All our help and information is now available in a single place on the SCC website https://www.somerset.gov.uk/latest-coronavirus-updates/
This page is refreshed through the day so please check in regularly to keep across developments and news.
Public Health dashboard: Detailed Public Health information dashboards are available on our website www.somerset.gov.uk/coronavirus just scroll down to ‘Covid-19 dashboard’. These are updated daily.
Top stories today:
Vaccinations: the facts and figures
The Somerset COVID-19 Vaccination Programme has now delivered 367,549 vaccinations to the most vulnerable residents and frontline health and care workers across the county (figures as of 4 April).
Vaccinations are currently open to the first nine groups identified by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation which includes those aged over 50 and those of all ages who have a health condition that put them at greater risk from COVID-19.
We are urging anyone within these groups, who has not yet had their first dose, to book online as quickly as possible by going online nhs.uk/covid-vaccination or by phoning 119.
Latest guidance on AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has issued new advice, concluding a possible link between the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine and extremely rare, unlikely to occur blood clots. It concluded that the benefits of vaccination continue to outweigh any risks but advised careful consideration is given to people who are at higher risk of specific types of blood clots because of their medical condition.
The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has weighed the relative balance of benefits and risks of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine and advise that:
- The benefits of prompt vaccination with the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine far outweigh the risk of adverse events for individuals 30 years of age and over and those who have underlying health conditions which put them at higher risk of severe COVID-19 disease.
- It is preferable for adults aged under 30 years without underlying health conditions that put them at higher risk of severe COVID-19 disease, to be offered an alternative COVID-19 vaccine, if available. People may make an informed choice to receive the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine to receive earlier protection.
For more detailed information, please visit: Covid-19 vaccinations in Somerset – Somerset CCG
How you can pay tribute to HRH the Duke of Edinburgh
Following the death of His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh, the public is asked not to travel to landmarks and major public spaces to lay tributes due to the coronavirus pandemic.
There is a national, online book of condolence where you can pay your respects – it can be found here: The Royal Family
Many people want to express their grief at the Duke’s death and making a donation to one of His Royal Highness’s many patronages would be a fitting way to pay tribute – details can be found here: The Royal Family
Restrictions continue to ease from today
Today we entered Step 2 of the Government’s roadmap out of lockdown. Shops are allowed to open, along with hairdressers, outdoor hospitality and gyms.
Please do enjoy the new freedoms and take advantage of the lifting of restrictions– but do not be tempted to meet indoors as the risk of spreading the virus is significantly higher inside. The current planned date for allowing households or groups of up to six people to mix indoors is 17 May at the earliest.
Our message is to stay local, keep travel to a minimum and continue to follow ‘hands, face, space and fresh air’ to reduce the risk of catching Covid-19 and spreading it to others – even if you have been vaccinated.
Vaccine and Testing Survey
To support people’s ability to access testing we are keen to hear your views and have launched a community survey to seek the views of as many people across Somerset as possible.
As we continue the cautious journey out of national lockdown, we are keen to hear from you about three key areas:
- testing
- vaccination
- self-isolating
Please help us by responding to our survey to help us get a better understanding of any barriers that may prevent people from doing these tested or having the vaccine when it is offered.