Coronavirus (covid-19) information hub

Local COVID Alert Level in Northumberland is HIGH - find out what this means for you here

 

Find out how to download the NHS Covid-19 app here

Latest coronavirus updates

The latest information, updates and advice on coronavirus (COVID-19), including local restrictions in Northumberland, changes to national restrictions across England, testing and testing sites, travel advice, and more.

This page was last updated on 14 October at 08:00.

 

⚠️IMPORTANT UPDATE⚠️

Following discussions with Leaders and MPs across the region, the Government has confirmed that Northumberland is subject to the ‘HIGH’ local COVID alert tier (tier 2) of national restrictions that came into force on Wednesday 14 October - as with all other areas, this will be kept under close review by Government and Public Health England and subject to change at any time in line with case numbers, hospital admissions and local hospital capacity. 

What changes on Wednesday 14 October 2020?

You may also find the following links useful:

The Government have also provided the following poster that summarises the restrictions within the high tier. Please click on the image below to view a larger version and will will add a more accessibile PDF version as soon as we have it:

Image showing covid high tier of national restrictions  

 

Index of information on this page:

Local Coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions for Northumberland

This information was last updated on 14 October 2020 at 08:00.

⚠️IMPORTANT UPDATE⚠️

Following discussions with Leaders and MPs across the region, the Government has confirmed that Northumberland will be subject to the ‘HIGH’ local COVID alert tier (tier 2) of national restrictions that came into force on Wednesday 14 October - as with all other areas, this will be kept under close review by Government and Public Health England and subject to change at any time in line with case numbers, hospital admissions and local hospital capacity. 
 

What changes on Wednesday 14 October 2020?

You may also find the following links useful:


Your Questions Answered: 

Last updated on Wednesday 14 October at 08:00. 
Answers to frequently asked questions are below. Click on the questions to reveal the answers.

FAQ section one

Questions about new COVID alert levels

The Government has set out new COVID alert levels, which come into effect on October 14, they are:
 
• Medium – this is for areas where national restrictions continue to be in place.
• High – this is for areas with a higher level of infections where some additional restrictions are in place.
• Very high – this is for areas with a very high level of infections and where tighter restrictions are in place.
The North East region is subject to ‘high’ restrictions.
  • Residents must not socialise with other people outside of their own households or support bubble in private homes
  • Residents must not socialise with other people outside of their own households or support bubble indoors, such as pubs and restaurants (a full list of these venues is below)
  • Hospitality for food and drink will be restricted to table service only
  • Late night restriction of operating hours will be introduced, with leisure and entertainment venues required to close between 10pm to 5am.

Residents are also advised to adhere to the following guidance to further reduce rates of infection:
  • Residents are advised to only use public transport for essential purposes, such as travelling to school or work
  • Holidays should be taken within your own household or support bubble
  • Residents are advised against attending outdoor amateur and semi-professional sporting events as spectators.
No, except under these measures you can now meet in someone’s garden as long as it’s not with more than six people.

The whole of North Tyneside, Newcastle, Northumberland, Gateshead, County Durham, Sunderland and South Tyneside.

These measures will help to address the significant rise in coronavirus cases in the region in recent weeks.

There is an increased risk of transmission the more people who gather together. Our data shows an increased rate of transmission in homes, hospitality venues and through grassroot sports.

We are doing everything we can to protect our most vulnerable, keep businesses open and children in school, which these measures will help with.
Infection rates have risen significantly in all areas, with increased numbers of outbreaks, leading to more community transmission across the region. While our rates of infections are different, all local authorities in this area are seeing significant rises in positive cases.
 
People also travel frequently between the different area for work and leisure, so it makes sense for us to come together to contain this latest increase in infections.
Restrictions are monitored closely, and we are waiting for information from government on when they will be reviewed.

FAQ section two

Household changes and support bubbles

You must not meet people who do not live with you or are not part of your support bubble, either indoors, unless for the specific purposes mentioned below.
 
