Update at 27 August
Here’s a quick update on news around our districts and further afield.
Rising Covid-19 cases
The numbers of confirmed Covid-19 cases in Oxfordshire continues to rise. In the 7 days up to 14 August, there have been 65 confirmed cases in Oxfordshire, which is an increase from 44 cases in the previous week.
The majority of the new cases are in Oxford, where the number has risen from 16 to 28. The increase is predominantly among young people in the 18-30 age bracket. The rise is being seen across the city and is not focused on one particular area. The increase can be partly attributed to people returning from holidays in Europe, where cases of the virus are rising, and partly to lower levels of adherence to social distancing among young people.
Oxfordshire’s Public Health Surveillance Unit has picked this up at an early stage and is not considering any local control measures at this stage. But if the situation does escalate, then local control measures will be considered.
Clear systems are in place through Oxfordshire’s Local Outbreak Plans to manage any local hotspots. However, prevention is by far the best way to manage the situation and we are therefore supporting the county council with its extended and targeted communications in the run-up to the August Bank Holiday weekend to raise awareness of the situation and urge people to continue to follow protective measures to protect themselves, their families and friends.
Business Grants
A reminder that tomorrow (28 August) is the last day for businesses to submit their details if they wish to claim a COVID-19 Small Business Grant or Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grant.
Businesses which are yet to submit their details are urged to do so immediately, otherwise they will miss out – this includes any receiving full rate relief, as they may still be eligible for a grant.
For more details, or to apply businesses should visit southoxon.gov.uk/businessrates or whitehorsedc.gov.uk/businessrates.
Housing update – ban on evictions
The ban on landlords evicting their tenants in England and Wales has been extended until 20 September taking the total ban to six months. Our housing team continue to work with residents and advise them of their rights in this ever-changing situation.
You can find the full government guidance here
Leisure Centres phased opening plans
We’re opening the district’s leisure centres in phases with our partners at GLL– it’s worth bearing in mind that given the changing national situation with the Covid-19 pandemic, the activities and facilities available at a given leisure centre may need to change, be temporarily closed or have occasional changes to opening hours and/or services.
These changes are made in accordance with the latest guidance from the government, Sport England and Swim. GLL’s “Better” website lists the latest information on opening hours and services. Residents are advised to visit the website and follow GLL on twitter for the latest information.
Opening times will not be different over the bank holiday.
Bank holiday waste collections
As normal following a bank holiday, waste collection days are different next week. The time of day the crews arrive to empty bins might be also different than usual.
We’ve attached the August bank holiday waste collection schedule, which follows the usual pattern of the bins being emptied the day after the normal collection day, with Friday collections next week taking place on the Saturday.
Lockdown Lifestyle Survey
Our Lockdown Lifestyle survey closes two weeks today.
The results from this survey will help the team to focus on activities that residents want to see in the districts, to help support those who have struggled over the last few months and to help families and those who are vulnerable to take those first steps back into the community and keeping healthy. The feedback will also contribute to the future plans for leisure activities in the districts as part of the councils’ Active Communities Strategy.
To take part in the survey please click here
Didcot Gateway
Homes England received 900 comments on its proposals for the redevelopment of the Didcot Gateway site opposite the station.
Homes England is now reviewing the comments and considering any changes, which they will feed back to officers next month. Following this, Homes England will submit a planning application outlining the proposals for Didcot Gateway.
Communications
South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils
01235 422400