Category: Other

11 February 2021

Extra testing rolled out in Norfolk to help prevent spread of coronavirus

Rapid symptom-free community Covid testing is being rolled out across Norfolk after successful pilots in the east and west of the county. Mobile testing sites are planned in in King’s Lynn, Hunstanton, north Great Yarmouth, Caister, Hemsby and Scratby next week, with further sites expected to go live in parts of South Norfolk and Norwich towards the end of the week. Symptom-free residents in these areas will be able to book a Covid 19 test online at: https://www.norfolk.gov.uk/rapidtesting Residents can also visit the sites during their testing hours without an appointment to request a test. Further symptom-free testing sites will then roll out across the county in the coming weeks and will be targeted at areas where the virus is spreading or where there is greater risk of transmission. When the future sites are announced, residents in their areas will be made aware and will be able to book via the above link. Rapid-turnaround lateral flow tests provide results within 30 minutes and are used to proactively test those without symptoms. This helps to identify those who unknowingly have the virus and enable those who test positive and their contacts to self-isolate, which can help drive down the R rate locally and save lives.   Dr Louise Smith, Director of Public Health for Norfolk, said: “One in three people with coronavirus have no symptoms, which means they can be spreading the virus without knowing. These rapid tests help us to find these people so that we can break the train of transmission. “We have already piloted the testing in King’s Lynn and Great Yarmouth and are now rolling out sites to areas in each district where the virus is most prevalent. The aim is to identify those who might be carrying and spreading the virus without knowing it, so that we can help reduce the spread. “Although a negative test might provide some reassurance to people, it is not a guarantee that you don’t have the virus, so if you do visit the test centre and the result is negative please do keep following the national restrictions, as well as following the hands, face and space guidelines. This will help further bring down rates of Covid in our county.” Social distancing and face masks are required at testing sites, except when taking the test. Anyone with symptoms should not use the symptom-free test and should instead book a test via the NHS. Tests on the site will be self-administered with trained staff from Norse observing to ensure that the correct process is followed. The results will be texted or emailed. Those who test positive should isolate immediately and work with national or local contact tracers to identify their close contacts. People no longer need a second test to confirm a positive test from a lateral flow test. A negative Covid test does not mean that someone does not have the virus and those who test negative should continue to follow all of the public health guidelines to protect themselves and others. Those who have been vaccinated are still eligible for lateral flow testing – this will not affect the results. Decisions on where community testing should take place are made by clinicians, who will analyse the latest case rates and risks of transmission. Norfolk’s seven district councils are supporting the roll-out by providing venues and helping to promote the sites locally. Vaccinations continue across the county Vaccinations continue to be delivered to priority groups, with 31 sites across Norfolk and Waveney now offering vaccines. Melanie Craig, Chief Executive, NHS Norfolk & Waveney Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “I am delighted that the vaccination programme across Norfolk & Waveney/North Suffolk continues to go from strength to strength. “Based on the latest data available, Norfolk & Waveney is the top performing system in the East of England region in terms of the percentage of over 80s vaccinated and percentage of total adult population vaccinated to date; this is thanks to the hard work and dedication of health and care staff across Norfolk & Waveney and the vital support we have and continue to receive from volunteers, the Police, Fire Service, Councils and more. “The weather this week has been very challenging but this hasn’t impacted the determination and focus of local teams and their drive to vaccinate our patients. “Despite our continued focus on making sure that as many people as possible receive their first dose, it is vital that people continue to follow the latest Coronavirus guidance. Having the first and even second dose of the vaccine doesn’t mean that people can stop following the guidance.”   