People should only come inside your home for specific purposes:
  • where everyone in the gathering lives together or is in the same support bubble
  • to attend a birth at the mother’s request
  • to visit a person who is dying (the visitor can be someone the dying person lives with, a close family member, friend or, if none of those is visiting, anyone else)
  • to fulfil a legal obligation
  • for work purposes (see guidance on working safely in other people’s homes), or for the provision of voluntary or charitable services
  • for the purposes of education or training
  • for the purposes of childcare provided by a registered provider 
  • to provide emergency assistance
  • to enable one or more persons in the gathering to avoid injury or illness or to escape a risk of harm
  • to facilitate a house move
  • to provide care or assistance to a vulnerable person
  • to continue existing arrangements for access to, and contact between, parents and children where the children do not live in the same household as their parents, or one of their parents.
Yes. You also do not need to socially distance from someone you’re in an established relationship with, or anyone in your legally permitted support bubble if you are in one.

 

A support bubble is a close support network between a household with only one adult in the home (known as a single-adult household) and one other household of any size.
 
Once you’re in a support bubble, you can think of yourself as being in a single household with people from the other household. It means you can have close contact with that household as if they were members of your own household.
 
Once you make a support bubble, you should not change who is in your bubble.
 
You should not have multiple bubbles.
Only official/registered tradespeople can go to other people’s homes for work purposes as long as you follow national guidance on how to work safely there. This includes mobile hairdressers and beauticians.
Yes.

FAQ section three

Shielding and vulnerable people

Under the ‘high’ alert level, the Government’s advice for clinically extremely vulnerable people is that you keep the number of different people you meet with low. The fewer people you meet, the less likely you are to catch COVID-19.

You are encouraged to continue to go outside with your household and/or support bubble because of the benefits of exercise. If you do choose to meet other households outside of your support bubble, this must be outside, must be in groups of less than six people and the Government advises you to keep the numbers low.

You do not need to maintain social distancing within your household. You are advised to reduce the number of shopping trips you make. If you do go to the shops, consider doing so at quieter times of the day.

Click here for more information.

Northumberland Communities Together Response Hub can connect residents with the support they need if family or friends are not nearby. Phone 01670 620015 between 9am to 6pm, seven days a week. 
If you are deaf or can’t speak on the phone, contact us using Relay UK. Download the Relay UK app or using your existing text phone prefix our dedicated text Relay number: 018001 01670 623 515 
 
British Sign Language users can now contact the Northumberland Communities Together Response Hub using SignVideo Web Access, an online sign language interpreting service. To contact us using this service use: northumberlandcc-covid.signvideo.net 

FAQ section four

Childcare and informal childcare

You can continue to use early years and childcare settings, including childminders and providers offering before or after school clubs or other out-of-school settings for children. You can also continue to employ nannies, including those living outside of the region.
 
Children of parents who are separated can continue to move between households.
 
‘Informal’ childcare, for example grandparents looking after children, is allowed for children under 14 or vulnerable adults where that is necessary for caring purposes (see questions 9-11 for further information)

It does not allow for play-dates or parties.
 
This informal arrangement exemption was announced by government on September 21 after initially not being permitted.
 
The seven local authorities had asked for informal childcare to be exempt from the restrictions and lobbied for this to change.
 
We would advise that vulnerable people should not provide childcare.
Yes. Grandparents who live in the same household, i.e. grandma and grandad, can link with one other household so that the parents of the children can work.
No. You can only link with one other household at any time, so the parents of the children can work.
One set from one household, so the parents can work.

FAQs section five

Education

No. Schools, colleges and universities remain open and are operating in a COVID-secure way.

Unless exempt, in education settings where students in Year 7 and above are educated, including middle schools, face coverings should be worn by staff, visitors and students when moving around in corridors and communal areas.

 

FAQs section six

Travel and transport

Yes, people living inside and outside of these areas can continue to travel for work or school. Workplaces and schools themselves should also be implementing covid-secure measures.

You must not visit anyone’s home inside or outside of the restricted area (except for your support bubble).
You can still go on holiday within the UK or abroad, but you should only do this with people you live with (or have formed a support bubble with).

You need to follow any rules in the area you visit and be aware of the self-isolation rules when travelling to and from certain countries.
 
