COVID Champions Update – 18th March 2021

Key messages this week

Local Update:

For the period 7 March to 13 March*, there have been 16 positive coronavirus tests recorded in Surrey Heath, with a 27% decrease compared to last weeks’ figures (22 cases). Surrey Heath has moved down on the table by one, however Surrey as a whole has had an increase of 8% in positive cases in the past 7 days, the total recorded number now being 424.

Please keep hands, face, space even after your vaccine. Follow the rules to help us move forward with easing lockdown – the next step is 29 March when, if case numbers are low enough the ‘stay at home’ rule will end.

The daily coronavirus updates for Surrey can be accessed here.

*Data shown for time period 7st March to 13th March 2021

National Update:

In the UK up to 14 March 2021 4,258,438 people have tested positive, with 143,259 deaths. 24,196,211 people received 1st vaccine dose, 1,584,909 received 2nd dose. Estimated R number 0.6 – 0.8, daily infection growth rate range of -7% to -4% (12 Mar). National data on vaccinations, cases, recoveries, deaths is updated daily. England is still in National lockdown: Stay at Home – click here for the current rules which changed on 8 March, including schools, outdoor activities and travel. Government coronavirus updates are updated regularly.

Recent highlights:

• You must complete a travel declaration form if you travel abroad from England.
• Full details of Coronavirus support available for businesses and workers.
• Care home visits are now allowed indoors for a single, named visitor.

Frimley:

Latest update 10th March 2021.

• The COVID-19 vaccination services across Frimley Health & Care have now administered more than 260,000 doses to local people. 260,267 to be exact. Amazing achievement to all involved & they’re reaching more people every day!
• Take-up of the vaccine has been strong; nine in 10 people in the top four priority groups have already taken up their first dose along with over two thirds of 60-69 year olds. With expected vaccine supply increases from next week, we’re planning for further acceleration as we head towards Easter, and also welcoming more people back for their second dose. For full protection, it is crucial people have both doses of the Covid-19 vaccine.
• Regular updates onTwitter: @FrimleyHC or Facebook: @FrimleyHealthandCare.

Surrey Heartlands:

• Keeps up-to-date, helpful FAQs and an infographic showing progress – 354,472 first doses administered. Infographic attached for reference.
• Publishes regular vaccination programme updates latest is 11th March.
• Runs a vaccination helpline for the public (not a vaccine booking service): 0300 561 2500 (9am-4pm, Mon-Fri) or syheartlandsccg.vaccination@nhs.net.

Vaccine Confidence:

• The European Medicines Agency recommends continued use of Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine while further investigations take place.
• The Medicines Healthcare Regulatory Authority says the benefits outweigh the risks – please get the vaccine if offered it as unusual side effects are rare and should be reported via the Yellow Card site.
• Blood clotting incidence in people receiving this vaccine is not higher than in the general population.
• A final report on the EMA investigation will be released on 18 March.

Reducing Health Inequalities:

• The Government report on reducing COVID-19 health inequalities has been released.
• The ‘Check Before You Share’ Toolkit for tackling social media disinformation can be found here. The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport is leading this campaign to help tackle the spread of false information about the COVID-19 vaccine.
• Public Health have produced a video in British Sign Language on vaccinations for older adults.
• The BBC have released videos in South Asian Languages on Lockdown Mental Health and debunking vaccine conspiracies (available in Pubjabi, Bengali, Sylheti, Urdu, Gujarati and Tamil).
• Former President of Surrey County Cricket Club and TV Legend, Trevor McDonald, visited Woking to film a video promoting vaccine uptake in BAME communities with Good Morning Britain’s Adil Ray.

Testing:

• Twice-weekly symptom-free tests available for anyone in the same household or bubble as pupil or staff of a school. You can either book a test, collect one or have one delivered to your home.
• Online booking for rapid tests for people without symptoms who live or work in Surrey, can’t work from home and can’t get a test through work – or call 020 8865 1952
• Businesses of any size can order free rapid tests for staff who can’t work from home – register by 31 March (48,000 companies so far).
• People with symptoms should book a PCR test or call 119.
• If you must self-isolate and can’t work from home there is support.

Sheilding

The department of Health and Social care have recently announced that Clinically Extremely Vulnerable people are advised to stop shielding from 1st April 2021. More information on shielding can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19.