Wester Ross communities plot next steps in Covid-19 response plan
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A group helping to plot the route out of lockdown in a Wester Ross community has been updating locals and outlining plans for the coming weeks.
The Gairloch and area Covid-19 respond, rebuilt, recover panel has printed a second batch of visitor posters and will be producing information leaflets and flyers as the season becomes busier following the phased easing of coronavirus restrictions.
Copies of a Covid information supplement will also be delivered to households across the area.
A number of sanitizer refill stations have been installed and the group says some heavy-duty wall-mounted sanitizers have been bought and will be in place soon.
A total of 20 more non-touch units are expected within the coming few dats.
The panel's chairwoman Sheena Crawford said in a statement: "Because covering your face is now mandatory in shops, we have also bought a supply of disposable masks in case any shoppers forget to bring their own. There will be a text-donation scheme, and we will encourage people to contribute.
"We know it will be best if everyone provides their own face covering, but the safety of our community and our visitors is most important. Going forward, we hope to be able to offer financial support to the Sewing Angels.
"Back in March, our area received a grant of £24,000 from the Highlands and Islands Enterprise. Some of that money has paid for the visitor-preparedness posters, sanitizers and masks. The rest has gone to the planned initiatives that won us the grant.
The overall breakdown is:
£6000 for volunteering (including co-ordinator’s salary)
£3500 for growing food and food
£1000 for pamper packs (supplemented extensively by local donations)
£10,000 for sanitizers and refills
£3500 for communications (including tablets for care homes).
She added: "So, our first grant is finished. But, there is more funding available, in both the immediate 'response' term and the longer 'rebuild and recover' time-frames. This is where you all come in. From next week, we start work to build a fully detailed and coordinated Covid Respond, Rebuild and Recover Plan. This will be based on a rapid, community-wide consultation process. We will use surveys, chat-rooms, emails and printed media to get your inputs. And, as soon as it’s possible to meet safely, face-to-face, we will hold community meetings, too. This will give us the best chance to work together for a safer and more secure future, and the well-being of everyone. We look forward to working with you."
Ms Crawford can be contacted by email at shecrawf@gmail.com
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