COVID-19 Update: Duke of Edinburgh Book of Condolences, AstraZeneca Vaccine, Shielding, Community Funds

HRH Duke of Edinburgh Book of Condolences

Following Friday’s sad news, those wishing to post condolences may do so on a online book of condolences. The District Council will be making information available for those not on-line wishing to post a message. These will be publicised when we know what they are.

Due to the pandemic, the Royal Family have asked for people not to lay floral tributes. This message can also be found on the Royal Family website. There is also information for those wishing to make a donation.

Oxford/AstraZeneca Vaccine

You may have seen in the news reports about the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine. The following links provide the latest advice:  Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory AgencyJoint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation

Shielding ends

From 1 April, clinically extremely vulnerable people in England are no longer advised to shield. Letters have been sent to people on the shielded patient list on practical steps people to reduce their risk of catching the virus. Priority access to supermarket deliveries for clinically extremely vulnerable people will continue until at least 21 June.  More information about support is on the County Council’s website.

How to safely provide support
The Government has released some guidance on how to safely provide support to people. This gives guidance available to help neighbours or service staff to make these interactions as safe as possible, but no-one with any Covid symptoms should offer support to others.

Community funds for post-COVID recovery

Cambridgeshire Community Foundation manages a growing number of funds to assist post-COVID recovery. Information is also available through the Support Cambridgeshire website.

COVID-19 Update: Rules, Reopening the High Street

South Cambs District Council have asked Parish Councils to publicise the following reminders as the Government’s road-map out of lockdown in England proceeds.

We all have a continuing role to play in taking precautions against catching or transmitting the virus by closely following the Government’s rules for each step of the roadmap and the well-established “hands-space-face” guidelines follow the guidelines It is also essential to stick to the rules around travel and holidaying.

S Cambs team continues to provide essential services and support to residents most in need.

All previously available support will continue for residents still self-isolating during this time  including financial help

The Reopening the High Street team is supporting local small to medium businesses as they reopen and work towards recovery. The Business Support Team is also supporting recovery  firms to access much-needed Government grants  to fund recovery .

For general advice and support see https://www.scambs.gov.uk/coronavirus/ and https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus

COVID-19 Update: Infection Rates, Vaccine Transport, Grants, Elections

South Cambs infection rate falling

The Covid case rate in South Cambs is now the lowest in the county at 24 per 100,000 in the last 7 days. While this is positive news ahead of the next phase of the government ‘roadmap’ on 29 March, when six individuals or two households can meet outdoors, we are reminded to continue to practice the established social distancing and hygiene measures

Vaccine transport reminder

Residents needing help to get to COVID-19 vaccination appointments can access community transport schemes through details online or call  0345 045 5219 (Monday to Friday, 9am -5pm. Most transport providers require a minimum of 24 hours’ notice for bookings. All are DBS checked.

Grants available for parents whose children are self-isolating

Parents who need to take time off work to look after children who are self‐isolating can apply for financial support (including parents of children aged up to 25 with an EHC plan). Find out more about how to apply on our website.

Elections

Elections for County Council seats, the Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough and the Police and Crime Commissioner take place on 6 May. Find out more on the Council’s website

COVID-19 Update: Rapid testing, Roadmap, Misinformation Warning

COVID rapid testing

School and parent/guardian testing

With schools now reopened, home testing is now available to help stop the spread of the virus. Free tests can be ordered online, or collected from local pickup points.  The nearest testing site to Shudy is The Hub, High Street, Cambourne, CB23 6GW. You can Book rapid testing and Lateral flow FAQs

Government roadmap

A schematic of the Government roadmap out of lockdown is available here.

Vaccination update

Vaccines for people over the age of 50

The National Booking Service is now open to all those aged 50 and over. Book a Covid-19 vaccination now via www.nhs.uk/coronavirus or call 119.

Vaccine Team

To ensure the NHS can continue to vaccinate millions of people as quickly as possible and keep other vital services going,  NHS is recruiting thousands of paid and volunteer roles Perhaps you can help?

Covid misinformation campaign

A lot of misinformation about COVID is being disseminated on social media and elswhere. Two currently widespread examples of misinformation are:

NHS patients can pick their type of vaccine.

  1. No, they cannot. Any vaccines that the NHS will provide will have been approved because they pass the MHRA’s tests on safety and efficacy, so people should be assured that whatever vaccine they get, it is worth their while.

Is the vaccine safe?

  1. Yes it is. The NHS will not offer any Covid-19 vaccinations to the public until independent experts have signed off that it is safe to do so.  The MHRA, the official UK regulator, has said both the vaccines currently being used have good safety profiles and offer a high level of protection.

 

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