April 9: Coronavirus (COVID-19) update from Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council

There has been a fall in the number of COVID-19 cases across the Borough.

There were 124 new cases during the week ending April 4, a rate of 62.8 per 100,000 population, compared with 202 new cases the previous week.

Although this is an encouraging fall in case numbers, it's vitally important that we all keep following the Our People to continue to reduce the spread of the virus as we move into Step 2 of the National roadmap.

There are a number of changes to delivery of Council services on Monday, 12 April.

Libraries

The following libraries will reopen to the public on Monday:

• Stockton Central
• Billingham
• Thornaby Central
• Ingleby Barwick
• Norton
• Yarm

Monday to Friday opening hours will be 10am to 4.30pm (closed for lunch between 1pm and 2pm). Billingham, Ingleby Barwick, Stockton Central and Thornaby Central libraries will open from 10am to 2pm on Saturdays, while Norton and Yarm libraries will open from 10am to 1pm on Saturdays.

Customers will be able to return books, browse for 20 minutes, and have 45 minutes of pre-booked ICT access (except at Yarm Library).

Book reservations, click and collect, photocopying, printing and laminating services will also be available.

Family Hubs

Our four Family Hubs - Billingham, Redhill, Stockton and Thornaby - will reopen from Monday offering the following services:

• Home safety advice and collection of home safety equipment (booking required)
• Call in for general advice and support
• Call in to discuss support/advice for issues with sleep ages 0-19
• Call in for advice/support on behaviour and parenting support 0-19
• Virtual Baby Massage/Yoga/Powerful Parents Programmes
• Talk and Walk Group for new mums and babies
• Relax Kids 3-16 years programme
• Food bank vouchers

The Family Hub cafés will also offer takeaway food from Monday. Redhill will open from 9am to 12noon on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, Stockton will open from 9am to 3pm on Thursdays and Fridays, and Billingham will open from 12noon to 4pm on Thursdays and Fridays.

Stay and Play groups and some parent support groups will begin to take place from 3 May.

Wedding and civil partnership ceremonies

All wedding and civil partnership ceremonies will resume on Monday with a maximum of 15 attendees. This includes the two people getting married and up to 13 guests.

The Rediscover Stockton Shop

The Rediscover Stockton Shop on Stockton High Street will reopen on Monday.

Community Centres

Community centres across the Borough will begin to reopen from Monday.

Tees Active leisure centres

Billingham Forum, IB Leisure, Stockton Splash, Tees Barrage International White Water Centre, Thornaby Pavilion and Thornaby Pool will reopen on Monday.

For further information, visit Our places.

Testing for residents without COVID-19 symptoms

There are many options for anyone living or working in the Borough, and who does not have COVID-19 symptoms, to get a COVID-19 test.

These include attending one of the Borough's Community Testing sites, booking a test at Splash, collecting a pack of tests to do at home, or ordering a pack of tests online to be delivered to your home.

You can read about the different testing options available at Stockton Borough Council.

Testing for residents with COVID-19 symptoms

Remember, if you DO have any symptoms - high temperature, a new continuous cough, or a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste - you need to book a test through the NHS.

Tests are free and can be booked either Our People or by calling 119.

Help for vulnerable and elderly people

The COVID Community Support Team can help vulnerable and elderly residents by collecting shopping, picking up prescriptions or making sure people who are self-isolating, shielding and may be worried or lonely get the support they need.

You can contact the team on 01642 733906 between 9am and 12noon, Monday to Friday, or by emailing covidcommunitysupport@catalyststockton.org.

Help for people who are struggling financially

A lot of people are facing financial hardship due to the effects of COVID-19.

You can find lots of information on our website about welfare support, the £500 Test and Trace support payments, housing support, help with Council Tax, and the Hardship Fund.

For more information visit Help for businesses.

Help for businesses

We continue to process and administer a range of grants to support local businesses through this extremely challenging time.

You can keep up to date with the details of all of the business support available on our website at Our Economy.

Keep informed

Remember, you can keep up with all Coronavirus (COVID-19) related developments in the Borough, including details of the help and support available, via our webpage at Stockton Borough Council.