People can visit the region on holiday but must comply with the local restrictions.
Residents are advised to walk or cycle when possible and when travelling by car to only travel with those in your household and/or support bubble.
 
It is advised to only use public transport for essential purposes, such as travelling to school or work.
Face coverings must be worn unless exempt.

 

Newcastle Airport, train stations and ports remain open and members of the public are permitted to travel to and from these locations.

FAQs section seven

Care homes and hospitals

Care homes in the region have been advised to stop non-essential visiting, excluding health care professionals and those involved in end of life care (including family members).
 
If you are planning to visit relatives in care homes outside the affected areas, then check with the care home prior to travelling to ensure that they are still open to visits from family members.

 
Please check with the hospital before visiting.

FAQs section eight

Visiting hopsitality venues

The following must close from 10pm to 5am:
  • Pubs
  • Bars and restaurants (including hotel dining rooms and members’ clubs)
  • Cafes including workplace canteens (but not including cafes or canteens at hospitals, care homes, prisons, establishments intended for the use of naval, military or air force purposes, and for providing food or drink to the homeless, or those where there is no practical alternative for staff at that workplace to obtain food) 
  • Social clubs
  • Cinemas
  • Theatres
  • Casinos
  • Bingo halls and concert halls
  • Amusement arcades or other indoor leisure centres or facilities
  • Static/fixed funfairs (indoors or outdoors), theme parks, and adventure parks and activities
During opening hours (5am to 10pm), venues serving alcohol must operate table service only for food and drinks – this includes ordering. Those venues who don’t serve alcohol can operate counter service, but the consumption of food and drinks should take place at a table as much as possible.
 
Hospitality venues must take reasonable steps to ensure that bookings are not accepted, or customers admitted onto the premises if they
  • are groups of more than one household and support bubble if they will be located indoors.
  • or more than 6 people if the group does include multiple households if they will be seated outside.
As elsewhere in the country, venues must also take details of customers for NHS Test and Trace from September 18.

Hot food takeaways MUST close to walk-ins between 10pm and 5am each day, but they can continue to operate a delivery service during these hours, via a website, telephone, text message, post, or by ‘drive-throughs’.

No. From September 30, you can only visit the venues listed below with members of your own household (or support bubble).
 
  • Restaurants, including restaurants and dining rooms in hotels or members’ clubs
  • Bars, including bars in hotels or members’ clubs
  • Public houses 
  • Social clubs
  • Casinos
  • Cafes
  • Workplace canteens (except those at hospital, care home, school, prison, those providing food or drink to the homeless, those intended for naval military or air force purposes, or those where there is no practical alternative for staff at that workplace to obtain food)
It is also advised that you don’t visit a beer garden/pavement cafe with other households or congregate outside a public venue.
This is because the hospitality industry has enhanced measures, such as risk assessments and test and trace, which private homes don’t have.

 

FAQs section nine

Meeting others outdoors

If you decide to meet with friends and family you do not live with outdoors, including in private gardens, you must not meet in a group of more than six and you must practice social distancing.

FAQs section ten

Events (wedding, funerals, etc.)

For England, including in the North East of England, the following attendance limits apply for weddings and funerals:
 
  • Weddings and civil partnership ceremonies are limited to 15 people
  • Wedding receptions and celebrations can continue for up to 15 people in the form of a sit-down meal and in a Covid Secure setting, not in a private dwelling.
  • Funerals (including ceremonies at crematoria) are limited to 30 people
  • All other religious or belief-based standalone life cycle ceremonies or celebrations are limited to 6 people
Anyone working at these ceremonies or events are not included as part of the person limit.
 
The additional restriction on mixing with other households within indoor settings does not change the attendance limits.

FAQs section eleven

Sports

You can continue to take part in organised sporting or licensed physical activity in groups of more than six outdoors and only one household and support bubble (for over 18s) indoors. There is an exemption for indoor sports if it is organised for the purposes of someone who has a disability taking part and an exemption for children’s activities.

Outdoor activities either need to be organised by a national governing body, club, registered instructor/coach, business or charity, and/or involve someone who has received an official licence to use equipment relevant to the activity. In all cases, the organiser must conduct a risk assessment and ensure compliance with COVID-19 Secure guidance.
 
