearing and/or visually impaired?
Tell us how lockdown has affected you in this short survey. The survey is running until 25 October.   Find out more and complete the survey

     
Coming to Weymouth this autumn?
Plan your journey Drivers visiting Weymouth town centre this autumn are being asked to think more carefully about how to access the town centre as track removal work gets underway.   Find out more about the works and when roads will be affected

     
Weymouth’s 100-year tidal flood protection plan unveiled
Our plan details how we’ll make sure Weymouth is protected from potential coastal flooding and erosion by developing the harbour walls and esplanade sea defences.   Find out more about the plan

     
Potential changes at our rubbish tips
We’re looking to see if we can change current arrangements to allow more visitors at our Household Recycling Centres (HRCs, or ‘the tip’) across the county. We’re also planning to close Blandford HRC for 10 days at the end of September to allow for essential works.   Find out more

     
Festival of the Future – three day virtual event
Robots growing fields of wheat, the tiger who came to tea and virtual yoga: these are just some of the exciting sessions on offer for free at the upcoming Festival of the Future from 13 October.

This brand-new virtual event combines fun and learning and helps us share the great things that are happening in Dorset.   Find out more about the festival

     
Have you ever considered adoption?
Aspire Adoption are looking to bust the misconceptions about adoption as part of the national #YouCanAdopt campaign.   Find out more

     
Calling families and young people with SEND
We are asking families and young people with special educational needs and or a disability to complete a survey about the impact of the pandemic.   Find out more and complete the survey

     
We’ve been successful in a funding bid to help homeless people
We’ve successfully secured a grant of £624,000 as part of the Next Steps Accommodation Programme (NSAP).   Find out more  
 
 
Fostering is for everyone
We’ve launched a campaign to help find more foster carers for Dorset children.   Find out more about fostering

     
Gillingham transport works – September update
Highway improvement work is continuing in Gillingham as part of the multi-million-pound transport overhaul in the town.   Find out more  



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