National Vaccination Update
Vaccine rollout in the UK continues at pace with more than 31.5 million people having had their first dose and over 5.5 million people have now had their second. The UK’s third vaccine, the Moderna, is expected to come on stream during the third week of April.
Local Vaccination Update
For the latest information on vaccinations from our local surgeries, please visit their websites:
Patients at the Pulborough Medical Group please see here.
Patients at the Arundel Surgery please see here.
Roadmap to ease lockdown – Step 2 w.e.f. 12th April
With the successful rollout of the vaccination programme and the continuing downward trend in Coronavirus case numbers and deaths, the Government have confirmed the implementation next Monday, 12th April, of Step 2 of the Roadmap, the main measures being:
- Non-essential retail shops and showrooms, personal care premises (e.g. hair, beauty and nail salons) and public buildings such as community centres and libraries can reopen
- Most outdoor attractions and settings including adventure parks, zoos, safari parks and drive-in performance venues can re-open
- Some indoor leisure facilities such as gyms and swimming pools can reopen – but only for use by people on their own or with their household
- Hospitality venues (cafes, restaurants, pubs, bars and social clubs) can reopen but for outdoor service only and food and drink can only be taken while seated. Venues may erect shelters, marquees and other structures which can have a roof but at least 50% of the walls area must be open
- Self-contained accommodation such as holiday lets where indoor facilities are not shared with other households can reopen
- Weddings and civil partnership ceremonies will be permitted for up to 15 people
- Care home residents in England will be allowed two regular visitors indoors – visitors will also be able to bring babies and young children with them
The hands, face and space protocols remain in place and please remember that social gatherings with family and friends can still only take place 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.
People should continue to work from home where they can, and minimise domestic travel where they can. International holidays are still illegal and the Prime Minister has advised against making foreign holiday bookings at present.
Please also note that cinemas, theatres, museums and many other indoor visitor attractions at venues such as at stately or historic homes, castles and other heritage sites are due to remain closed until Step 3, currently scheduled for 17th May.
Twice weekly rapid testing for England
From 9th April, everyone in England, including those without symptoms, will be able to take a free rapid coronavirus (COVID-19) test twice a week. Although voluntary, the Government regard regular testing as a vital component in the plans to reopen society and the economy, to help suppress and control the spread of the virus and they encourage everyone to take up the offer of these free rapid tests. For more details of the scheme, including how to arrange to take the tests, please see here: –
Twice weekly rapid testing to be available to everyone in England – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
New restart grants for eligible businesses
From 1st April the Government have made available funding of £5 billion to provide one-off restart grants of up to £6,000 to eligible businesses in England in the non-essential retail sector while businesses in the hospitality, accommodation, leisure, personal care and gym sectors, which are reopening later, will be eligible for one-off grants of up to £18,000. This is coupled with £425 million of top-up funding for the ongoing Additional Restrictions Grant scheme for councils to distribute to businesses in particularly urgent need of additional support – which could also be businesses who don’t necessarily pay business rates like tour operators, B&Bs, caterers, freelancers and wedding service providers.
The Restart Grants Scheme will be delivered by local authorities and further information is available on the Chichester District Council website which can 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
