This morning the UK COVID-19 alert level was lowered from Level 4 to Level 3. This is positive news and hopefully signals that the government may take further steps towards easing lockdown measures in the coming days and weeks. In particular, we look forward to being able to warmly welcome visitors safely to the islands in the not-too-distant future.
This week has seen the reopening of several more retail outlets on island. It is heartening to see the dedication shown by business owners to enable their customers to shop safely. The new conditions in which we find ourselves working are not necessarily easy, but risk mitigation remains as important as ever to the welfare of our residents and visitors alike and to the resilience of our local economy. These local businesses are taking their responsibilities seriously and are no doubt looking forward to providing the warm Isles of Scilly welcome their customers know and love.
Our next meeting of Full Council will take place on 23 June 2020. This meeting will feature another report on the work our officers have been undertaking behind the scenes in relation to coronavirus. The attachments to this report include a summary of what has been going on in each of our services over the past few months. It makes for interesting reading and shows how much work we are doing to find the answers to your urgent questions, in addition to maintaining as much of our usual service provision as possible. You can find the main COVID-19 report and supporting documents here:
http://committees.scilly.gov.uk/mgAi.aspx?id=16206
In addition to this, we are establishing a Local Outbreak Engagement Board, which will provide a forum for answering critical questions that affect the whole of Scilly, but do not necessarily sit in the remit of a single organisation.
We hope to be able to get more information out to you all soon. In the meantime, please support your local businesses by shopping local where possible. Pending further advice from government with regard to the easing of restrictions, let’s do our best to help each other get back on our feet!