Firstly, I’m pleased to say that yesterday’s uncertainty relating to case statistics on a government website has been resolved. We can assure you that the 3 additional positive cases displayed on the government website on 8 October are not on the Isles of Scilly. The Public Health team did an amazing job of identifying the source of confusion so quickly. You can read the full statement from our Director of Public Health at the following link: https://scilly.gov.uk/news/clarification-government-covid-19-data-isles-....
I was particularly pleased to announce this week that our Chief Executive, Paul Masters has been confirmed in post following an interim period of 6 months. What a 6 months it’s been! We are grateful to him for taking to the role with such assurance and leading us through a very difficult time in the authority’s history. You can read more about his permanent appointment at the following link: https://scilly.gov.uk/news/permanent-appointment-chief-executive-paul-ma....
Another piece of good news is that the necessary paperwork has been finalised, enabling the removal of the balconies and scaffolding from the museum building. Like many of you, I am relieved this work can now be undertaken. You can read more about this here: https://scilly.gov.uk/news/update-museum-building-works-7-october-2020.
From Monday 12 October, the government’s Test and Trace Support Payment will be available to eligible Isles of Scilly residents on lower incomes, who cannot work from home and have lost income as a result of the need to self-isolate. This support payment has been introduced now that self-isolation is a legal duty for all those who test positive for coronavirus or are identified by NHS Test and Trace as a close contact. Find out how you can check your eligibility and make a claim here: https://scilly.gov.uk/news/test-and-trace-support-payment.
As you can probably tell, this has been another really busy few days. My aim is to keep these statements weekly whilst there is so much to communicate. Please continue to stay safe and look after each other.
All the very best,
Robert Francis, Chairman of Council