As the COVID-19 pandemic has unfolded we have found ourselves in a fast-moving scenario and I understand that members of the public are concerned on several levels. It is clear that the virus will be with us for some time, but I would like to offer my reassurance that as your Member of Parliament I am working alongside my ministerial colleagues and others who are dedicated to ensuring that the public and the economy is protected.
We all have a part to play in fighting the virus, which means washing our hands and wearing masks. It is also recommended that you use the NHS Track and Trace App which can tell you if you have been in contact with someone else who has had coronavirus. You can download the app here from the Apple Store or here from Google Play.
From 4 January 2021 it has been announced that we are moving to a national lockdown, you can read a statement on this matter by Gareth in the 'News' section of this web site.
INFORMATION ON RECEIVING THE COVID-19 VACCINE
In order to receive the coronavirus vaccine, you must be registered with a GP surgery. To register with a GP if you do not currently have one you can do so through this link: registering with a GP
In the UK there are two COVID-19 vaccines and both require two doses to provide longer lasting protection. The order in which people will be offered the vaccine is based on advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI).
JCVI advises that the first priorities for the COVID-19 vaccination programme should be the prevention of mortality and the maintenance of the health and social care systems. As the risk of mortality from COVID-19 increases with age, prioritisation is primarily based on age.
The order of priority is set out as follows:
- residents in a care home for older adults and their carers
- all those 80 years of age and over and frontline health and social care workers
- all those 75 years of age and over
- all those 70 years of age and over and clinically extremely vulnerable individuals
- all those 65 years of age and over
- all individuals aged 16 year to 64 years with underlying health conditions which put them at higher risk of serious disease and mortality
- all those 60 years of age and over
- all those 55 years of age and over
- all those 50 years of age and over
To read more information on the recommendations of the JCVI please visit this link here.
It is important to reiterate that those most at risk from the complications of COVID-19 are being offered the vaccine first. When more vaccine becomes available, the vaccines will be offered to other people at risk as soon as possible.
Due to the logistics of delivery and characteristics of the vaccines, the immunisation service needs to be delivered at scale. The current model is through groups of practices working together through primary care networks, with one designated vaccination site, usually a GP practice. As a result, it may be that not all GP practices are designated locations for vaccinations at the moment - patients from throughout the network will be contacted and invited to attend the designated vaccination site. In due course, as vaccines become more widely available, it is possible that more than one site could be possible within each grouping.
Vaccination Centres - in the constituency & surrounding area
- St Mary's Medical Centre, Stamford
- Meres Leisure Centre, Grantham
- Cliff Villages Medical Practice, Lincoln
- Louth Hospital
- Lincoln County Hospital
- Peterborough Hospital
You are not able to pay for a COVID-19 vaccine privately or at a pharmacy, it is only available through the NHS to eligible groups and it is free.
You can read more much information on the COVID-19 vaccine and the process for receiving it through the NHS web link here.
Please also find attached an information leaflet issued by Public Health England.
INFORMATION ON GETTING A COVID-19 TEST
You can book a test online by clicking here or by calling 119 if you do not have access to the internet.
It is possible for you to book a test if:
- you have a high temperature
- you have a new, continuous cough
- you’ve lost your sense of smell or taste or it’s changed
- you’ve been asked to get a test by a local council
- you’re taking part in a government pilot project
- you’ve been asked to get a test to confirm a positive result
You can also get a test for someone you live with if they have symptoms.
Constituency Testing Locations
- Meres Drive Through Mobile Testing Unit
The Meres Leisure Centre, Trent Road, Grantham, NG31 7XQ
- Meres Vaccination Centre
The Meres Leisure Centre, Trent Road, Grantham, NG31 7XQ
- Grantham Pedestrian Access Testing Centre
Queen Elizabeth Park car park, Grantham
- Stamford Drive Through Mobile Testing Unit
St Martin’s Park, Barnack Road, Stamford, PE9 2NB
USEFUL LINKS FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
For advice on identifying symptoms:
If you think you may be suffering from the symptoms of COVID-19, visit the 111 NHS website to go through their interactive online form:
For specific advice for Business Owners, Employers and Employees:
https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus/business-support
Government Business Support helpline +(44) 300 456 3565
For advice for local business owners from South Kesteven:
https://investsk.co.uk/business-resilience-continuity/
For guidance on social distancing and protecting the most vulnerable:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/staying-alert-and-safe-social-distancing
Guidance for parents and carers on the closure of educational settings:
For the latest advice on travel and those overseas:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/travel-advice-novel-coronavirus