Background: Latest Covid statistics: Cases, as of the 6th of February: There have been 1,760 cases in the seven days to 6th of February – this is 718 fewer, compared to the same time last week Comparison to the 30th January the seven day incidence rate is 194 per 100,000 – this is a reduction of 79, compared to the week previously Comparison to the 30th January  District incidence levels per 100,000 as of the 6th of February (and comparison to the same time the previous week Comparison to the 30th January): Breckland: 195 (down from 315)Broadland: 179 (down from 241)Great Yarmouth: 231 (down from 357)King’s Lynn and West Norfolk: 248 (down from 310)North Norfolk: 109 (down from 137)Norwich: 263 (down from 327)South Norfolk: 116 (down from 209) Hospital activity: Covid 19 occupied beds: 461 on 9th of February – a reduction of 115 compared to this time last week (2nd February) Intensive care: 34 on 9th of February – a reduction of 30, compared to last week Hospital deaths: 1,372 to February 9th – an increase of 77 compared to last week Outbreaks as of the 10th of February (and comparison to the same time last week): 165 Open Outbreaks in care settings (down 3); 67 in businesses (down 2); 41 in education settings (up 6); and 35 in health & emergency settings (down 10) Deaths (registered up to the 6th of February): Deaths that have occurred up to the 29th January that have been registered up to the 6th February: 1,544 COVID19 deaths in Norfolk so far, an increase of 153 deaths compared to last week at 22nd January   Vaccination programme update from NHS Norfolk & Waveney Clinical Commissioning Group: We now have 31 sites across Norfolk and Waveney offering the vaccines: five ‘hospital hubs’ (including NSFT and NCH&C), 21 PCN sites, four large vaccination centres and one pharmacyDespite the challenging weather, the Norfolk and Waveney vaccination programme has continued to make rapid progress this week. Thanks to the dedication of vaccination teams, coupled with the help of many people, including council colleagues, the Police and the Fire and Rescue Service, there has been very minimal disruption to the programmeNHSE/I publishes weekly data at system level. This shows that up to Sunday, 31 January: 22% of our 16+ population had received a first dose of vaccine, putting us third out of the 42 health and care systems in England (the national average was 17.8%). 91% of our over 80s had been vaccinated by Sunday, compared to 88% nationally. In the last week alone we have given a further 50,200 doses (across all ages and cohorts)This makes Norfolk and Waveney the top performing health system in the East of England region in terms of percentage of over 80s vaccinated and percentage of total adult population vaccinated to dateThis is despite having the second highest proportion of over 80s in the country (8.4% compared to the national average of 6.2%.)The next data release is due to be published later todayNorfolk and Waveney has offered all of its over 80s, registered with a GP practice, the opportunity to have booked and received their vaccination by 31 January, which was the target set by the GovernmentThe NHS, councils and the voluntary sector have worked closely together to identify, invite and vaccinate health and care workers. We have offered all eligible workers the opportunity to be vaccinated         We are confident that we have offered everyone in the top four JCVI priority groups the opportunity to have received their first dose of vaccine, where it has been safe to do soOn Monday, 8 February, the Government announced: People aged 70 and over, and those on the Shielded Patients List, who have not yet been vaccinated against COVID-19 and who would like to be should contact the NHS to arrange a jabUntil now the NHS has asked people to wait until they are contacted to help ensure that those who are most vulnerable are protected first – and that remains the case for most people. However, to ensure absolutely everyone is offered the vaccine, people aged 70 and over can now contact the NHS so they can be vaccinated by the middle of this monthThe easiest way to arrange a vaccination is through the national booking service which can be accessed at www.nhs.uk/covid-vaccination. The system allows patients to choose a time slot and location that suits them. Anyone unable to book online can call 119 free of chargeIf a suitable and convenient slot is not available people can also call their GP practiceMany who have not yet booked an appointment are already receiving follow up letters and phone calls this week to encourage them to take up the offer of a jab More information about the COVID-19 vaccination programme is available on the NHS Norfolk and Waveney CCG website: www.norfolkandwaveneyccg.nhs.uk/covid-19-vaccination-programme. ENDS Symptom-free Testing Locations for Next Week – 15/02/2021 to 19/02/2021 Kings Lynn: all site operating 10am to 4pm St James Swimming Pool – Town, South & West Lynn – Monday to FridayOasis Leisure Centre – Hunstanton – Monday to FridayFairstead Community Centre – Monday to Friday   Great Yarmouth: Hawkins Close Community Room – Yarmouth North – Wednesday to Friday Opening times: Wednesday 17th 12 noon to 7pm, Thursday 18th 7am to 2pm, Friday 19th 8am to 4pmThe Old Hall – Caister on Sea – Monday to Tuesday Opening times: 8am to 4pm, Monday and TuesdayVillage Hall – Hemsby – Tuesday to Wednesday Opening times: 8am to 4pm, Tuesday and WednesdayAll Saints Village Hall – Scratby – Thursday to Friday Opening times: 8am to 4pm, Thursday and Friday For political comment For details of cabinet members, committee chairs and agendas, please see: www.norfolk.gov.uk/cabinetandchairs Group leaders’ and councillors’ contact details are available at: www.norfolk.gov.uk/countycouncillors For further information please contact: Communications Team at Norfolk County Council Tel: 01603 228888 Email: pressoffice@norfolk.gov.uk       ​

