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 4th
- 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 4th 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