The recent trend continues, with local infection levels falling from 370.1 to 205.6 per 100,000 people in the last seven days, now below the national and regional average. However, it is concerning that in the last couple of days the infection levels across the County have risen again, confirming if nothing else, that the situation is far from certain.
In the last few weeks, there have been large changes in the way COVID-19 has been spreading, particularly in younger age groups. The adult vaccine programme has progressed successfully, and more safety data has become available, so the advice for the vaccination of children and young people has been under review. This updated advice confirms that young people will be afforded around 80% protection against hospitalisation, following receipt of their first jab. It is expected that protection will probably be even higher as younger people respond better to vaccines and some will have already had the COVID-19 infection, meaning they will have an even better response to a first dose.
Half of all hospitalised coronavirus cases are under the age of 35, underscoring the importance of encouraging younger adults to come and get their jabs. Government has also confirmed that healthy 16 to 17 year olds will now be offered a first dose of the Pfizer vaccine.
This Saturday there are two drop-in clinics at Southorn Court in Lillington from 9am to 12pm and the Sydni Centre in Sydenham from 1pm to 3pm, both offering first or second doses of the Pfizer jab. We’re also working alongside our County Council and Public Health colleagues to organise vaccine myth busting sessions at our local community hubs later this month.
Please continue to protect our loved ones, friends and colleagues by taking regular tests, even if you think your symptoms are ‘just a cold’. Free testing is available by home delivery, at a local test centre or by collection from a participating pharmacy. For those self-isolating Test & Trace support payments continue to be available.
There’s been further progress with our recovery plans:
- The transformation of Kenilworth’s leisure facilities will be discussed at next week’s Cabinet meeting ahead of the proposals being considered by the Planning Committee. If approved, this multimillion redevelopment will provide a second indoor pool at Abbey Fields, with direct access to an adjoining sun terrace. In addition, the plans for a new leisure centre at Castle Farm include a sports hall, 80 station gym and studios as well as a new HQ for the scouts and guides. If completed as proposed, Kenilworth would at last be provided with excellent sports facilities that compliment those that have been delivered for Warwick and Leamington Spa.
- The first tenants will receive the keys for their new Council homes in Radford Semele next week. We’ve purchased new properties located at the ‘Cricketers’, which will be available to local people for shared ownership or at social rent levels.
- It was great to see our home nations Bowls Teams competing on the newly re-laid bowling greens in Victoria Park. This was a chance for the national squads to get some vital practice on the new greens ahead of next year’s Commonwealth Games competition.
