On Tuesday 22 July we hosted a Facebook Live Ask Us about COVID-19 event with a number of our partners. We wanted to update our community with the plans that the local authority, with partners has in place to prevent and respond to Coronavirus in Torbay. Along with the opportunity to ask us questions about how we have been, and continue to respond to the pandemic.

Our panel were able to explain how we are working together to get people back to work, our children and young people back to school, local businesses reopened, and how as a tourism destination we are welcoming back tourists back in a safe way. Details of how we are responding in the case of any local outbreaks was also covered.

Along with Cllr Steve Darling, the Leader of Torbay Council, the panel included:

  • the Director of Public Health for Torbay
  • the Assistant Director of Education, Learning and Skills at Torbay Council
  • a Medical Director from Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust
  • CEO of the English Riviera BID Company
  • representatives from the hospitality sector and the English Riviera Attractions Partnership

Here is the video of the live.

Questions and answers

Please find below a summary of the questions that were answered by the panel during the Ask Us about Covid-19 Live.

How can the Council possibly keep it safe on public transport following the change in the Government restrictions?

Cllr Steve Darling, Leader of Torbay Council, responded by saying that safety on buses and trains is not the responsibility of the Council, but is a matter for the operators, who are working to the recently updated Government guidelines.

This includes social distancing at waiting areas, cleaning regimes, and buying tickets in advance and paying by card wherever possible.

We also understand that the recent introduction of the compulsory wearing of face coverings (unless exempt for medical or other reasons) on public transport, has allowed operators to increase capacity.

Will there be a second wave and how are we preparing for it?

Caroline Dimond, Director for Public Health for Torbay responded by saying, at the moment modelling from national experts suggests that any second wave is most likely during the winter months due to increased mixing and environmental conditions. This pattern would mirror the one that we see for seasonal flu. The increase depends on a lot of factors like the weather, people’s behaviours, and the effectiveness of the distancing and hygiene measures that remain in place.

To plan for this, the NHS, councils and partners are developing capacity plans, working hard to keep other infections like flu at low levels through vaccination, with the option to increase distancing measures at local level if there is a sharp increase in any area. We are monitoring infection rates across Devon and Torbay as well as across the South West day by day so we get early warning of any increases and can respond in the best way if they do go up.

What can I do now that I couldn’t before?

Julia Chisnell, Public Health Consultant at Torbay, ran through some of the changes that are being planned over the following weeks and months, dependent on levels remaining low. Reiterating the point that it is essential that people continue to be vigilant and follow guidelines to enable these changes.

  • From 24 July: face coverings in shops, supermarkets and ‘enclosed public spaces where there are people you don’t normally meet’ as on public transport
  • From 25 July: gyms, fitness, indoor swimming pools & water parks, if levels remain low
  • From 1 August:
    • more ‘discretion’ to make workplaces Covid secure & invite more staff back to work – if rates remain low
    • Bowling, skating, small wedding receptions, beauty treatments
    • Clinically extremely vulnerable no longer need to shield but take particular care to follow distancing guidelines when meeting people
  • From 1 September, schools, nurseries and colleges open full time
  • From November the government aims to ‘scale back’ social distancing, depending on infection rates and forecasts as we move into winter.

Will my children be safe returning to school in September and do I legally have to send them back?

Rachael Williams, the Assistant Director for Education, Learning and Skills at Torbay Council, answered this question by saying that she recognised that many children and young people have been out of school since March, and could appreciate the concerns some may have regarding children returning in September. The prevalence of coronavirus has decreased and the test and trace system is up and running and is working well with our local area. The risk to children themselves of becoming severely ill from Covid 19 is very low and needs to be balanced against the negative impact of children being out of school. Returning children to school is really vital for children’s education and general wellbeing.

To make this return as safe as possible we have been working with all of our schools to help them to minimise any risks from coronavirus whilst also providing a full educational experience for children and young people. From March schools have been working hard to ensure that they are putting in place changes that have been recommended by public health. The excellent measures that have been put in place have meant that we have had no confirmed cases in our schools, despite five thousand children already attending school. The full opening of schools in September will build on this good practice. This means that schools will continue to look different in September, with children either being taught in class bubbles or year group bubbles. These bubbles will be kept apart as far as possible.

There will also be hand sanitiser stations, additional cleaning both during at the end of the day, different furniture layouts with individual tables that are facing forward where possible. There will also continue to be limited sharing of equipment and if it is used it will be cleaned between bubbles. Lunches will be provided differently so that bubbles can be maintained. Children may also be asked to enter and exit school differently and move around the school in a one-way system to cut down on corridor congestion.

With these mitigations in place and considering the importance of education on children’s life long outcomes, it has been confirmed at a national level that attendance at school will be a legal requirement from September onwards. We are aware that for some families, children and young people that there may be some anxiety around returning, if you are concerned it is really important that you contact your school and discuss how you can have your questions answered and how a plan can be created to help you feel confident to return. We are really looking forward to seeing our children and young people back in school and want to do all that we can to support you.

