New measures to help prevent and contain cases of coronavirus in Torbay and safeguard the health of local people are being published today - Tuesday 30 June.

Details of measures being put in place to help address COVID-19 outbreaks in Torbay are outlined in a Local Outbreak Management Plan we have published.

The Plan describes how we will work to prevent and manage any future outbreaks of COVID-19 in Torbay. Key to the Plan is partnership working between local authorities, health, police, schools, care homes, businesses and key industry sectors such as tourism.

A Torbay Local Outbreak Engagement Board will bring representatives from all partner organisations together. It will be chaired by the Leader of the Council and will have oversight of local delivery and be responsible for communicating and engaging with residents and communities.

Leader of Torbay Council, Cllr Steve Darling, said: “We are working closely with Devon County Council, identified as a beacon council, as well as all our local partner organisations. Alongside Public Health England and the national Test and Trace service, we are working to identify, trace and contain cases of COVID-19, to reduce the spread of the virus and save lives.

"The plan has a strong focus on prevention and early intervention to ensure key settings such as care homes, schools, high-risk locations and communities put measures in place to protect their staff and clients.

Additional support will be provided for people who are particularly vulnerable to COVID-19 such as the elderly and those with underlying health conditions. However, we all have a vital role to play and must take responsibility for helping to reduce the spread of the virus and prevent further outbreaks.”

Director of Public Health, Dr Caroline Dimond, said: "Our Plan outlines how we will work with the NHS Test and Trace service and together be at the forefront of responding to, and managing, COVID-19 outbreaks at local level. If a cluster of cases is identified we will work swiftly to manage and contain the virus to stop it spreading.

"This is a multi-agency approach and we are working extremely closely with Public Health England, the NHS, social care, education, the police, the private sector, and voluntary and community organisations to tackle COVID-19.

"I would urge everyone to continue to follow the national guidance and advice around social distancing, handwashing and, if you think you have symptoms, get a test and self-isolate as advised. These are the things that will help to reduce the spread of infection and keep our communities safe."

Cabinet Member for Adults and Public Health, Cllr Jackie Stockman said: “In the main, our residents have risen to the challenges that COVID-19 has brought us. We have pulled together to fight the virus through different approaches to working and home life.

“This Plan gives our communities a blueprint to work from and will help us address any outbreaks we may experience locally. I would ask that you continue to follow all government guidance and, if required, engage with all test and trace procedures - we are not out of the woods yet.”

Find more information and read Torbay’s Outbreak Management Plan.