Author: Martin Driver

Sefton Council leader, Cllr Ian Maher has welcomed ongoing signs that the country is beginning to emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic but has urged caution after the Government announced this week it is ending most of the current precautions.

Grip

Cllr Maher said: “Of course, it is good news that the country is continuing to emerge from the grip of COVID but just last week the Office for National Statistics reported that as many as one in 20 people in England are infected with coronavirus.

“Therefore, like many people across the country, I am concerned that Boris Johnson is scrapping some of the measures in place to keep us all safe, too soon.

“The Prime Minister’s decision to remove the legal requirement for people who test positive to self-isolate at home from Thursday this week but still recommend they still do so until 1st April is likely to cause confusion.

Pressure

“This contradictory advice combined with Mr Johnson’s announcement he is scrapping the £500 Test and Trace Support Payment scheme and the payment of Statutory Sick Pay from day one of being infected with coronavirus, is likely to pressure people into going out to work when they are unwell and infectious to others.

“This could result in people who are most at risk and immune-compromised feeling pressured to go out, possibly out of economic need, despite them being highly vulnerable to the still-serious effects of COVID-19.”

A YouGov survey carried out earlier this month showed that 75% of the 4451 British adults surveyed thought that people testing positive for COVID-19 should be required legally to self-isolate at least for the next few months. Almost 50% thought this should be the case permanently.

Cautious and considerate

After previous Government relaxations of measures to help keep people safe, Sefton Council has advised people to remain cautious and considerate to others. Advice includes continuing to wear face coverings in busy indoor areas and on public transport and maintaining distancing where necessary.

Cllr Maher added:
“I have said how grateful I am for all the sacrifices our Borough’s residents and businesses have made throughout the pandemic to look after each other and the most vulnerable. I remain confident that despite the Government now pulling the plug on much of the remaining support that is still needed, this caring approach will continue in Sefton.”

People will be able to walk in and get their first, second or booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine as a temporary pop-up clinic returns to Firwood Bootle Cricket Club on Mondays 21st and 28th February.

Success

Following the success of pop-up clinics over the festive period where more than 400 vaccinations were given, the site is reopening temporarily for two days later in February.

South Sefton residents aged 18 or over can simply turn up during opening hours to get their first, second or booster jab, with no appointment needed.

The COVID-19 vaccination site will be open at Firwood Bootle Cricket Club, Wadham Road, Bootle, L20 2DD, on the following dates:

• Monday 21 February – 10am to 4pm
• Monday 28 February – 10am to 4pm

Easier

Dr Pete Chamberlain, local GP and chair at NHS South Sefton Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), said: “NHS teams in Sefton continue to work hard to make sure everyone can access their COVID-19 vaccine, whether it is their first, second, or booster dose.

“This pop-up site will make it easier than ever for people to come along and get vaccinated.

“It’s not too late to get your first jab, while second jabs and booster doses greatly reduce the risk of serious illness from COVID-19, so please come along if you are eligible.”

Immunity

Margaret Jones, Sefton Council’s director of public health said recently: “We are not fully vaccinated unless we have had two jabs and a booster, even if we have recently had COVID-19.

“Vaccination doesn’t mean we can’t catch the virus or be re-infected but if we do, we have stronger immunity and will be far less likely to be seriously ill.”

Residents are being advised to plan ahead for their journey to the vaccination site, as parking is limited at the cricket club and is restricted on nearby roads.

To find more local vaccination sites in Sefton, visit the NHS South Sefton CCG website: www.southseftonccg.nhs.uk/get-informed/latest-news/walk-in-or-book-a-covid-19-vaccine

To find out more about the COVID-19 booster vaccine, who is eligible, and to book an appointment online through the national booking system, visit the NHS website: www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/coronavirus-booster-vaccine.