Changes to services throughout the coronavirus outbreak

We are encouraging and recommending members of the public to continue to wear face coverings, unless exempt, in all of our buildings and venues, to protect each other and staff. Helping to reduce the spread of coronavirus, this will enable us to maintain the provision of services for those who need them most.

And while the number of people allowed in buildings will increase, we are urging the public to continue to be considerate of one another by giving people space. This is in addition to continuing with regular handwashing, the use of hand sanitiser, which will be in place in council buildings, and ensuring mouths and noses are covered when coughing or sneezing.

You can follow us on Facebook or Twitter for the latest updates.

Bins and recycling

• Our recycling centres (tips) are open with social distancing measures in place.

Births, deaths and marriages

• You must book an appointment to register a birth
• To register a death you must arrange a telephone appointment
• Restrictions are in place for funerals and cremations
• Restrictions are in place for Marriages and civil partnerships 

Businesses

See our Covid-19 support for businesses information.

•  are available

Care and health

• Get help if you're self-isolating
• Advice if you're at high risk from coronavirus (clinically extremely vulnerable)
• Support for care providers during covid-19
• Domestic abuse support
• You can contact one point and family centres for support during lockdown
• Our Care Connect alarm service continues to operate. Please continue to use the service and also consider for family and friends who may need extra support at this time.

Council and democracy

• You can now watch our council meetings live - you don't need an invite to attend our public meetings

Customer Services

• Our customer contact centre is open, we are responding to enquiries online and over the phone
• If you need advice relating to Coronavirus, our County Durham Together community hub is open from Monday to Friday, 9.00am until 5.00pm and can be reached on 03000 260 260.
• You can also see our Covid-19 support for residents pages for further help such as money and housing advice.

Housing

Housing advice during the coronavirus outbreak

Leisure

Our Leisure centres have reopened for gym, swim and outdoor fitness classes only.

Roads, transport and parking

• Durham City Park and Ride  continues with covid secure measures in place
• Public transport is running but may be subject to timetable changes
• Car parks are open - please use cashless payments to pay for parking where possible

Schools, nurseries and learning

See Gov.uk information on going to school, university or college

• Families/carers of school age children can access Lateral flow device (LFD) testing twice weekly using home test kits.
• See Self isolating for schools if your child has been sent home from nursery/school because they have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for Covid-19.
• Online education resources
• Mental health support for children, young people and families