Councillor Kris Chapman

PEEBLES UPDATE
From the amazing team at Peebles Covid-19 Mutual Support Group, their Peeblesshire News Column is out today.
"Hello from the Peebles COVID-19 Mutual Support Group
... As we approach the two-month lockdown mark we do hope you are all comfortable, safe and keeping well.
This week and next we will also be distributing leaflets on the services for food that the local community and the council offer. All for FREE. If you know anyone that could do with a helping hand let us know. The food is fresh and great. We couldn't do this without the great support of The Food Foundation, the Tontine Hotel and of course the greatest volunteer delivery team.
We have also distributed banners around town with the freephone number (08000096709) sitting proudly at the top. We want the support service to be available to all. Not just those with an internet connection. The support services we offer are proving very useful in easing anxious minds.......
You can read more at https://peeblessupport.org/category/news/
The leaflets can be seen below
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Public asked to play their part as recycling centres to reopen: Community recycling centres across the Scottish Borders will reopen on Monday 1 June, with a number of temporary restrictions in place.

CHANGES TO LOCKDOWN FROM 28 MAY The Scottish Government has announced important changes to the lockdown restrictions from 28 May. What does it mean?
• You will be able to meet people from one other household, though initially in small numbers, and at two metres distance outside. You still can’t go inside other people’s homes unless it’s for a permitted reason.
... • You will be able to sit or sunbathe in parks and open areas as well as exercise.
• Some leisure activities will be allowed to restart - such as golf, tennis, bowls and fishing.
• You can go to outdoor retail outlets such as garden centres.
Please note that these changes have not yet come into force and won’t until after 28 May. So please remember that the existing restrictions still apply and that you can only leave your home for a limited number of reasons.
If you want to reading the full document you can find the link here - https://www.gov.scot/…/coronavirus-covi d-19-framework-deci…/
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Main works contractor appointment for Hawick Flood Protection Scheme: We have confirmed a significant step forward for the Hawick Flood Protection Scheme with the appointment of its main works contractor.

UK first as Inspire Learning ensures Borders pupils make most of technology to learn at home: The Scottish Borders is leading the way in home education with pupils at every secondary school in the region using the latest digital technology to learn during the current Coronavirus pandemic.

Over 2,000 payments made to local firms: We have processed more than 2,000 payments worth a total of over £22.4million for local firms who have applied to the Scottish Government’s Business Support Fund.

Planning Committee to restart online via video conferencing: Our Planning and Building Standards Committee will be the first Council meeting to take place following the start of lockdown due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

CONFIRMATION - WHEN CAN YOU LEAVE YOUR HOUSE? After today’s events, I have seen lots of questions from constituents about what is and is not allowed.
Please note that the situation in Scotland is covered by Scottish specific laws.
... These provide the acceptable reasons for going outside during the Coronavirus spread. They *have not changed* and remain;
🍎 to obtain basic necessities, including food and medical supplies for those in the same household (including any pets or animals in the household) or for a vulnerable person.
🔨 to obtain supplies for the essential upkeep, maintenance and functioning of the household or the household of a vulnerable person.
💷 to obtain money.
🏃‍♂️** to take exercise, either alone or with other members of your household.
** You can leave your home and/or be away from your home for medical need. If you (or a person in your care) have a specific health condition that has routinely required you to leave the home to maintain your health - including if that involves travel beyond your local area - then you can do so. This could, for example, include where individuals with learning disabilities or autism require specific exercise in an open space two or three times each day - ideally in line with a formal care plan agreed with a medical professional.
Even in such cases, in order to reduce the spread of infection and protect those exercising, travel away from the home should be limited, as close to your local area as possible, and you should remain at least two metres apart from anyone who is not a member of your household or a carer at all times.
🏨 to seek medical assistance, including to access to dental services and vets.
🚑 to provide care or assistance to a vulnerable person, including to provide emergency assistance.
❤️ to donate blood.
💻 to travel for the purposes of work or to provide voluntary or charitable services, where it is not reasonably possible for that person to work, or to provide those services, from the place where they are living.
⛪ to attend a funeral of a member of the person’s household or a close family member.
👨‍⚖️ to fulfil a legal obligation, including attending court or satisfying bail conditions, or to participate in legal proceedings.
🎓 to access critical public services, including childcare or educational facilities.
👍 to access social services, services provided by the Department of Work and Pensions and services provided to victims.
👶 in relation to children who do not live in the same household as their parents, or one of their parents, to continue existing arrangements for access.
⛪ in the case of a minister of religion or worship leader, to go to their place of worship,
🏡 to move house where reasonably necessary.
‼️to avoid injury, illness or to escape a risk of harm.
Remember, if you are leaving your house for a reason that doesn’t fall into one of the categories above then you could be considered to be causing an offence.
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Applications open for second phase of Business Support Fund: Applications are open for the second phase of the Scottish Government’s Business Support Fund, which provides 75 per cent grants from the fund for businesses with multiple premises.

Amazing effort by the Food Foundation!

Almost £20m of business grants approved for local businesses: Over 1,800 applications from Scottish Borders firms to the Scottish Government’s Business Support Fund have been approved, totalling almost £20m.

Mobile COVID-19 testing station to open for key workers who are self-isolating From Friday 1 May a mobile testing unit will be located in Netherdale Car Park in Galashiels to provide tests for key workers who're self-isolating due to them or household members displaying symptoms

Scottish Government fund for the newly self-employed open for applications Anyone newly self-employed in the Scottish Borders is now able to access financial support from the Scottish Government.

Time is running out to give your views on the future of #Peebles High School. Please fill in The Councils online survey by end of the day on Thursday.
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International Workers’ Memorial Day We are coming together with local Trade Unions to mark International Workers’ Memorial Day on Tuesday 28 April. http://ifttt.com/images/no_image_card.png

Change in some of the time. Find out more 👇