Volunteers provide an incredible range of support for their communities, and as we find ourselves in a winter lockdown the need for volunteers to support the coronavirus response with services like telephone support and befriending has never been greater.

Checking in with someone who’s vulnerable and shielding is a fantastic way to check that they’re looking after their health and wellbeing as best they can, help reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation, and confirm they have the essentials they need.

Even a few minutes of physical activity can bring mental and physical health benefits. When volunteers are checking in on people in their communities, they should be able to ask about how active someone is as part of their overall health and wellbeing check.

Not everyone is comfortable talking about physical activity, so Active Norfolk is hosting two free training courses to help those working in the voluntary sector feel more confident in talking about it.

Whether you’re a regular volunteer or have stepped in to support the coronavirus response, this free training will help you feel confident in talking about exercise and in supporting residents in their community with their health and wellbeing.

The course covers practical elements such as conversation starters, how to recommend physical activity, and ideas and resources to signpost to amongst others.

The sessions will be held virtually on Thursday 11^th February 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. and Wednesday 10^th March 1:30 – 3:00 p.m.

To find out more information and book your place, email Amy.Story@activenorfolk.org or visit https://www.activenorfolk.org/news/2021/01/training-to-help-community-volunteers-talk-about-pa

Briefing Sheet following Council of Governors Meeting – January 2021 This summary has been produced following the latest Council of Governors meeting that was held virtually, in public on 13^th January 2021. All the papers and a recording of the meeting will be available on the Trust website here https://www.jpaget.nhs.uk/about-us/council-of-governors/council-of-governors-meetings/  We do hope that you find the content useful

The latest Scams and News from Norfolk County Council Trading Standards is available here> https://www.norfolk.gov.uk/business/trading-standards/scams/consumer-alerts

Vaccine Scams

Coronavirus vaccines will only be administered free of charge through the NHS. The NHS will never:

• Ask for bank account, PIN or card details
• Arrive unannounced at your home to administer the vaccine
• Ask you to prove your identity

If you believe you or a loved-one, friend or neighbour have been the victim of fraud, please report it to Action Fraud as soon as possible by calling 0300 123 2040 or visiting the Action Fraud website.

Help spread the word – tell loved ones who may be at risk.

12 January 2021

More than 30 people were fined in Norfolk over the weekend for breaching the COVID-19 restrictions. Officers increased patrols this weekend in support of their NHS colleagues to make sure people were adhering to the lockdown rules to help stop the spread of coronavirus. Police issued 31 fixed penalty notices on Saturday and Sunday (9-10 January 2021) while 96 people were given warnings. Fines were predominantly issued in coastal areas of the county to people who were mixing households or those who had travelled some distance to exercise. This included fines given to one couple who travelled from Hertfordshire to visit the seals at Horsey as well as another man who travelled from Colchester to Horsey with his children for the same purpose. Six men were fined in Great Yarmouth after meeting to play a game of football on a recreation ground while a man was fined for having five people in his car, all from different households. T/Assistant Chief Constable Julie Wvendth said: “We did see an increase in enforcement activity this weekend, particularly in our coastal areas. “I would reiterate the points I made last week; we are almost a year into this pandemic and the public are fully aware of what is expected of them and consequently our approach to enforcement must take this into account. “We will always seek voluntary compliance in the first instance through our continued approach of engage, explain and encourage and every case will be assessed on its own merit. However, where this interaction fails and people continue to ignore rules, we will be left with no other option but to use the powers available to us. “The overwhelming majority of people in Norfolk are making great sacrifices to adhere to the regulations so it is only right that those who blatantly ignore them and risk the health of others are dealt with. This includes people who travel into our county for non-essential purposes and in contravention of the guidance to stay at home or stay local.” Dedicated COVID-19 patrols will be taking place across the county every day, targeting town centres, Norwich city centre, coastal areas and beauty spots.

Summary: what you can and cannot do during the national lockdown

As of 4 January 2021 the Government have stated that you must stay at home. The single most important action we can all take is to stay at home to protect the NHS and save lives.

You should follow this guidance immediately. The law will be updated to reflect these new rules and more information can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus

Leaving home

You must not leave, or be outside of your home except where necessary. You may leave the home to:

• shop for basic necessities, for you or a vulnerable person
• go to work, or provide voluntary or charitable services, if you cannot reasonably do so from home
• exercise with your household (or support bubble) or one other person, this should be limited to once per day, and you should not travel outside your local area.
• meet your support bubble or childcare bubble where necessary, but only if you are legally permitted to form one
• seek medical assistance or avoid injury, illness or risk of harm (including domestic abuse)
• attend education or childcare – for those eligible

Colleges, primary and secondary schools will remain open only for vulnerable children and the children of critical workers. All other children will learn remotely until February half term. Early Years settings remain open.

Higher Education provision will remain online until mid February for all except future critical worker courses.

If you do leave home for a permitted reason, you should always stay local in the village, town, or part of the city where you live. You may leave your local area for a legally permitted reason, such as for work.

If you are clinically extremely vulnerable you should only go out for medical appointments, exercise or if it is essential. You should not attend work