COVID19 & Aynho Update

LATEST NEWS
Aynho Parish Council met virtually on the 6th April and, in addition to the usual agenda items, discussed the village response to the Covid-19 situation. Key decisions were as follows:

• We will be closing the tennis court on the playing field – this is a following a directive from NALC (National  Association  of Local Councils) that supports a government directive to take this action across the Country
• We will keep the playing field open to enable exercise but will instigate a one way system around the track to avoid social distance clashes. Please, in the meantime, give way to the more elderly or frail users and runners should pass others by going off the track. 
• As the field is going to remain open, we believe it is difficult to close completely the outdoor gym equipment. The use of this equipment, like any other surface, does constitute a risk of virus particles being transferred so PLEASE ENSURE ANYONE WHO HAS USED THE EQUIPMENT WASHES THEIR HANDS THOROUGHLY ON RETURNING HOME.  Users of the equipment do so at their own risk.  

The Government guidelines of the use of open spaces is: 

• stay local and use open spaces near to your home where possible – do not travel unnecessarily
• you should only go outside alone or with members of your own household
• keep at least 2 metres apart from anyone outside your household at all times
• gatherings of more than two in parks or other public spaces have been banned and the police will enforce this
• if you have a garden, make use of the space for exercise and fresh air
• take hygiene precautions when you are outside, and wash your hands as soon as you are back indoors
• if walking your dog in areas used by other people, you should walk your dog on a lead to ensure you can safely keep 2 metres away from others. 

Any comments/suggestions/concerns please email us at: 

andy.anderson@aynho.org     clerk@aynho.org

• We all need to play our part and stop virus from spreading. Please assume EVERYONE is infectious even if they don’t have symptoms. This will save lives. 
• The Blandford Blackfly season has started. Bites can be serious. Information from Deddington Health Centre can be seen HERE
•  Your Council are meeting online regularly so if you have any questions or concerns about the current situation or village life then use the email addresses below 
• Dental service news. All dentists have been told to stop routine, non-urgent dental care including orthodontics. Emergency services will continue. 

• We have received a fantastic local response for volunteers so thank you for all who have completed the Household data form. PLEASE COMPLETE EVEN IF YOU DON’T NEED HELP RIGHT NOW (YOU MIGHT) OR IF YOU CANNOT OFFER SUPPORT AS WE WOULD LIKE  TO ENABLE COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS BEYOND THE CURRENT CRISIS.  The online version is HERE
• We have added over 30 new subscribers to this newsletter via direct requests from the Community Facebook page or from the Household data form.  To ensure we comply with GDPR please UNSUBSCRIBE via the link below if you do not wish to receive these updates. 
• There are other volunteer schemes being announced such as South Northamptonshire and NHS).  We do not plan to register for these as a Council at this stage but feel free to do so as individuals if you want to offer help to a wider geography or ways that require formal checks such as DBS certificates.  

• For those helping local residents the Government guidance on How to Help Safely can be seen HERE

• Holding your breath for 10 seconds without coughing does not mean you are clear of the virus. If, however, you have any breathing difficulties such as being unable to do this as described you should obtain medical advice urgently. 
• Drinking water every 15 minutes does not physically wash away the virus from inside cells but continued hydration is important to support the immune system and does no harm.