This Newsletter has been produced by the Petersfield COVID-19 Network. It is intended to help and inform Petersfield residents, especially those who are unable to leave their homes because of Government restrictions.
If you know someone who would like to receive the paper version of this newsletter, please ask them to contact Romsey Mill via phone or via post: Romsey Mill Centre, Hemingford Road, Cambridge CB1 3BZ (you do not need a stamp if you add “FREEPOST CB1067”) or call 07933 671101.
Romsey Mill can also offer assistance by putting you in contact with volunteers, who can help collecting shopping and medication.
If you have information which would be of benefit to other residents in Petersfield please contact Romsey Mill with details and we will consider using it in future newsletters.
For all residents experiencing other Covid related issues (e.g. needing help while they isolate, or experiencing financial hardship support) speak to a member of the customer services team at Cambridge City Council. Telephone 01223 458780 or contact Simon.Aslett@cambridge.gov.uk or complete an online help request form here https://www.cambridge.gov.uk/coronavirus
Latest infection statistics in Cambridge
Public Health England data indicate there were 358 new cases of Covid-19 in Cambridge for the week, 6th – 13th November. This is a large increase of 133% on the new cases reported in the previous week. This spike appears to have been due to a sharp increase in the cases reported by Cambridge University who are testing students weekly. During the week 9-15 November, CU reported 234 positive cases, 80 of which were students who were asymptomatic and who would not have been identified through national test and trace. All University cases are followed up and, where appropriate, are being supported to isolate.
Vaccine Development
Preliminary efficacy results have been announced for a vaccine from Moderna in the US. Although based on a small amount of data, the indication is that this vaccine is even more effective than the Pfizer BioNtech vaccine, which was high-lighted last week. Trials of both these vaccines have shown that they are equally effective for people in older age groups. The Oxford University Astrazeneca group has just published some peer-reviewed research in the Lancet, which shows that their vaccine also produces a strong immune response in older adults.
Vaccine Distribution and Transport
Transport and distribution of the vaccines is likely to pose some challenging logistical problems. The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines need to be transported and stored at very low temperatures – well below those experienced in most commercial settings. The Oxford vaccine can be stored at normal clinical refrigeration temperatures and if it proves effective will be easier to distribute, particularly in less well-developed countries.
Greater Cambridge Partnership
Cambridge South East Transport Better Public Transport and Active Travel
Your views are invited on the detailed design of the route proposals and how possible impacts on the landscape and the environment can be managed.
Your views will shape the Environmental Impact Assessment for the scheme, which is planned to be submitted to the Secretary of State for Transport in Summer 2021.
The new public transport route between the A11 at Babraham and Cambridge has been approved in principle by the Greater Cambridge Partnership Executive Board. The route would run from a new travel hub near the A11 and Babraham to the Cambridge Biomedical Campus via Sawston, Stapleford and Great Shelford connecting to the planned Cambridge South Station and existing guided busway.