Tuesday 26 May 2020
Due to the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19), we will now be providing regular email updates for residents to let you know about the latest information we have and any changes to local services that may be affected.

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You can check the latest information on our website at any time by going to https://www.rotherham.gov.uk/coronavirus.

RoSIS Lockdown Choir hits the right note

Hundreds of Rotherham children have joined forces to create a stunning musical tribute to everyone in the local education community.

The virtual performance of ‘A Million Dreams’ by children from schools across the borough was the brainchild of the Rotherham Schools Improvement Service (RoSIS), based at Rotherham Council.

They wanted to say thank you to all the school staff, parents and children in Rotherham for their hard work and dedication during the pandemic – including all those who are home schooling and the many schools which have remained open every day for vulnerable children and children of key workers.

So they put out a call to our schools and asked them to share the lyrics and backing track with their communities. Families returned their videos of children performing the track in their droves and they were mixed together into a powerful, emotional performance.

You can view the video now on the Rosis YouTube channel

A big thank you to Adam Walker and Emma Jackson for helping to create the video, but in particular to the performers who were from Badsley Primary, Blackburn Primary, Bramley Sunnyside Junior, Brinsworth Academy, Harthill Primary, Kelford School, Kimberworth Community Primary, Kiveton Park Infant, Laughton J&I, Redscope Primary, St Mary’s Herringthorpe, Swallownest Primary, Todwick Primary and Wath Central Primary.

The video has been shared widely on social media and was featured on BBC Look North over the Bank Holiday weekend.

Government announces plans for more shops to re-open

The Government announced yesterday that more shops will be able to re-open from next month, provided they can ensure social distancing measures are maintained.

Outdoor markets and car showrooms will be able to reopen from 1st June, or as soon as they are able to meet the COVID-19 secure guidelines to protect shoppers and workers. They have been chosen because the risk of transmission of the virus is lower in outdoor, open spaces.

The Council is reviewing the Government guidance to see if it is practical for Rotherham’s outdoor market to re-open and if so, to set a date.

It’s expected that all other non-essential retail, including shops selling clothes, shoes, toys, furniture, books, and electronics, plus tailors, auction houses, photography studios, and indoor markets, will be able to reopen from 15 June, if the Government’s five tests are met and they follow the COVID-19 secure guidelines, giving them three weeks to prepare.

Businesses will only be able to open from those dates once they have completed a risk assessment, in consultation with trade union representatives or workers, and are confident they are managing the risks.

They must also have taken the necessary steps to become COVID-19 secure in line with the current Health and Safety legislation.

The Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS) is hosting a webinar for retail businesses to provide guidance the Thursday, 28 May at 11am.

Full details of all upcoming BEIS webinars for a range of business types is available from their website.

Government timeline for retail re-opening

Support available for healthy relationships

Relationship Matters is a new partnership between 15 Councils across Yorkshire and the Humber Region, helping families who may be having relationship difficulties.

With coronavirus restrictions meaning families are spending more time together – or in some cases more time apart – the strains on relationships are greater than usual.

It’s important to always consider that, whether you’re together or separated, the way that you communicate with your partner can impact on your children.

All relationships have tricky moments, but it’s how they’re experienced and resolved that matters. Of course, disagreements and arguments are completely normal and part of everyday life but if it is becoming a problem then you can get help.

The Relationship Matters website brings together a wide range advice, coping mechanisms and links to where you can get help with your relationship.

Remember, parental conflict is not the same as domestic abuse  – if you are afraid of your partner or feeling that they control your life then this is more likely to be domestic abuse. Advice on where you can get help is also included on the website.

Click the button below for details about relationship, domestic abuse, family support and safeguarding services in the Rotherham area.

Support available in Rotherham

Travellers from abroad will be required to quarantine

The Home Secretary has announced that the majority of passengers arriving into the UK, including British Citizens, must self-isolate for 14 days starting from 8th June.

The new measures are intended to help slow the spread of COVID-19.

Passengers will be required to provide details of where they are staying and future travel plans so they can be reached if someone they have been in contact with develops the disease. Anyone refusing to complete the contact locator form or quarantine could face a fine of up to £1,000.

There are some exemptions, including:

  • road haulage / freight workers, to ensure the supply of goods is not impacted
  • medical professionals who are travelling to help with the fight against COVID-19
  • anyone moving from within the common travel area (covering Ireland, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man)
  • seasonal agricultural workers who will self-isolate on the property where they are working.

Further details are available by clicking the button below.

New quarantine measures from 8th June

Getting in touch…

During this challenging time please, where possible and appropriate, use our online services rather than calling via telephone. We’re receiving a high level of calls daily and want to ensure we’re able to answer urgent calls regarding vulnerable residents and our front line services.