The public can keep up to date with changes online at https://www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/featured-items/coronavirus-covid-19/
Grampian Coronavirus (COVID-19) Assistance Hub
There has been a good response to the new website and phoneline providing support to people across Grampian with information on how to access social, practical and emotional support on Coronavirus (COVID-19).
Support can be accessed via the website at http://www.gcah.org.uk/ or by calling 0808 196 3384 (8am-8pm, 7 days a week).
We are not in the position to provide daily figures on the requests for support but can confirm there have been more than 6,000 hits on the website since it was launched, and more than 125 calls to the phoneline, as well as a strong reach on social media.
National Position
The latest Scottish Government information and statistics regarding Coronavirus (COVID-19) can be found at: https://www.gov.scot/coronavirus-covid-19/
All the latest public health advice continues to be available at: https://www.nhsinform.scot/coronavirus
National campaigns
- The Scottish Government has launched the Scotland Cares campaign for those wanting to provide help during this time of crisis. Further information can be found on the Scottish Government website.
- The national Parent Club website has been updated with information for parents relating to Coronavirus.
- Crimestoppers has launched a campaign regarding doorstep crime and how to prevent it.
Deadline for 1140 rollout removed
The August 2020 deadline for local authorities to make arrangements to deliver 1140 funded hours of early learning and childcare has been removed.
Aberdeenshire Council was on course to meet the statutory requirement and will continue this important work once Scottish and UK Government advice allows.
Area committee meetings
Marr Area Committee
Marr Area Committee members recommended today (Tue, Mar 31) that the Education and Children’s Services Committee defer a decision on the works to Gartly School due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic until the current restrictions are lifted.
The arrangements that are currently in place will continue. Council officers will continue to provide updates to committees. No work on the school site will take place at the moment.
To see the committee meeting in full please visit our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h_GuHVr3QGE
Banff and Buchan Area Committee
Banff and Buchan Area Committee also met virtually today. The recording will be made available in due course.
RingGo charging
Aberdeenshire Council can confirm that all RingGo sessions made between Tuesday, March 17, when all charging at Pay and Display car parks was cancelled, until Sunday, March 29, (inclusive), will be refunded.
Working in partnership with RingGo, a message at each of the RingGo locations advises customers that parking charges are suspended at the current time, although of course only essential travel should be occurring within our communities at this time.
Please note any payments made after this message went live on Sunday, March 29, will not be refunded.
We will provide a further update once all refunds have been processed and if you have not received a refund by that time, contact should be made with the transportation service.
Waste and recycling
Aberdeenshire Council is aware that several neighbouring councils have suspended household recycling collections as a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – a decision which we fully understand and respect. As such, there has been public speculation on household recycling in Aberdeenshire.
We can confirm that all household collections will continue to be undertaken in Aberdeenshire unless otherwise stated. This includes non-recyclable, recyclable, and food waste.
We are working diligently to provide our essential services to the public. Regrettably, there may be further disruptions over the coming weeks due to the current circumstances, but we thank the public for the continued patience and support.