International/National
Spain and France appear to be having increases in confirmed cases - this would represent third waves for each country.
The Government has implemented a national lockdown in England.
In England, the numbers of people admitted to hospital with Covid 19 are declining. The number of people in hospital with Covid 19 appears to be levelling off. Covid 19 related deaths continue to rise week on week.
The number of people testing positive has reduced week on week for both England and East of England. The estimated R value for England is 0.8 - 1 compared with 1.1 - 1.3 a week ago.
According to PHE statistics, 6.8 million people have received the first vaccination dose .
Suffolk
PHE statistics indicate that Suffolk together with East Suffolk have experienced a reduction in week on week confirmed infections. The Kings College Covid Study also indicates a reduced rate of infection in Suffolk Coastal (old district area). In terms of national ranking for infection, East Suffolk is ranked at 291 out of 315 local authority areas.
Vaccination centres are operating across Suffolk. For more information on the Suffolk vaccination process go to:
Framlingham
PHE statistics indicate that there were 19 confirmed cases in the area in the seven day rolling period upto 21/1 compared with 21 for the seven day period upto 14/1. At the beginning of January 48 confirmed cases were recorded in a rolling seven day period.
Assumptions
Despite a reduction in confirmed cases, there is still a high rate of Covid 19 infection in Suffolk as a whole and specifically in the Framlingham area. We are in a period of significant risk for our community.
The introduction of vaccines and mass testing regimes will take several months to take effect and the period of risk will stretch into the Spring/Summer. This means that there is a period of vulnerability lasting several months.
In Framlingham, we must be prepared to provide support to the community and reinforce social distancing/hygiene messaging. It can be anticipated that there will be requests for volunteers to support health authorities and local community organisations.
We must not let our guard down.
Activity
The
www.Framlingham.com website is being regularly updated with Covid 19 related information. We continue to monitor infection levels on a daily basis and maintain contact with partners to ensure an effective response to Covid 19 challenges locally.
Key issues that we are currently addressing:
- Support to vulnerable and isolated people;
- Promoting effective messaging around the restrictions, hygiene and the availability of support;
- Ensuring with our partners that we have a viable volunteer base to meet potential new demand.
The next Fram at Home is in the final stages of preparation before circulation.
The Hour Community continues to assist the community with shopping and medications as well as a contact/support service. The Hour Community is transporting local residents to vaccination centres.
Useful contacts:
Hour Community: 01728 440511
Worry Tree: 01728 440533
Non-emergency NHS: 111
Emergency: 999
