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 92 new cases of Covid-19 in Cambridge for the week 20th – 27th November. This is a decrease of 44% on the new cases reported in the previous week. Cambridge University has successfully reduced infections amongst students. In the week 23-29 November there were just 6 positive tests.
Family Gatherings at Christmas
As reported last week, coronavirus restrictions will be eased over Christmas to allow people to mix with a slightly wider circle of family and friends. Between 23 and 27 December, three households in a “Christmas bubble” can mix indoors and stay overnight.
However, the risk of unwittingly inviting someone who is infected into your family gathering rises sharply with the numbers present. The Georgia Institute of Technology together with Stanford University in the US has produced a website which enables individuals to calculate the risk based on their location and the numbers in their group at https://covid19risk.biosci.gatech.edu/. For groups of 20 meeting in Cambridge, 2 out of 25 such groups would expect to have at least one infected person. Risk of infections may be reduced by frequent handwashing, face coverings, social distancing and meeting outside or with good ventilation inside.
Vaccine Development
The vaccine produced by Pfizer/BioNtech has now been given approval by the UK regulator. This means that the vaccinations for front line health and social care staff can begin this week and plans will be made to enable residents and carers in Care homes to be vaccinated as early as possible.This will be followed by people over the age of 80 years of age and then those over 75 years of age.
Mill Road to sparkle throughout December
A Lantern Trail and Online Fair replace the traditional Mill Road Winter Fair
This year, a sparkling celebration of Mill Road will unfold throughout December. The talents and diversity of the local community will shine online from 1st December with the launch of Mill Road Fair Online, which offers the chance to watch some of the Fair’s favourite performers and buy locally produced and beautifully hand-crafted gifts. From 5th December, the Mill Road Lantern Trail will light up shops and cafés along the street, while an accompanying history trail will provide fascinating stories about a number of Mill Road’s best-loved buildings.
Mill Road Fair Online offers a selection of familiar stalls and much-loved performers as well as an exhibition of local artists, plus videos and activities from many of our partner organisations, including University of Cambridge Museums, Mill Road TV, Cambridge Hands-On Science, The Junction, Mill Road History Society, and more. This ‘virtually brilliant’ fair means you can support local businesses and stallholders this Christmas by visiting www.millroadwinterfair.org
You can follow the Mill Road Lantern Trail in person to explore Cambridge’s most diverse, vibrant and independent shopping street. Ten beautifully crafted community lanterns, inspired by ideas and images gathered from residents in the streets off Mill Road, will be displayed in ten shops and businesses along the road. The lanterns, created by local illustrator, designer and artist Penny Sobr, will be illuminated over 15 days from Saturday 5th December.