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This edition will be the final one of the Covid-19 Communities update for the time being. This is because the amount of relevant news we have to share with you and the contributions received from partners has reduced.
We will monitor the situation and will look to reintroduce the newsletter in the future if there is a need.
We would like to thank you all for your help in getting vital Covid-19 messages out to members of the public during the past three months.
You will still receive Highlights from the Hubs on a Friday if you have subscribed and you can keep an on eye on the latest news from both councils on Facebook, Twitter or at www.peterborough.gov.uk or www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk
Register now if you’re shielding to access priority supermarket slots
People who have been encouraged to register as shielding are being urged to do so before the 17 July deadline (this Friday), whether they need help at the moment or not.
Although the shielding programme will be paused on 31 July, people on the shielded list who register for support with essential supplies before 17 July will still be able to access priority supermarket delivery slots from this date.
In addition, the council will be keeping a record of everyone who is shielding, so that if there is a need for lockdown again, it has the details of everyone who might need support.
To register on the shielded list, or to amend your preferences, visit www.gov.uk/coronavirus-extremely-vulnerable or call 0800 028 8327.
In addition, the Government has confirmed this week that the majority of children currently considered extremely clinical vulnerable to coronavirus (COVID-19) will be able to be removed from the shielded patient list from 31 July.
Children will only be removed from the shielded patient list by their GP or specialist doctor following consultation with them and their families. Specialists and GPs will be asked to contact families to discuss this over the summer, so people do not need to take any immediate action.
The Government has decided to take this action following independent evidence from the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH), working with specialists in paediatric medicine, which shows the risk of serious illness for children and young people is low and only those with the most severe conditions should now be considered clinically extremely vulnerable.
More information is available at www.gov.uk.
Volunteers continue transporting vulnerable people and key workers
Volunteer drivers, who help transport vulnerable people and children on journeys, such as to school, have continued to give up their time and carry out the vital work during the pandemic.
The scheme, run by Cambridgeshire County Council, has continued throughout lockdown, providing an essential travel service to vulnerable people, key workers and children of key workers.
While some of the drivers have been unable to work due to coronavirus, others have still been carrying out the service, not only transporting the children they would usually, but also children whose usual volunteer is self-isolating.
All volunteers follow government guidance and wear PPE (masks and gloves) while working. They also have hand sanitiser for their use and that of the individuals they are transporting.
School in Peterborough produce over 10,000 visors
After becoming acutely aware of the shortage of personal protective equipment for frontline workers back in March, staff at Jack Hunt School, a specialist language and sports college in Peterborough, were keen to put their skills, experience and materials to the test.
Picking up on the growing shortage of protective visors for NHS and care workers across the country, staff from the school’s Design Technology department quickly began working up prototypes, unaware they were starting a process that would see them manufacturing over 10,000 pieces for frontline workers right across our region.
Word quickly spread, and the visors are now being used in four hospitals, including one in Nottingham, a number doctors surgeries and in 173 care homes across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.
Children’s Community Nurses and local ambulance crews are among other recipients of the safe and comfortable PPE.
Update to Stagecoach rules
Stagecoach has updated its rules for customers using its services, in line with government guidance.
From today, Thursday 9 July, the travel company will be increasing the capacity on board its buses in the Eastern region. Passengers will now be able to sit one person per double seat.
Passengers must leave the seat next to and behind them empty and only sit with someone if they are in their household or bubble.
Face coverings are still compulsory when travelling with Stagecoach unless passengers are covered by the Government's list of exemptions.
For more information visit the Stagecoach website here.
Roald Dahl reading treats available for Peterborough youngsters
Peterborough Reads has created 200 Roald Dahl packs so that children without reliable internet access can continue to develop their literacy skills during lockdown.
The packs are full of fun-filled activities including inventing a scrumptious treat for Willy Wonka's factory, travelling the world in a giant peach, and capturing dreams for The BFG. We've also included a free Roald Dahl book in each pack along with tips to help families and carers get the most out of story time.
Recent research found that 60,000 children in the UK do not have any access to the internet at home, while millions of others do not have a device that can connect to the internet.
We partnered with City College Peterborough and the local council to help identify young people who will benefit from a pack and to help distribute them across the community. Some of the packs have already been given to children associated with Barnardo's Children's centre and the remaining packs will be distributed in the next few weeks.
Visit the Peterborough Reads website here.
Visit their Facebook page here.
The Roald Dahl activities can also be downloaded for free here.
Sharing Communities Updates
You are welcome to share this Communities Update by forwarding the email to people in your community, who can also subscribe to receive updates from Cambridgeshire County Council by registering and selecting ‘Communities Updates’ from the list under Covid-19. We are asking City councillors to forward this update to their local residents associations.
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