You should only be playing team sports where the relevant governing body has published guidance on how to do so safely and is outdoors. See a list of team sports governing bodies which have developed guidance. For all other sports, guidance is available from your governing body and details on how to safely undertake this activity within an organised environment.

Organised dance and exercise classes can take place in groups of more than six outdoors, where a risk assessment has been carried out, but you must not mix with more than five other participants. The relevant indoor sport facilities guidance or outdoor guidance must be followed for these activities. Outdoor organised sport and physical activity events are allowed provided they follow guidance for the public on the phased return of outdoor sport and recreation in England.

We advise that you should not attend amateur or professional sporting events as a spectator in the affected local areas. If you do attend, you must remain socially distanced and groups of no more than six when outdoors (and if indoors only with your household or support bubble).
Yes, providing it is organised by a national governing body, club, registered instructor, business or charity or someone with an official licence. Please wear a face covering if using public transport unless exempt.

 

Yes, as long as these venues have the required Covid-secure risk assessments and guidelines in place.

FAQs section twelve

Community activities

Activities organised by community and voluntary organisations, including physical activity, education, providing support to vulnerable people, youth groups, charitable and voluntary work, are permitted and can exceed the limit of six people based on their individual Covid risk assessment. However, particular care must be taken to stringently follow guidance on social distancing, handwashing and the taking of attendees’ details for purposes of contact tracing.

FAQs section thirteen

Testing for COVID-19

You need to get tested as soon as possible (within the first five days of having symptoms).
 
You can book online here or by calling NHS 119. You will then be invited to a test site - or you can order a home test kit if you can’t get to a test site.
 
The testing service continues to be very busy throughout the country, so please only book one if you have symptoms or have been asked to get tested by the NHS Test and Trace Programme.
 
If you cannot get a test at first, or the location or time are not convenient, try again in a few hours as slots become available. If no tests are available online, do not call the helpline to get a test as no extra tests are available through it.
 
NHS Test and Trace has seen unprecedented demand for testing recently, but new booking slots and home testing kits are made available daily and it is targeting testing capacity at the areas that need it most. It has also doubled its capacity to process tests – most people get their results the next day.
If someone in your household starts to have symptoms, then that person must get tested and the rest of the household should self-isolate with them whilst they wait for the results.

If you or other members of the household don’t have symptoms, then you should not get a test – only people with symptoms should get tested.
 
It is very important that people with symptoms and their household members stay at home before the test and until they receive their results.
A negative result means the test did not find coronavirus.
 
You do not need to self-isolate if your test is negative, as long as:
  • Everyone you live with (or your support bubble) who has symptoms tests negative
  • You were not told to self-isolate for 14 days by NHS Test and Trace
  • If you feel well – if you feel unwell, stay at home until you’re feeling better.

FAQs section fourteen

Reporting someone breaking the rules

Where people are breaking the rules, we will seek to engage, explain and encourage them to adhere to the restrictions. However, enforcement action will be taken where appropriate.
 
If an individual is breaching restrictions, you can report it to Northumbria Police. To do so, where possible, people are asked to use the reporting tool on the force’s website www.northumbria.police.uk. Alternatively, you can call 101. The police will assess the circumstances to determine the appropriate action.
 
Once the legislation is in place, the police or the local authority will be able to take action against those who break these rules, including asking people to disperse and issuing fixed penalty notice.
 
People aged 18 or over can be fined:
  • £200 for the first offence, lowered to £100 if paid within 14 days
  • £400 for the second offence, then doubling for each further offence up to a maximum of £6,400

The government has also introduced fines for those who hold illegal gatherings of over 30 people. Holding or being involved in the holding of an illegal gathering of more than 30 people is an offence, and police may issue fines of £10,000 to those who break the law.
 

Concerned about a business in Northumberland breaking the rules? 

FAQs section fifteen

Infection rates

National coronavirus updates and advice

Find the latest updates and changes to restrictions announced by Government.

This information was last updated on 15 October 2020 at 10:29.

