We’re in the thick of it now, with infection rates continuing to rise rapidly. Indeed, at the moment one in 50 of our residents are more broadly affected by the virus. Once again, each of us are living through our own form of lockdown; separated from loved ones; dealing with home schooling; facing financial stress and struggling with our mental health. While we don’t have the benefit of beautiful spring weather this lockdown; we’re better prepared, more practiced at sharing these challenges, supporting each other in large and small ways.
It was good to join our neighbours out on our doorsteps “clapping for our heroes” last night at 8pm. It is timely that we take a moment to also revisit the government guidance to stay safely at home; recognising the symptoms of the virus, getting tested and self-isolating when required. We know that these precautions will make a difference when combined with community testing and the mass rolling out of the vaccine.
Our officers are working with County colleagues to help run the community testing centre in Lillington. And they’ve been busy! Over 3,600 tests had been carried out, since it opened on 22 December, with only a small proportion being positive. Remember this centre is for those who are not showing any symptoms – you can find out more and book your appointment, here.
Now that the Oxford Astra-Zenica vaccine is available, the ambition is to offer the vaccine by the end of March to all 420k vulnerable and over 50 years old residents across the county. Vaccination centres have been established and the programme is set to get in full swing, subject to vaccine supplies. We’ll share more information on the local vaccination programme and the progress being made in our future weekly updates.
To help deal with the lockdown during the winter months, we’re fortunate too that our award winning parks, gardens and children’s playgrounds remain open for us all to enjoy the benefits of daily exercise. Our weekly markets in Warwick and Kenilworth are also staying open, selling fresh produce and essential items, following strict covid-safe measures.
We recognise that the latest restrictions will be a hammer-blow to businesses and following the Chancellor’s announcement on Tuesday, our finance and business support teams are on stand-by to launch the new grant scheme, ‘Part D’, next Monday, 11 January. Find out more about the grants available and how to apply for them on the website, here.
There is ongoing support for the vulnerable in our society, for those who are shielding, or for vulnerable families and children. Please visit the website to access the directory of organisations, the Covid hotline and the array of support available to help get us through.
Looking ahead, we’re pleased to report that this week the Council established a Local Housing Company to help address the district’s housing need. This new company will bring a commercial approach to the development of new homes, and the flexibility to source and offer more affordable housing, in particular in the private rented sector. It is expected that the Company will put housing services on a more sustainable footing to support local people, as well as raising money to invest in the Council’s future projects.
With numbers of street homeless reducing from 22 to 4 at the last official count, the Council has put new plans in place to help former rough sleepers to remain in secure accommodation. Following the government’s ‘Everyone In’ initiative launched in March, we’ve worked closely with voluntary agencies to locate over 80 homeless and rough sleepers to provide them with interim B&B accommodation. We’re now making good progress with our ‘Housing First’ intensive support programme to enable these residents to move into their own home. Maybe this pandemic might just have a ‘silver lining’ after all.
Finally, something exciting for our young people and students to look forward to and they don’t even need to leave their bedrooms! Interactive Futures is back, the Leamington Spa games hub will open its virtual doors from 16 to 20 February to showcase the talent and creativity of local video games studios. It’s a free event and a must for anyone keen to get involved in the growing Games Sector in Leamington Spa.
Working together our problems are more than halved, strengthening the promise of better days ahead.
