It has been a busy month, since returning to my Parliamentary and Constituency duties after Christmas Recess.
Coronavirus Update
The 27th January saw the end of the Plan B restrictions, that were imposed in December. Plan B restrictions were voted in to slow the spread of the new Omicron variant, and allow time for our NHS to rollout booster jabs to protect the population. Thanks to our spectacular vaccination programme, in particular the delivery of over 32 million booster doses- the data is showing that Omicron is in retreat.
It is because of this, that the Government decided we could lift the following restrictions:
· Work from home guidance has ended.
· Face masks will no longer be compulsory in indoor public
· Covid passes will no longer be mandatory for entry to nightclubs or large venues.
This pandemic is not over- and we shouldn’t see this as the finish line. We will need to remain cautious to continue to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in our communities. I trust the public, and my constituents to continue to exercise good judgement in order to protect themselves and those around them.
Essex NHS and Covid-19 update.
Thankfully, we are now seeing covid positive numbers falling across our
hospitals. As of 25th January, 297 beds in Essex hospitals were occupied by confirmed Covid patients, equivalent to around 8 per cent of Trust capacity. In Maldon, the weekly case rate is 800 and in Chelmsford it is 852. However, the number of cases is declining in every age group except for those under 20 where there has been a significant increase.
As of last week- a total of 650k people have received a booster dose in mid and south Essex with very good coverage in high risk cohorts.
Covid vaccines are now available to all those over the age of 12. Your child can get their vaccine at school, or at a vaccination centre/pharmacy.
While coronavirus (COVID-19) is typically mild or asymptomatic in most young people it can be very unpleasant for some. A course of vaccine will provide good protection against severe illness and hospitalisation.
Vaccinating 12 to 15 year olds should also help to reduce the need for young people to have time-off school and reduce the risk of spread of COVID-19 within schools.
Meeting with Blackwater Medical Centre and Mid Essex CCG
It was a pleasure to attend a virtual meeting with the new Practice Manager of Blackwater Medical Centre, Tiwa Obisesan, and Dan Docherty and Robert Evans of NHS Mid Essex CCG. I am delighted that Tiwa has joined the Blackwater Medical Centre, which is one of the two GP practices in Maldon and where I am also a patient. I am pleased to hear from them that the centre is updating its telephone system and working to make it easier for patients to contact the surgery. I am also encouraged that the Practice is actively discussing with the CCG the longer term possibility of relocating to a new Maldon Health Hub.
Business support grants
I am pleased that Maldon District Council has opened applications for the Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grant.
This grant is there to support businesses who have struggled from the effects of the Omicron variant this winter.
Grants for businesses affected by Coronavirus- Chelmsford City Council
COVID-19 business grants- Maldon District Council
Schools consultation
Essex County Council has just launched a public consultation regarding how best the council can meet the demand for school places. They are consulting on a proposal to open a new 420-place primary school, together with a co-located 56-place early years and childcare provision. These would serve the Limebrook Way development in Maldon from September 2024.
The consultation opened last week and closes on Sunday 6 March 2022. I would encourage all to take part.
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