How can we realistically welcome tourists back and keep our coronavirus cases low?

Carolyn Custerson, CEO of English Riviera BID highlighted that providing very comprehensive visitor information in advance of people arriving has been key. Communicating that visitors need to take joint responsibility, to pre-plan visits and pre-book attractions, and highlighting the time and investment made by businesses to make sure environments are secure and safe.
Visitor information has been shared with the 1500 businesses that the bid represents, and then further shared with visitors. It was noted that people visiting are taking this information on board, there is an acceptance that things are now different and that changes have been made to keep people safe.

Are restaurants and bars going to be monitored to ensure they are following correct procedure? In last week been in two that didn’t take name or contact details?

Martyn Strange, Babbacombe Inn, explained how it has been working in his own setting. A number of measures have been introduced, including a reduction in seating capacity, extending electronic booking, and table service, and taking customer contact details. He explained that people have been accepting of the new procedures and are enjoying the new more spacious way of working.

Julia Chisnell went on to explain further information on monitoring: We are working in partnership with local businesses to provide support with the guidance. The key thing is to support businesses, and for businesses to help each other, to put in place measures that will keep their staff and customers safe. It makes sense to do this, as preventing an outbreak, or having a case that is well managed and can be quickly contained, can stop a venue from having to close.
We are holding webinars on 28 and 29 July and 5 August for tourism settings, to run through what to do if you have a possible case or outbreak. The Business Forum is also holding slots on 4 and 18 August. Please join us at these events. We have developed action cards we are sharing with businesses so they know what to do.
The approach is to work with business to help them prevent and mitigate – we do have new regulations allowing us to put restrictions in place if there is a risk to public health, and the measure is proportionate, but we would always look to work in partnership first. We’re very happy to talk to anyone with queries or wanting support – just get in touch.

How is the new guidance working for holiday providers and what would happen in an outbreak situation?

Julian Banner-Price, Boutique 25 B&B, explained a number of the changes that have been put in place at his business. Information has been made clear to guests so that they understand the changes that have been implemented in order to conform to guidelines.

Julian commented that guests have fed back that they have felt safe both in the accommodation as well as around the local area. As a business they have implemented a number of changes to minimise risk and highlighted that they have also completed a number of official Covid accreditation schemes and certification.
Julia Chisnell went on to explain what would happen in the event of a possible or confirmed case or an outbreak:

Possible case
  • The individual needs to isolate and get a test (https://www.nhs.uk/coronavirus/ or call 119)
  • Household members need to isolate
  • Clean affected areas in the setting
  • Return home as soon as practically possible
Confirmed case
  • Public Health England (0300 3038162) and the Local Authority will provide advice
  • Isolate 7 days
  • Household members isolate 14 days
  • Close contacts isolate 14 days and get a test if they develop symptoms
  • Clean affected areas in the setting
Outbreak (2 or more cases)
  • PHE will provide advice (0300 3038162)
  • The Local Authority is also there to help and advise
  • As above:
    • isolate contacts
      • Clean
      • Discuss with PHE how to inform other guests and staff
  • If the outbreak is complicated or there is a risk of further spread, PHE may set up an ‘outbreak control team’ with the Local Authority to help and advise on further measures to take.

How are our attractions preparing for residents and visitors particularly for those attractions where social distancing is difficult?

Nick Powe, English Riviera Attractions, explained that clear guidance is being made available and required assessments being carried out in order for attractions to reopen safely. At attractions you will see that new routes have been introduced, new one way systems to ensure visitors can easily socially distance and stay in their family bubbles. Some exhibits or activities have had to be closed because they simply cannot comply with the guidance.

Nick went on to explain the importance of pre booking now across attractions, as well as details of some attractions offering special opening times for some people that have been shielding or are feeling anxious about reconnecting with local spaces.

Does being healthier and fitter help you fight over coronavirus?

Joanne Watson, System Medical Director from Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust replied that in addition to doing the basics such as handwashing, social distancing & wearing a mask to keep the virus at bay we can also take this opportunity to be healthier. Being fitter can help you to fight off infections, including Covid. Can you give up smoking now? Cut down on alcohol? Get more exercise? Even a small change can help to make a real difference.

It is proving really difficult to socially distance in Brixham, how do you propose to deal with this longer term?

Caroline Dimond, Director for Public Health for Torbay: There is less of a risk outdoors. We have been working with local businesses and attractions to implement all the guidance around good management of indoor and outdoor sites. A key part of this is people themselves taking responsibility and acting sensibly when they see somewhere is very busy – go at a quieter time or wait for queues to go down.

Like other areas we are supporting our towns to introduce plans that best suit their communities. The sorts of things they can put in place are:

  • Temporary pavement markings to guide people in a certain direction around busy areas eg bus shelters, narrow streets (remembering the need for disability access)
  • 2m distance markings outside shops or attractions like we have in supermarkets
  • Temporarily removing street furniture like notice boards
  • One way pedestrian walkways
  • Pedestrian zones
  • Changing street parking arrangements
  • There are already arrangements in place at school gates to allow safe drop off and collection for families.