 

⚠️Northumberland COVID alert level: HIGH (tier 2)

Following discussions with Leaders and MPs across the region, the Government has confirmed that Northumberland is subject to the HIGH covid alert level tier (tier 2) of national restrictions that came into force on Wednesday 14 October - as with all other areas, this will be kept under close review by Government and Public Health England and subject to change at any time in line with case numbers, hospital admissions and local hospital capacity. 


Latest changes to national coronavirus restrictions - more about COVID alert levels (tiers)

  1. Confirmation by the Government of our HIGH tier (tier 2) level can be read here (at bottom of page)
  2. Basic information about what each local alert level means can be read here
  3. Basic information about the HIGH tier (tier 2) of national restrictions can be read here
  4. More detailed information about the HIGH tier (tier 2) of national restrictions has now been added here

Latest information and advice:

Latest Government announcements:



We can all play a part by:

  • Following public health authorities’ advice, for example on hand washing
  • Reducing the impact and spread of misinformation by using trusted sources, such as that on www.nhs.uk/ and www.gov.uk/
  • Checking and following the latest FCO travel advice when travelling and planning to travel
  • Ensuring you and your family’s vaccinations are up to date as this will help - reduce the pressure on the NHS and social care, through reducing vaccine-preventable diseases
  • Checking on elderly or vulnerable family, friends and neighbours - while still following social distancing and shielding guidelines
  • ​Using NHS 111 online coronavirus service in the first instance if you have any concerns.
  • Understanding the pressures the health and social care systems may be under, and receptive to changes that may be needed to the provision of care to you and your family.
  • Accepting that the advice for managing COVID-19 for most people will be self isolation at home and simple over the counter medicines
  • Checking for new advice as the situation changes

Useful links to helpful information


What you can and can't do during COVID-19

The government have created a helpful FAQs webpage so you can clearly see the rules we should be following during the coronavirus pandemic.

This information was last updated on 15 October 2020 at 13:50.

What you can and can't do - local restrictions

⚠️Northumberland COVID alert level: HIGH (tier 2)

Following discussions with Leaders and MPs across the region, the Government has confirmed that Northumberland is subject to the HIGH covid alert level tier (tier 2) of national restrictions that came into force on Wednesday 14 October - as with all other areas, this will be kept under close review by Government and Public Health England and subject to change at any time in line with case numbers, hospital admissions and local hospital capacity. 

Find out more about how this impacts what you can and can't do in Northumberland at these links:

What does mean for clinically vulnerable and clinically extremely vulnerable people?

Now that Northumberland is subject to COVID alert level HIGH (tier 2), the Government has issued some additional guidance for those who are most at risk from coronavirus. There is guidance for the ‘clinically vulnerable’ and the ‘clinically extremely vulnerable’.  


Face coverings

It is now mandatory to wear face coverings in more settings The list of places and people who must wear a face covering was extended on 22 September.. You can read the full list of locations here.  

Your face covering must cover your nose and mouth at all times.   

Please click here to see how you can make your own face covering.

 


Staying alert

We can all help control the virus if we all stay alert. This means you must:

  • stay at home as much as possible

  • work from home if you can

  • limit contact with other people

  • keep your distance if you go out (2 metres apart where possible)

  • wash your hands regularly

Do not leave home if you or anyone in your household has symptoms. If you have symptoms, or if you test positive for the virus, you must self-isolate for 10 days.

Remember: HANDS FACE SPACE

Travelling overseas during COVID-19

The government have put together expert guidance on travelling overseas during the coronavirus pandemic.

This information was last updated on 17 September 2020.

 

IMPORTANT - Please read the local restrictions currently in place within Northumberland by clicking here

 

Please click here for travel advice. This link will open in a new tab, and will take you to the gov.uk website.

You can find updates to the travel corridors for England at the gov.uk site here. This will take you to a list of countries and territories from where you can travel to England and may not have to self-isolate.
 

Financial support for vulnerable residents - Coronavirus (COVID-19)

This section provides information regarding financial support for Northumberland residents during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

This information was last updated on 17 September 2020.

 

IMPORTANT - Please read the local restrictions currently in place within Northumberland by clicking here

 


Advice from the government

Self-isolation enforcement and support

You may be eligible for financial help if you need to self-isolate - please click here for more information.  

