Coronavirus (COVID-19): Members Update
Your weekly round up of the latest coronavirus response updates in Cumbria.
In this briefing:
The latest data for Cumbria shows new cases of COVID-19 in the county continue to fall.
The latest COVID-19 update report can be found at: www.cumbria.gov.uk/stopthespread
There were 28 confirmed cases in week end 21 August, down from 60 in the preceding week.
Carlisle continues to have the highest number of new cases among Cumbrian districts, but fewer than the preceding week.
The data also shows that young people now make up a majority of the new cases, with nearly 1 in 3 being between 15 and 29 years old.
Colin Cox, Cumbria’s Director Public Health, said:
“I’m pleased to see a significant drop in the number of new cases this week, but as ever we must remain cautious.
“Evidence coming from elsewhere in Europe is showing the virus on the increase again, significantly so in some cases. If we want to avoid that here, then people must continue to stick to the guidance. The virus is far from beaten and we continue to monitor the situation closely.
“This week’s figures highlight that more young people, aged 15-19, are catching the virus than any other age group. We know young people are generally more socially active, and for them symptoms are usually mild - but the danger is that they spread it to older more vulnerable family members who are more at risk.
“The simple advice is wash your hands, cover your face and make space. If everyone keeps doing that we’ll keep the virus in check.”
The key public health messages remain:
- Wash or sanitise hands regularly
- Observe social distancing rules
- Wear face masks or coverings in enclosed public spaces, including taxis
- If you have symptoms, self-isolate and get tested
- Follow advice to self-isolate if asked
Schools across the county are gearing up to welcome back pupils next week, with new COVID-safe arrangements in place.
Government policy is that all schools will reopen to all pupils in September. This is possible because the level of infection spread has reduced hugely. It also now known that COVID-19 is not a serious illness for the overwhelming majority of children, and young people are no more likely to spread infection than any other age group.
The risk from COVID-19 is now significantly outweighed by the benefits for children’s well-being, development and learning of getting back to school.
In line with the national guidance, schools across the county are putting in place arrangements to minimise the risk of infection spreading in schools. This includes increased hygiene measures, class or year group ‘bubbles’, changes to movement around the school and much more. These measures reflect comprehensive risk assessments all schools have undertaken. Clear procedures have also been developed by the county’s Public Health team to respond to outbreaks if they do occur.
School leaders are stressing that arrangements will vary between schools, based on their specific circumstances. Schools will explain arrangements to their parents and carers.
Cllr Sue Sanderson, Cumbria County Council Cabinet Member for Schools and Learning, said:
“I am delighted that pupils will be returning to school next week, it really is so important - not just for their learning but for their overall well-being too. The pressure on parents and carers to educate at home has been huge and I’d like to thank all of them for stepping up to the challenge.
“I understand that as well as excitement there may be some anxiety, for parents and children. We know the COVID-19 has not gone away, but all schools have undertaken really rigorous risk assessments and put in place safety measures that will allow school to function while minimising the risk of infection spread. This is all about striking the right balance.
“I would like to offer my best wishes to all pupils and their families. I hope you enjoy getting back to school, catching up with friends and getting involved with all the exciting learning on offer.”
In a joint statement, Judith Schafer, Chair of the Cumbria Association of Secondary Headteachers, and Sue Blair, Chair of the Cumbria Primary Headteachers’ Association said:
“All schools have spent many hours during the summer break paving the way for the safe return of all pupils in September. It’s important to remember that risk assessments are constantly being reviewed, and will be different in every educational establishment due to buildings and locality issues.
“As well as considering the physical environment, as a priority we are working hard to put in place a curriculum that is fit for purpose, meets the needs of our diverse communities and supports our children and young people for a safe and secure return to school.
“Whilst schools may look different, and ways of teaching and learning have had to adapt, we are confident that our children and young people will respond positively not only to the scaffolding and security that calm, ordered school environments will provide, but also to the challenge and enjoyment of learning. Communication, as ever, is key to a successful start in September, and schools will be working hard to be transparent and open with parents and students about the challenges we will face.”
More information:
- September – Schools, nurseries and colleges will open for all children and young people on a full-time basis. Universities are working to reopen as fully as possible
- October:
- The furlough scheme will end on 31 October 2020.
- The government intends to bring back audiences in stadia and to allow conferences and other business events to recommence in covid-secure way, subject to the successful outcome of pilots.
- November – The government’s ambition is to scale back remaining social distancing measures, but this is contingent on a number of factors, including consideration of the specific challenges as we move into winter.
The Emergency Support Helpline will be closing on Monday 31 August at 5pm. The Support Line was set up primarily to support people who had been asked to shield, and the national shielding programme was paused at the the end of July.
The helpline has been a great support to extremely vulnerable people who were unable to rely on friends, family or neighbours. Up to the end of July, it had received 6,756 calls, 933 emails and 252 online form submissions. Since shielding was paused this has tailed off dramatically as people have been able to organise support in other ways such as home deliveries, with community groups or from new found connections.
Following its closure, the telephone line won't be completely dead - any calls to the number will be answered by the county council's Ways to Welfare service.
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