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
Infection rates show a further fall in Cambridge, although deaths have risen sharply. Public Health England data indicate there were 420 new cases of Covid-19 in Cambridge, including 29 in Petersfield, for the week Jan 13th – Jan 20th. This is a 23% reduction from the previous week in Cambridge.Sadly, there have been 7 deaths within 28 days of a positive coronavirus test in Cambridge University Hospitals for the period Jan 14th – Jan 20th.
Vaccination Roll Out
As of Jan 20th, 4.6m people in the UK had received the first dose of a Covid-19 vaccination.
The NHS will contact you when it’s your turn to have the coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination. The vaccine is being offered at larger vaccination centres, pharmacies and some local NHS services such as hospitals or GP surgeries.
The NHS requests that you do not ring your GP’s surgery or hospital unless you have received an invitation.
Travel safely during the coronavirus outbreak
It is against the law to leave your home to travel unless for work or other legally permitted reasons. If you need to travel 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.
You can help control COVID-19 and travel safely by walking and cycling, if you can. Where this is not possible, use public transport or drive.
You can also help control COVID-19 by:
- working from home where possible
- observing social contact rules
- keeping your distance when you travel, where possible
- washing or sanitising your hands regularly
- planning ahead and avoiding the busiest routes, as well as busy times like the rush hour
downloading the NHS COVID-19 app before you travel, if possible, and checking in where you see official NHS COVID-19 QR code posters
Coronavirus: Financial support for residents
- Eligible individuals are entitled to a Test and Trace Support Payment or discretionary support payment of £500. This is to support people on low incomes who are unable to work from home if they are told to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace and will lose income as a result.
- If you or your partner are experiencing a drop in your earnings and your household income is reduced as a result of the Covid-19 outbreak, report the changes at benefits@cambridge.gov.uk or 01223 457762. This includes if you are on a zero-hours contract.
If you are self-employed, you may be able to get help through the Self-employment Income Support Scheme (Seiss). If you are also on housing benefit or Council Tax Reduction, report the changes at benefits@cambridge.gov.uk or 01223 457762 to let the City Council know your self-employment income has dropped.