We’ve seen another significant moment this week with the launch today of the NHS Test and Trace service. This, fast on the heels of the announcement last Friday that local councils will be at the forefront in responding to local outbreaks, in order to control infection and ensure that the public can be protected from further spread.

The two are complementary, and are vital steps in our recovery and return to more normal lives.

This week we’ve heard that non-essential shops will be opening soon; some school year groups will be returning to classrooms next week and we’re seeing more people out and about and traffic on our roads indicates more people are travelling. All this, but with restrictions. All this, but requiring all of us to remain vigilant, especially with regards to vulnerable and shielded friends and family members.

Many of us, perhaps parents of children returning to school next week, will be feeling mixed emotions. That’s understandable. Our schools are doing all they can to maintain normality, while keeping pupils and staff safe.

So this week, let’s remember how far we’ve come. Let’s clap for our NHS and care workers one last time. But let’s continue to look out for and support each other, at home, at work, and in our daily lives.

Further details online.

Lockdown restrictions are continuing to ease and the County Council is encouraging all road users to take extra care on roads, pavements and cycle routes as more people start to travel. For futher advice

Keeping Devon’s most vulnerable residents safe remains our top priority. Anyone who is isolated and urgently needs essential food, medicine, care or social support, and doesn’t have any family, friends, neighbours or community to help them, can contact the Devon Coronavirus Emergency Helpline on 0345 155 1011

• Being in isolation doesn’t mean you’re on your own. Domestic abuse is never ok.
• Enforced isolation may cause an increase in domestic abuse. Domestic abuse is never ok.
• Limited contact with the outside world may cause tensions at home leading to an increase in domestic abuse. Help is available.
• Victims of abuse may leave isolation to seek refuge.
• Police and service providers will continue to provide help and support to those experiencing domestic abuse.

Devon Domestic Abuse Support Service (DDASS) is a charity that offers advice, guidance and support to women, men and children affected by domestic abuse.

Their main aims are to increase safety and improve wellbeing.

Trading Standards has created an A4 printable information sheet with advice on scams relating to COVID-19

This is primarily for people who may be elderly or vulnerable and connot access information on social media.

Learn Devon, who provide our adult community learning courses, has launched a new range of free support to people who may have been made redundant or are seeking work, and people who just want to improve their digital skills. That could include volunteers supporting the pandemic response, and people who are self-isolating, and businesses generally.

The training will include online courses and tutor-led learning to enable people to look after their mental health. Enrolment is now open, and the free online training will start on Friday 1 May.

To find out more, please visit the Learn Devon website or phone 0345 155 1014.