National Vaccination Update
A significant milestone was reached at the weekend when the number of people in the UK having had their first dose of the Coronavirus vaccine reached the 30 million mark. More than 95% of people aged 60 and over in England have had their first dose and the Government is urging everyone over 50 or those who are clinically vulnerable to come forward for their vaccines as soon as possible. Over 3.5 million people (around 6% of the adult population) have now had their second jab and there will be a strong push over the coming weeks to give others their second dose in line with the 12 week interval.
The Government has reaffirmed that the UK is on track to achieve the Prime Minister’s target of offering all over 50s and the clinically vulnerable their first vaccine by 15th April as well as all adults by the end of July. In addition to the Pfizer and Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccines, the Moderna vaccine has also been approved by the MHRA and will be deployed in the UK shortly – the UK has ordered 17 million doses. Two further vaccines, the Janssen and Novavax versions, are currently under review by the MHRA and once deployed, will provide the UK with a further 90 million doses.
Local Vaccination Update
Pulborough Medical Group are now offering the second dose of the Astra Zeneca vaccine for patients who received their first jab prior to February 5th. They will be contacting all patients concerned but if you prefer you can contact the surgery on 01798-872815 to arrange an appointment. Those patients aged over 50 or who are in an “at risk” group and do not have an appointment for their first vaccine are asked to contact the surgery.
Further news on when PMG will be able to offer more second dose appointments for the Pfizer vaccine will follow in due course – patients are advised to visit the PMG website regularly for updates – please see: –
https://www.pmgdoctors.co.uk
For the latest update from the Arundel Surgery please see here: – https://arundelsurgery.co.uk/
Roadmap to ease lockdown – Step 1, Phase Two – 29th March
Just a reminder that as from 29th March:-
- You can meet outdoors – including in private gardens – either in a group of 6 (from any number of households) or in a group of any size from up to 2 households
- The Stay at Home rule no longer applies but the Government requests that people minimise travel – and you are not allowed to go on holiday
- You should continue to work from home if possible
- Outdoor sports can reopen, including golf courses, tennis and basketball courts and outdoor pools – and formally organised outdoor sports can restart
- Weddings can take place, attended by up to six people
Hands, Face and Space guidelines remain in force – you should stay 2 metres apart from anyone not in your household or support bubble or 1 metre with extra precautions in place and face coverings must be worn where required. Scientists and medics are urging the public not to be tempted to meet indoors as the risk of spreading the virus is significantly higher inside and this message is being reinforced in a public information campaign now running, including a TV advert aired for the first time on Monday 29th.
Non-essential shops, gyms and entertainment venues remain closed. Pubs and restaurants remain closed but can provide takeaway food.
For full details of the changes you may care to read the latest Government guidelines which can be found here.
A quick reference poster has also been produced which has now been placed on the Parish Council noticeboards and can also be accessed here.
Stay well and keep safe and if you require help with shopping or prescriptions please contact
Fr. Peter Mallinson (Bury) 839057 or Ken & Diana Rowsell (West Burton) 831475
