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 331 new cases of Covid-19 in Cambridge for the week Dec 18th – Dec 25th. This is an increase (33%) from the previous week and together with the similar increases in surrounding areas indicates that infections are still rising steeply. The move to Tier 4 immediately before Christmas was disappointing, but unsurprising in view of the increasing infection rate.
Vaccination Roll Out
The UK government has authorised Oxford University/AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine for use. The regulators have concluded that the vaccine has met its strict standards of safety, quality and effectiveness.
Practically, the Oxford vaccine will be cheap and easy to transport and distribute to care homes and other vaccination sites – since it can be stored at normal fridge temperatures (2-8 C). The two standard dose regimen has been approved for all ages 18 years and above. Because of the recent surge in cases, as many vulnerable individuals as possible will be vaccinated with just one dose of either vaccine (Pfizer or AstraZeneca). The second dose will be administered up to to 12 weeks later.
Covid Restrictions in Cambridge
Cambridge City Council has shut the City centre market, following discussions with public health partners, to avoid attracting people to the city centre and to help reduce the spread of coronavirus in the city.
Tier 4 includes a ‘Stay At Home’ order, but unfortunately The city centre and market is a focus for people to come out
not just for essential shopping, but to visit the city, buy takeaway food, and mingle in crowded spaces. Public health officials are clear that while outdoor spaces are generally safer than indoor spaces, crowded outdoor locations, where people can’t socially distance, also help the virus to spread.
What is open in the New Year?
Businesses that are deemed to provide essential goods and services can remain open in a Tier 4 area, provided they follow Covid-19 guidelines. Some of these are:
food shops, supermarkets, off-licences and market stalls selling essential retail, pharmacies, garden centres, repair services, petrol stations, banks and post offices, laundrettes and dry cleaners, medical and dental services, vets and pet shops
What is closed?
Other businesses are closed or provide restricted services. These include non-essential retail, such as clothing and homeware stores, cafes, pubs and restaurants (unless for
takeaway, click-and-collect, drive-through or delivery), accommodation such as hotels, hostels, guest houses and campsites, except for specific circumstances, leisure and sports facilities, theatres, cinemas and other indoors entertainment venues and attractions, personal care facilities such as hairdressers and nail salons, community centres and halls must close except for a limited number of exempt activities
Can I travel?
You should avoid travelling, but if you have to do so, you should stay local – meaning avoiding travelling outside of your village, town or the part of a city where you live – and look to reduce the number of journeys you make overall.
Happy New Year – 2021
Please note that the next Newsletter will be published on Jan 4th 2021