REPORT FOR PEBMARSH FROM DISTRICT COUNCILLOR GABRIELLE SPRAY – COVID-19 UPDATE – 23 Jan 2021

Good afternoon everyone. Some encouraging figures to report.

As of 14th January, case numbers per 100,000 population are down for every Essex region. The two highest Districts are Harlow and Tendring with 907 and 890 respectively. Braintree is 608.8 Obviously, this is still a very high case ratio but it’s a big improvement on the previous week.

The number of new COVID-19 cases is also continuing to decrease in all age groups which is good to see.

Our hospitals remain under significant pressure but are managing thanks to the wonderful efforts of all the staff.

Vaccinations: It has been widely reported that the East of England has managed less vaccinations than the rest of the country apart from London. This appears to be issues around supplies and sites. Essex County Council and District Council Leaders continue to take this up with NHS authorities and government ministers who are responsible for the vaccinations roll out.

In the meantime, the staff at the Pump House Surgery in Earls Colne continue to do a fantastic job with covering the Colne Valley are (and beyond!).

The numbers are reducing gradually but are still high with doctors predicting some difficult weeks ahead for the NHS following the New Year break and households mixing. So let’s keep sticking to the rules, tough though they may be.

Best wishes

Gabrielle