Latest update
When we issued our last update we were just at the start of our journey back towards a more normal way of life.
Just over a month later and we appear to have successfully negotiated the first two steps of lockdown easing and are looking forward to the next set of restrictions being lifted on 17 May.
Infection rates in our district are low, at levels not seen since August 2020 (you can see the figures for yourself on the Worcestershire Coronavirus dashboard). Let’s make sure they stay that way by continuing to follow the lockdown easing guidance at each step.
In this update we have information on:
- an update on the vaccine rollout and challenging vaccine misinformation
- access to free rapid (lateral flow) testing
- support if you are experiencing anxiety or difficult feelings as we come out of lockdown
- information on our new economic recovery fund
- Elections and Covid-19 update
Most of us will be looking forward to 21 June when it is planned all legal restrictions on social contact will end. But we are not there yet.
As Professor Jonathan Van-Tam, Deputy Chief Medical Officer for England, said at the coronavirus press conference this week ‘we need to hold the line for a teeny bit longer’.
We’re almost there, let’s not put it all at risk. Let’s get back to what we love safely.
Join the millions already vaccinated
So far 49,534 people have had at least their first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine in our district. If you are over 40 you can now book your Covid-19 vaccine.
Vaccines are the way out of this pandemic and the best way to protect people from coronavirus. By coming forward for the vaccine when it is your turn, you are not only helping to save lives, but speeding up our return to a more normal way of life.
Vaccinated people are:
- Less likely to get Covid-19 symptoms
- Even more unlikely to get serious Covid-19 and have to be admitted to hospital or die from it
- Less likely to pass the virus on to others (evidence is growing although more research is needed)
The first dose of both the Pfizer/BioNTech and Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine offer good levels of protection, but to get maximum protection everyone will need to get a second dose. Having your second dose will also protect you for longer.
If you have had your first dose then please make sure you go back for your second appointment.
It is essential that everyone continues to follow COVID-19 restrictions whether they have had the vaccine or not.
Beware vaccine misinformation
There is a lot of disinformation about the vaccine circulating on social media. Please make sure you are getting your information from reliable sources.
One of the biggest myths circulating right now is about the vaccine and fertility. The British Fertility Society has created a Covid-19 vaccine and fertility factsheet which explains why it is safe for people of childbearing age to have the vaccine. Please note, the advice in the factsheet about the vaccine and pregnancy is out of date as updated guidance was issued about Covid-19 vaccination in pregnancy on 16 April.
Another popular myth that is deterring some people is the claim the vaccine contains animal products.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has confirmed the Covid-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca and Pfizer/BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine do not contain egg or any components of animal origin.
The NHS Covid-19 vaccination page has more information on the safety of the vaccine and any potential side effects.
We know some of you have concerns about how fast vaccines have been developed. Here is a short explainer video on how it was possible to produce Covid-19 vaccines safely and at speed.
Get your free rapid (lateral flow) testing kits
The Government is urging everyone without Covid-19 symptoms to carry out two rapid (lateral flow) tests a week at home. This will help identify the 1 in 3 people with Covid-19 who have the virus but do not realise it.
If you test positive you and anyone you live with must self-isolate immediately, report your test result and book a standard PCR Covid-19 test.
Find out more about what to do if you test positive for Covid-19.
Rapid testing kits are available from pharmacies, some mass testing sites and some libraries. Visit Worcestershire County Council’s page on testing for people without symptoms for more information.
Watch Worcestershire GP Dr Jonathan Wells explain how to perform a rapid (lateral flow) test.
Looking after your mental health as we come out of lockdown
While some of us cannot wait for the 21 June and the potential end of restrictions on social contact, for others it is a time of anxiety.
Having spent so long staying at home and apart from others, the thought of returning to crowded spaces, or even just setting foot outside the front door, can result in difficult feelings.
If this is happening to you then it’s okay. There isn’t a right or wrong way to feel about this situation. The important thing is you do something about it.
The mental health charity Mind has produced some good information and self-help support on managing feelings about lockdown easing.
The pandemic has also disrupted our sleep patterns and increased our stress levels as we have adapted to a new way of living.
The Every Mind Matters website has a range of information on things you can try to help tackle some of these issues.
You are also encouraged to make your own free NHS online plan, with simple steps to help manage anxiety, sleep and to boost your mood.
Create your Mental Health Action Plan
£500,000 economic recovery fund unveiled
A £500,000 Economic Recovery Fund is being created to support the rebuilding of the district’s economy from the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
