COVID19 | Salcombe Harbour

Restrictions on Harbour Use - Covid 19

Update from 19th JULY 2021

National Lockdown: Roadmap

Although most legal restrictions have been lifted at step 4, and many people have been vaccinated, it is still possible to catch and spread COVID-19, even if you are fully vaccinated, and we are still in the third wave of this pandemic in the UK.

COVID-19 will be a feature of our lives for the foreseeable future, so we need to learn to live with it and manage the risk to ourselves and others.

As COVID-19 restrictions are lifted, it is important that we all use personal judgement to manage our own risk. All of us can play our part by exercising common sense and considering the risks. While no situation is risk free, there are actions we can take to protect ourselves and others around us. Following this guidance will help you stay safe and protect others by controlling the spread. Every action to help reduce the spread will reduce any further resurgence of the virus in the coming months.

Lifting restrictions

Most legal restrictions to control COVID-19 have been lifted at step 4. This means that:

You do not need to stay 2 metres apart from people you do not live with. There are also no limits on the number of people you can meet.
However, in order to minimise risk at a time of high prevalence, you should limit the close contact you have with those you do not usually live with, and increase close contact gradually. This includes minimising the number, proximity and duration of social contacts.
You should meet outdoors where possible and let fresh air into homes or other enclosed spaces.
The Government is no longer instructing people to work from home if they can. However, the Government expects and recommends a gradual return over the summer.
The requirement to wear face coverings in law has been lifted. However, the Government expects and recommends that people wear face coverings in crowded areas such as public transport.
There are no longer limits on the number of people who can attend weddings, civil partnerships, funerals and other life events (including receptions and celebrations). There is no requirement for table service at life events, or restrictions on singing or dancing. You should follow guidance for weddings and funerals to reduce risk and protect yourself and others.
There are no longer restrictions on group sizes for attending communal worship. COVID-19 has not gone away, so it’s important to remember the actions you can take to keep yourself and others safe. Everybody needs to continue to act carefully and remain cautious.

For the full Government guidance click here.

This latest Government announcement means that from Monday 19th July 2021, Salcombe Harbour's Water Taxi service will be able to return to full capacity, enabling the service to carry up to 12 passengers where required.

To ease this transition and help prevent the enduring threat of transmission, the Water Taxi will continue to have the shelter covers removed, allowing free air flow amongst the passengers. We also ask that all users of the Water Taxi respectfully distance themselves for others where practicable.

As with many businesses, we are suffering staff shortages due to Test and Trace which has require some of our staff to self isolate, this situation is naturally putting pressure on all of our services. We respectfully ask that users of our facilities understand these pressures and forward plan their day to accommodate extended waiting times.

Whilst you should be able to maintain a social distance afloat on your own vessel, please bear in mind each step of your trip; especially whilst accessing pontoons or landings which might become busier than normal. Our pontoon landings are generally not over 2m wide and, whilst they will be marked and/or signed to help maintain social distancing, they cannot be adjusted in physical size. Their layout does provide for passing places; observe the pontoon you wish to access, give way to those coming ashore on landing bridges and anticipate having to use extra precautions. Please plan ahead, use common sense, and be patient. We will attempt to monitor activity to the best of our ability and may impose limits or restrictions on certain facilities (or busy areas) should their use prove to be a concern.

We ask people to keep in mind that "Freedom Day" and the relaxation / removal of restrictions does not remove the inherent risks that COVID 19 poses and we would appreciate everyone's caution in continuing to have fun yet careful summer.

The Boatman and Harbour Taxi are currently operating 7 days a week, monitoring VHF Channel 14 and 12 respectively. The Harbour Taxi can also be reached by mobile 07807 643879.

The Harbour Office and Boatpark Hut are open 7 days a week (as advertised) but we request customers queue clear of the office access to enable those at the reception to exit safely.

We ask, where possible, that ALL payments made to Salcombe Harbour Authority are done so by card, in the safest way possible, to minimise contact.

All staff are operating to a revised risk assessment to ensure their (and others) ongoing safety, in line with current Government guidelines. We anticipate this safe system of work may have to be adjusted to follow any further guidance which may influence the services we provide without notice. Please consult our website for current advice.

The Harbour Authority, Harbour Board and SHDC will continue to review Government guidance. Please make every attempt to remain safe and plan ahead, therefore reducing the chance of requiring assistance and avoiding unnecessary contact with others. We appreciate your continued support in maintaining safe and efficient port operations, whilst being able enjoy our beautiful Harbour.

STAY ALERT – CONTROL THE VIRUS – SAVE LIVES.

Thank you for your kind attention.

Cameron Sims-Stirling

Salcombe Harbour Master