 

Assistance for Northumberland Residents

All individuals will be offered the opportunity to be supported to access benefits in line with government guidance.

Click here to learn more about claiming benefits during the coronavirus outbreak. This page includes information about statutory sick pay, universal credit, jobcentre appointments, and more.
 

 

Council Tax Support, Housing Benefit, and Universal Credit

Residents can make an application for:

If residents are otherwise experiencing hardship but are not entitled to benefits they may choose to contact the Northumberland Community Bank.

Northumberland Emergency Transition Support (NETS) provides crisis support to residents of Northumberland. Details of the support available and the application process can be found here.
 
Residents can also telephone 0345 600 6400 and follow the options for Benefits then NETS team. Lines are open from 8.30am to 5pm Monday to Thursday and 8.30am to 4.30pm on Friday.

 

The Hardship Fund

The Government’s Hardship Fund will be used to reduce bills further for those already receiving council tax support, new claimants of council tax support and to establish a hardship fund in the county.
 
PLEASE NOTE: Residents already receiving support through the Council Tax Reduction Scheme don’t need to contact us, as the additional help will be automatically applied to bills in the next few weeks.
 
The Council Tax Hardship Fund will be allocated to qualifying residents. This is an additional £150 of funding for those who already receive support due to their financial situation.
 
The scheme will help towards the cost of Council Tax for people on a low income or those who claim certain benefits including Universal Credit. It means that those who may have lost work or money due to coronavirus, could now benefit from this means of help.
 

I am struggling with bills, rent, or mortage - what support is available?

Find out what you support you can get if you're affected by coronavirus here - this link will take you to gov.uk, where you can select what issues you are having and find support. 

Financial support for businesses

This section provides information regarding financial support for Northumberland businesses during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

Assistance for Northumberland Businesses

Please visit our dedicated Northumberland business hub section of our website to access all of the support available. 

Questions about COVID-19

This section provides Northumberland residents with some of the answers to their COVID-19 questions. These questions relate to the virus itself.

What is coronavirus?

A coronavirus is a type of virus. As a group, coronaviruses are common across the world. COVID-19 is a disease caused by a new coronavirus. Public Health England (PHE) have a comprehensive guide on what COVID-19 is and this is available, together with their associated professional advice.

Is coronavirus the same as COVID-19?

Coronaviruses are a family of viruses which cause a range of diseases. COVID-19 is the name given to the disease caused by a new coronavirus which had not previously been identified.

I'm worried about coronavirus, where can I get help and support?

Click here to access the range of information sources on COVID-19 provided by Public Health England and the government.

Education & school closures

This section provides Northumberland residents with some of the answers to their education and school related questions, in light of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

 

This information was last updated on 17 September 2020.

 

IMPORTANT - Please read the local restrictions currently in place within Northumberland by clicking here

 


Please click here for all the latest information and frequently asked questions regarding schools and COVID-19.

Safeguarding

This section provides Northumberland residents with some answers to their questions in relation to safeguarding and how it is impacted by coronavirus (COVID-19).

This information was last updated on 17 September 2020.

 

IMPORTANT - Please read the local restrictions currently in place within Northumberland by clicking here

 



Click here for Safeguarding Adults information & advice regarding coronavrius (COVID-19).

Click here for Safeguarding Children information & advice regarding coronavirus (COVID-19).

A number of online groups are appearing, suggesting that people contact them if they require assisstance. Whilst we are sure the intentions of people setting these up is genuine, how do we ensure that the safeguarding of vulnerable people is not compromised?

We have made contact with key groups to ensure that support is provided in a co-ordinated way, and that the vulnerability of our communities is protected wherever possible. We are aware that some individuals may not have good natured intentions and if we become aware of these we will notify the police accordingly.

Health and Wellbeing

This section provides Northumberland residents with some answers to their health and wellbeing questions, in relation to coronavirus (COVID-19).

Where can I get general advice about my health and wellbeing at this time?

We recommend that you seek general advice online from NHS.uk and NHS 111 online.

Social care

This section provides Northumberland residents with some answers to their social care questions, in relation to coronavirus (COVID-19).

