People are being sent a text message claiming to be from the NHS which informs the recipient that, “we have identified that you are eligible to apply for your vaccine.” The message ends with a link to a website mocked up to look like a legitimate NHS platform. The website requests personal details, including name and address and banking details.

The Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) has said “this is the latest in a series of scams themed around the pandemic in circulation since last March. With the UK vaccine rollout underway, scammers have modified their scam to consider this new development.”

This reminds us to remain vigilant. The CTSI said “The vaccine brings great hope for an end to the pandemic and lockdowns, but some only wish to create even further misery by defrauding others. The NHS will never ask you for banking details, passwords, or PIN numbers and these should serve as instant red flags. Do not provide any information to the scammers, but please also report suspicious messages to Action Fraud, or if in Scotland, Police Scotland, as this provides intelligence and assists authorities in combating scams.”

COVID Issues

• The standard thank you for all our hard work to date was offered followed by details that the hard work will continue!
• The government has 100 million doses of the Oxford vaccine – enough for 50 million people and the roll out with start with pace from Jan 4^th
• The storage and management of the Oxford vaccine will allow a more extensive and faster roll out across the NHS and care sector network
• The first vaccine dose will be issued to as many people as possible over the next 6 to 8 weeks and the second dose can be up to three months later
• The Oxford vaccine takes effect from the first dose and provides good protection until the second dose – it does not have to be 21 days apart
• Pressure on the NHS in the South and East has been a key driver for the T4 extensions along with the new variant i.e. found in Cumbria which went from T2 to T4
• Over the last couple of days the increase in cases has been over 50,000 with the majority in the South and East and almost 80% in these areas is the new variant
• Yesterday there were over 900 COVID related deaths and over 2000 new hospital admissions
• The new variant is transferring faster because it can replicate more efficiently increasing the chance of transmission
• The new variant is appearing in all parts of the country supporting the decision for extended T4 and T3 measures
• Hospitals in the South East are transferring patients to other parts of the country and the Nightingale facilities are opening
• Secondary school staff will be tested very week from Jan 4^th and primary school staff later in the month
• Military personnel will provide advice and support (if needed) for testing in schools
• Schools have funding available to recruit personnel for testing with guidance on the required qualification / experience to administer the tests

Brexit Issues

• Brexit – an interim agreement is in place for data adequacy, to ensure the efficient transfer of data between the UK and EU. 
• New procurement guidance has been issued and published on the UK website removing the need for EU reporting on larger tenders.
• Housing – there are changes to guidance and responsibilities when assessing housing needs / requirements for EU nationals some updates being published today. 
• Kent Resilience Forum reported on the measures in place to allow movement between the UK and France a lessons learnt report will be produced

Have a great New Year and take care.

The Editor