With the Prime Minster confirming last night that stage 4 of the roadmap is being delayed until 19 July, residents are being urged to continue acting with caution and take up the offer of a vaccine.
COVID rates in the Borough remain below the national average and similar to regional but have trebled in the last week although cases in the over 60s have reduced.
In the seven days up to 13 June, Southend-on-Sea had 62 confirmed new Covid-19 cases, a 195% increase on the previous week (up from 21 cases) and equivalent to a weekly rate of 33.9 per 100,000 residents, below the national average of 63.9 per 100,000.
Rates among the 60+ age group, who have now been offered both vaccinations, are very low. The largest rise is among young people who may not have been vaccinated yet.
People in their twenties can now book their first jab and Krishna Ramkhelawon, Southend-on-Sea’s director of public health is asking everyone to keep doing their bit.
He said: “It has been great to see our wonderful Borough so busy and vibrant again, with the seafront busy and people able to get together in gardens, shops, pubs, restaurants and bars for example.
“But we must all remember COVID is still with us and we must all continue doing key things like hands, face, space and fresh air, planning ahead and keeping each other safe by acting responsibly when we are getting together. Rates in Southend-on-Sea remain low, but they have been steadily increasing and doubled in the last week.
“The NHS vaccination programme has now reached people in their twenties which is excellent news in the fight against COVID and we can see from the lower rates in the over 60s the impact the vaccination programme is having.
“If you have had your first vaccination you can still be vulnerable for another couple of months and even when you are fully vaccinated you can still catch COVID, albeit symptoms are likely to be less severe, but you could also still give it someone who is vulnerable. So please keep going and remember that COVID is still with us.”
Cllr Cheryl Nevin, cabinet member for adult social care and health integration, says: “We understand that the announcement last night will disappoint many people and many businesses who are struggling right now.
“But it is a very fine balance to be struck and nationally and locally we need to give the NHS vaccination programme time to do its work, and this four-week delay will undoubtedly help with that.
“We all know what we need do to stop the virus spreading, and that includes good hand hygiene, social distancing, wearing masks and opening windows if indoors with others. Please also take up the offer of a vaccine especially residents who may need to book/re-book their second vaccination. COVID is still with us, but we really are getting there, so please keep going.”
The importance of COVID-19 testing
If you have COVID-19 symptoms (a high temperature, a new continuous cough, a loss of smell or change to your sense of smell or taste), you will need to book a PCR test online and continue to self-isolate until you receive the results.
For those without symptoms, the Council’s community collect initiative is still running and rapid Covid-19 self-test kits are being offered to everyone living and working in the Borough. These can be picked up from libraries and pharmacies across the Borough.
Please keep testing twice a week – even if you have been vaccinated.
This is especially important for those leaving home for work or going to secondary school.
Between taking up the vaccine and regular testing, we can and will ensure our Borough stays as safe as possible.