National Vaccination Update
First doses of the Coronavirus vaccine have now been administered to over 35.5 million people and second doses to more than 18 million.
Following concerns over rare blood clots associated with the AstraZeneca vaccine among the under 40s, the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation are advising that adults aged 18-39 years with no underlying health conditions are offered an alternative vaccine, if available, and if it does not cause delays in having the vaccine.
Local Vaccination Update
Pulborough Medical Group are now offering first doses of the Coronavirus vaccine to patients aged 40 and over. They also have available second doses of the Pfizer vaccine and second doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine. For further details please see here: – https://www.pmgdoctors.co.uk
For an update for patients at the Arundel Surgery, please see here: – Arundel Surgery
Roadmap to easing Lockdown – Step 3 from 17th May 2021
Following approval from Cabinet, the Prime Minister announced on Monday that the lifting of further Coronavirus restrictions would go ahead as planned under Step 3 from 17th May, although many current restrictions remain in place. The main changes are as follows: –
- People will be able to meet inside in groups of six or two households, with overnight stays allowed
- Pubs, restaurants, cafes, bars etc. can serve people indoors (table service only, test and trace check-in required)
- Indoor entertainment venues such as cinemas, theatres, museums, galleries, bowling alleys, children’s play areas, concert halls and conference centres can reopen with COVID-secure measures in place
- Travel within the UK and overnight stays will be permitted
- Hotels, hostels aand B&Bs can reopen
- Attendance at indoor and outdoor sporting events, live performances and business events will be permitted but numbers will be capped according to venue type and COVID-secure measures apply
- University students can return to campus for in-person teaching
- Up to 30 people can attend weddings, wakes, receptions and other life events
- Attendance at a funeral service is no longer capped but will be determined by the size of venue
- People can meet in groups of up to 30 outdoors
- Care home residents will be allowed up to five named visitors and will be permitted to make visits out of the home
- The ban on foreign holidays will be lifted and people will be able to travel to “green-list” countries without the need for having to quarantine upon their return although they will need to take tests prior to departure and when they get back. For the latest Government guidance on international travel please see here.
There is new guidance on meeting friends and family – people gathering in groups of six or two households will no longer have to stay two metres apart but will be free to make their own decisions as to whether it is sensible/safe to hug, shake hands and sit near one another. Social distancing will continue to apply in all settings such as as workplaces, health, hospitality venues, public transport and entertainment venues (which will impact on capacity limits) and face coverings will remain mandatory in all current settings (except for pupils in classrooms or communal areas of secondary schools and colleges). For further details please see here.
The fourth and final step of the Government’s measures is set for 21st June when, depending on infection rates, vaccination progress, hospital admissions and deaths arising from Coronavirus, it is hoped that all legal limits on social contact will be removed.
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
