The Government began the home testing kit programme from the last week of April and we are ramping these up further. Some of you will also have noticed that a new drive through testing centre has been set up in the County Ground car park, this is good news as it means that if you are unable to get a home testing kit, you should not have to travel far to get tested. To book a test, please visit: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/
The race to manufacture millions of doses of any potential vaccine has been boosted by a £93 million investment from the government to accelerate construction of the new Vaccines Manufacturing and Innovation Centre, which when completed, will have capacity to produce enough vaccine doses to serve the entire UK population in as little as six months.
Last week the Chancellor announced that the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme will be extended for four months until the end of October. By that point, the Government will have provided eight months of support to British people and businesses. Until the end of July there will be no changes to the scheme whatsoever. From August to October the scheme will continue, for all sectors and regions of the UK, but with greater flexibility to support the transition back to work. For example, employers currently benefiting from the scheme will be able to bring furloughed employees back part-time. Further details will be published by the end of May, but in the meantime more information can be found via: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/chancellor-extends-furlough-scheme-until-october
In local news, earlier this week I wrote to the Leader of Swindon Borough Council and the Parking Services Lead following a series of parking related issues being raised with me by key workers. One particular issue was raised by a nurse who received a ticket after parking restrictions were lifted in her street which left her with nowhere to park. She discovered the ticket having just completed a 12-hour shift during the first week of lockdown. Other issues include nurses and carers who have been unable to park, due to so many of us working from home. I have highlighted these issues with the Council and have urged them to do be pragmatic in their approach. I will continue to do all I can to recognise and support our local heroes.
I have also been contacted by several local residents asking about the Household Recycling Centre and I thought it would be useful to provide you with the update I received from the Council. From today (Wednesday 20th May) the Centre will partially re-open for pre-booked, essential visits only. Residents can now book a specific time slot online. Before booking, please visit the Council’s website to find out more about the restrictions and the changes that will be in place. This can be done through: https://www.swindon.gov.uk/info/20015/bins_rubbish_and_recycling
