As the first vaccinations take place to protect the most frail and vulnerable against COVID-19, it is good to know we have a new weapon in the fight against this coronavirus. Our local hospitals and health authorities are working exceptionally hard to make the vaccinations available to all those who need them first, and I am pleased to hear appointments have already been made for many older residents to have the vaccination.
However, the Public Health Director for Essex, Mike Gogarty, has been in touch to say he is very concerned about the increase in coronavirus cases in the Borough of Brentwood. I spoke to Mike a couple of weeks ago, when the number of cases in the Borough seemed to be falling, but they have now increased again. This is what Mike has to say:
"Coronavirus cases are an increasing concern in Brentwood. Cases in the District are increasing again and the rate is now nearly 250 per 100 000 per week. Sadly as well the increase in rate is no longer just in younger people and the rate in those aged over 60 has increased and is now 164 per 100 000 per week which is a level the Government are very concerned about.
Sadly as well, the increase in cases is now reflected in increasing hospital admissions and increasing pressure in Basildon hospital including the Intensive care capacity. Brentwood is now one of the areas nationally seeing the greatest increase in case rates and the highest level of cases.
It is important people work from home as much as possible as this will help reduce rates, please observe 2m social distancing wherever you can and assume everyone else is likely to be infected and do not get close to them. Importantly, if you get symptoms please self isolate and get a test, also please self isolate if you are a contact of a case and have been advised to isolate."
Mid and South Essex NHS Trust will begin vaccinating patients against coronavirus this morning (Tuesday 8 December) and will be a big step in helping life return to normal. The first people to receive the jab will be people aged 80 and over as well as care home workers, along with NHS workers who are at higher risk. The Trust is working with care home providers to book their staff in for a vaccination appointment and it's hoped it will be a relatively short period before health and care staff in mid and South Essex will be offered the vaccination.
Due to the storage and transportation requirements of the vaccine, I understand the Trust will open the Basildon Hospital vaccination centre first, with centres at Broomfield and Southend opening in a few weeks time.
As students prepare to come home for Christmas, after having taken COVID tests before leaving their universities, and we consider how we might celebrate Christmas with family and friends within social-distancing guidance, it is important we all remember to wash hands, cover face and make space. Although there is hope ahead, this pandemic is not yet over and we need to be cautious, especially in Brentwood, some some time to come.
