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
Between 10 and 16 June 2021, 48 people had a confirmed positive test result (up 65.5% from previous week). In Cambridge 5 deaths were recorded within 28 days of a positive test. There were fewer than 3 cases in Petersfield from 4 – 11 June. Between 31 May and 5 June, the number of hospital admissions (CUH) for Covid-19 was 1.
Vaccinations in Cambridge
Vaccines are currently given in 2 doses, at least 21 days apart. The proportion of adults vaccinated in Cambridge up to 15th June appears low compared with the national data.
The Delta Variant and Vaccines
The Government announced on June 14th that there will be a 4-week pause in lifting Coronavirus restrictions. It is expected that England will move to the next stage of lifting lockdown on 19 July, though the data will be reviewed after 2 weeks in case the risks have changed. The government will continue to monitor the data and the move will be confirmed one week in advance.
The Delta variant (first identified in India) now accounts for over 90% of Covid cases across the country.The Delta variant spreads more easily, and there is evidence that the risk of hospitalisation is higher than for the previous variant.
Case numbers are rising and hospitalisations have started to rise. The number of deaths has not risen yet and remains very low. Previously a rise in hospitalisations has led to a rise in deaths 2 weeks later. The vaccine is changing that, but it is too early to know how effectively the vaccines will prevent deaths arising from Covid infections. It is known that 2 doses of the vaccine are much more effective than one dose against the delta variant. It is important that everyone gets both doses when the call comes.
Regular Testing
A drive-through coronavirus testing facility is open at the Milton Park & Ride in Cambridge, as part of the Government’s UK-wide drive to increase testing. Anyone experiencing a new, continuous cough, a high temperature, or a loss of or change in their normal sense of smell or taste should immediately self-isolate and can book an appointment on the NHS website or by calling 119.
If you have no symptoms and are not eligible for a PCR test for other reasons, you can order rapid lateral flow tests to be sent to your home.
Until now, the University of Cambridge has been able to prevent outbreaks of Covid infections by requiring all students to be tested regularly whether or not they have symptoms. However, the Delta variant is more infectious and students and staff are being reminded that regular testing is very important.
Message from the Vice Chancellor to all students and staff
‘After a long run with no cases at all, we have in the last few days identified 6 students with COVID-19, mostly by asymptomatic screening. The more infectious “delta” variant of the virus has already been associated with outbreaks at other universities. Any increase in numbers – no matter how small – is therefore a serious cause for concern.’
If you do not have access to a computer, tablet or smart phone or are unsure how to use them, you can contact Cambridge Online on 01223 300407.