As we prepare to enjoy the Bank Holiday weekend, and spend some welcome time with our family and friends, it is really important that we keep in mind that even if we’ve been vaccinated, we can still catch and unwittingly spread Covid-19. Testing is the only way we can be confident that we’re not infecting others. It’s easily to arrange free testing; you can order tests to be delivered to your home, make an appointment at your local test centre or collect a test from a participating pharmacy.
Thankfully, the number of new, local Covid-19 cases is now at the lowest level we’ve experienced since last summer, providing an opportunity to focus resources on the vaccination programme. Good progress was made in the district this week with 76,182 (58.7%) of all adults receiving at least one dose, and many now also having their second jab. The combination of low infection levels and rising immunisation rates is enabling our community’s Covid defences to be built ready for whatever next winter will have install for us.
Next week, we have an opportunity to exercise our democratic right, by casting votes in the Elections for our Police and Crime Commissioner, Warwickshire County Council, plus various by-Elections, and local referendums. Our team of Officers have been working with electoral services to ensure that we’ll be safe when visiting any of the polling stations to cast our vote. Many of the safety measures to which you’re accustomed are in place, so please remember to wear a mask, use the hand sanitiser provided and maintain social distancing. More information can be found on the Warwick District Council Elections website.
In other welcome news, following our successful bid for funding for the government’s social housing decarbonisation project, we’ve advised more than fifty residents that their council homes have been selected to be retrofitted using of the latest technology, at no cost to them. This architect-led improvement programme will maximise the energy performance of these houses, permanently reducing fuel bills, ensuring fewer draughts and creating warmer homes.
As progress is made with the Government’s Roadmap, the team at the Leamington Spa Art Gallery and Museum are bursting with excitement to open the doors on 20 May. Not one, but two exciting new exhibitions have been prepared, plus a free, new treasure trail has been created to entertain our youngsters for an hour or so during the summer holidays. Find out more about the reopening plans here - Leamington Spa Art Gallery & Museum.
And further good news for those who have missed the ever-popular Parkrun at Newbold Comyn, the team are busy making plans to reopen from 5 June. We’ll keep you updated on exactly when you can dust down the trainers, as there is still a great deal of work going on behind the scenes to get this up and running again (sorry about the pun, ha, ha).
Finally, we can’t believe it’s a whole year since the last Leamington Business Awards, which are once again open for nominations for various categories, celebrating the fantastic achievements of our local individuals, organisations and businesses across South Warwickshire. Two new categories this year recognise the amazing talent in our thriving creative sector, with an award for ‘Creative Business of the Year’ and ‘Freelancer of the Year’. Why not submit a nomination and get involved, with more detail available, here.