This information was last updated on 17 September 2020.

 

IMPORTANT - Please read the local restrictions currently in place within Northumberland by clicking here

 

Social Care


How do we provide home care to residents, including those we do not yet know about, without compromising the health of residents and staff?

A robust plan is in place to ensure that those residents that need support receive it.

We are working with partner agencies to ensure that we minimise visits to each individual (i.e 1 visit instead of 3 separate agencies) and have met with carer providers to identify people they are working with that were not known to our service, so we can provide advice and support. 

What provisions are in place to protect the most vulnerable of our residents in residential care homes and sheltered accomodation?

Public Health, Adult and Children's social care, and Housing colleagues are working closely to ensure that there is strong communication, resources, and support available across the county, promoting good public health messages and ensuring that workers and residents are aware of the current resources available to them. 

How are we going to support families of those in 'at-risk' age and medical groups to care for their relatives, stay safe themselves and continue in their employment?

The Council has a lead role in providing support to those residents who are 'shielding'. Click here for information about how to access national support. 

Northumberland Communities Together has been launched in response to the Coronavirus pandemic. It will make sure our residents are kept safe and well throughout this crisis, and provide coordination to support individual volunteers, voluntary groups and communities across our county. Click here to learn more about Northumberland Communities Together, such as how they may be able to help you by delivering food and medicine.
 
The ‘How can I get help?’ section on our website features information about personal support, bereavement support, employment support and financial support during the Coronavirus pandemic. Click here to visit 'How can I get help?' web page. 

What is going to happen with community outreach programmes, particularly for those with physical and mental disabilities?

Senior managers reviewed all our services to assess which should be temporarily suspended or delivered differently within communities. Critical services will be maintained at all times, although these may need to be delivered differently.

Are there any plans to close the day centres that vulnerable and disabled adults go to?

As a result of Public Health advice about social distancing, many of the people who usually attend day services told us that they did not want to continue going during the crisis. Most of the organisations providing day services have decided as a result to suspend their operations, and the Council has also suspended operation of its own day services. 

We have reviewed the needs of all people who usually attend day services which have suspended their operation. Where day services provided a person with essential personal care or other support, we have made sure it will continue to be provided in other ways. 

The Council highly values the range of day services for people with care and support needs in the county, and is taking steps to ensure that their future is not at risk because of the COVID-19 emergency. 

Communication

This page provides Northumberland residents with some answers to their communication related questions during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Does the council have any social media pages that I should follow, which may be useful during this period?

The council's public Facebook and Twitter pages will provide comprehensive updates as they are known. The staff Facebook page will also have useful information. 

Housing

This section providers Northumberland residents with the answers to some of their housing questions in relation to coronavirus (COVID-19).

This information was last updated on 17 September 2020.

 

IMPORTANT - Please read the local restrictions currently in place within Northumberland by clicking here

 


Are there any plans to give tenants a rent and council tax holiday if they are unable to work?

There currently no plans to give tenants a rent and council tax holiday, but this will be reviewed in line with any national guidance recieved, and the council will carefully consider how they communicate with residents over any outstanding rent/council tax at this time.

Will there be a guarantee that tenants will not face eviction if they are unable to pay their rent due to illness, self-isolation, or unpaid leave?

We would like to reassure tenants that we will not be evicting people who are in rent arrears as a direct result of the coronavirus.

What support are we offering house owners and private landlords?

We are currently reviewing the infromation available to house owners and private landlords, but directing residents to the nationally available guidance. The Private Sector Housing Team has identified key services which we will aim to deliver for as long as possible, in order to support private landlords and their tenants. Click here to view these key services.

The above document includes links to important information for Private Landlords in relation to keeping themselves and their tenants safe, as well as information regarding new emergency legislation for eviction proceedings. The Private Sector Housing Team's contact details are also included for customers who have specific questions about how we may be able to help. 

What measures are we putting in place to ensure that residents know what benefits they are entitled to and how to claim them? For instance, Universal Credit claimants can also claim Housing Benefit. 

Our teams are well placed to advise residents over the phone on the the potential benefits they be entitled to and to conduct a claim on their behalf.