Coronavirus (COVID-19): Members Update
Your weekly round up of the latest coronavirus response updates in Cumbria.
In this briefing:
844 new COVID19 cases were reported in Cumbria in the week ending 23 October, up from 722 the previous week.
Carlisle has overtaken Barrow as having the highest number of new cases (251). Barrow still has the highest rate of ‘new cases per 100k population’ for the 7th week running.
Barrow and Carlisle’s rates are both higher than the national average. Barrow is 267/100k, Carlisle is 231/100k and the national average is 170/100k. Barrow remains high despite a slight decrease in its numbers from the previous week.
Overall there has been an increase in ‘new cases’ in all of Cumbria’s District/borough areas except Barrow.
The Health Protection Board agreed that Barrow should remain a High Alert area.
Carlisle continues to be monitored closely, with consideration being given to whether further action may be required in Carlisle to reduce infection spread.
This week’s data also shows that for the second week in a row the 45-59 year old age group accounted for the highest number of new cases in Cumbria.
There continued to be an increase in the number of patients admitted with COVID-19 and patients with COVID-19 in hospital beds compared to the previous week.
Colin Cox, Director of Public Health at Cumbria County Council, said:
“This week’s data continues to give us cause for concern with an increase in cases across our county, except Barrow but Barrow remains above the national average so is still an area of significant concern.
"We want to ask everyone in Cumbria to remain vigilant, stay safe and follow the law. I also want to thank residents for all the effort they are making to keep family and friends safe despite these challenging times and although it is hard it is essential that this effort continues.
“This situation in Carlisle does give us cause for concern as the increase in new cases has been very fast and it may be that further action is needed to stop the spread, but this will require further discussion.
“Finally, it remains the case that if people follow the guidance, reduce social contact, wash hands and wear a face covering then we can reduce infections and avoid the need to increase local alert levels.”
This week's COVID-19 situation report can be found at www.cumbria.gov.uk/stopthespread.
A new campaign has launched from agencies across Cumbria, including Cumbria County Council, local NHS, district councils and the community and voluntary sector, to make it easier for the county's residents to find support if they are struggling with the pressures caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
People who are struggling should go to Cumbria County Council’s website at cumbria.gov.uk to find help quickly. Organisations from across the county have contributed to the online information, which includes a new search tool, and support for people struggling to feed themselves or their families, debt and housing advice, benefits and financial grants, mental wellbeing and more. From next week, the county council will also be distributing a support booklet to every household in the county with key points of contact for people who find themselves struggling.
For residents who need urgent help finding food and essential items, or if they are struggling to cope with their current situation for whatever reason, they are advised to call the county council’s Support Helpline on 0800 783 1966 (Monday to Thursday 9am to 5pm, Friday 9am to 4.30pm).
Useful links:
- Cumbria County Council homepage with search tool for support > https://cumbria.gov.uk/.
- Cumbria County Council Ways to Welfare support > https://cumbria.gov.uk/welfare/.
- Cumbria County Council Children and Families Information Service half term support directories > https://www.cumbria.gov.uk/childrensservices/childrenandfamilies/cfis/default.asp.
- Cumbria County Council COVID-19 main page > https://cumbria.gov.uk/coronavirus.
This year’s Remembrance Sunday will be commemorated across the county but in a different way than usual due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Remembrance and Armistice Days are key dates in the national calendar but in line with national advice, official parades and services will be limited.
Residents are instead being encouraged to take part in remote and socially distanced Remembrance activity, whether that be displaying poppy posters in their home windows, sharing stories, photos and drawings online using the hashtag #CumbriaRemembers, watching the Service on television, or pausing for the Two Minute Silence in their home or on their doorsteps.
Other ways to support this year’s Poppy Appeal include donating online and taking part in the 11/11 challenge and virtual poppy runs.
More information on this year’s Poppy Appeal can be found on the Royal British Legion’s website.
Public communications will begin next week from Monday 2 November.
People who may be thinking about taking part in Halloween this year are being urged to celebrate the night in a safe and responsible way.
As concerns continue about rising Covid-19 infection rates both nationally and locally, children and families are being urged by all agencies in Cumbria to enjoy alternatives to traditional trick or treating on 31 October.
Colin Cox, Cumbria’s Director of Public Health, said:
“We want to ensure people enjoy themselves this Halloween in a safe way that protects everyone from the spread of Coronavirus.
“Halloween is popular with children and families and we understand the importance this annual event has to some, but this year we’re encouraging people to make some slight changes to their celebrations to stay safe and to protect their families and neighbours.
“Follow the government guidance: Stick to the rule of six, indoors and outdoors - remembering school bubbles do not apply outside school. Maintain social distancing, wear a face covering in any busy place, inside or out, and wash your hands regularly. Remember to take hand sanitiser if you go out.
“If people do go out with their children, we would ask that they do so to view their neighbours’ Halloween decorations rather than knocking on doors, or collecting sweets from communal bowls.
“We are currently in the middle of a pandemic, so the priority in all that we do must be to slow the spread of Coronavirus in our communities and keep our families and communities safe.”
Read more.
Due to the current pandemic and government restrictions on social gatherings, many large organised Bonfire Night displays are cancelled this year and many are being asked to reconsider the traditional Halloween plans to activities that will keep them, their families and community safe.
Across Cumbria it is against the law to have more than 6 people in your home or garden. In addition, in the Barrow Borough Council area it is against the law to meet other people inside their home, groups of up to 6 are still permitted in gardens.
Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service is urging families to think twice about firework displays, but if you do choose to have one, please plan and prepare carefully to be as safe as possible. Chair of the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) Prevention Committee Neil Odin has shared his concerns around home displays, which could see a rise in the number of incidents and accidents and place pressure on the UK’s Fire and Rescue Services and the NHS.
Head of Prevention for Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service Will Richardson said:
“We want everyone to enjoy the bonfire season responsibly and encourage multiple families not to host their own bonfires or events. Garden bonfires can easily get out of control.
“Not only do these pose a serious risk to yourself, your family and the public, but they also take our crews away from other potentially life-threatening incidents. A great deal of work goes into preparing communities for the bonfire period, in order to clear any potential fuel for deliberate fire setting.”
Residents are advised to visit the CFRS website for further safety or to get in touch with their local Cumbria Fire and Rescue Station.
The county council is working closely with local health partners to promote uptake of the flu vaccine across Cumbria. More information can be found at cumbria.gov.uk/healthandwellbeing/fluvaccine.asp.
You can help by sharing some key messages aimed at this year's eligible groups, including children, pregnant women, people who have been shielding and more. See below:
Pregnant women
- Flu can cause harm to both mother and baby. The free flu vaccine is the very best protection for you and your unborn baby from the harms of flu.
- Pregnant women can get their vaccine from their GP, pharmacist or through their maternity service.
- However fit and healthy you might feel, if you are pregnant you need the flu vaccine now. The flu vaccine is the safest way to help protect you and your baby against the flu virus. It’s free because you need it.
- Ask your pharmacist, GP Practice or midwife about the free flu vaccine.
People with learning disabilities
Parents of 2-3-year olds
- Flu can be horrible for young children and they can easily pass it on to those around them who could be vulnerable - even if they don't show any symptoms. The free flu nasal spray is easier to give to children that the injection, is the best way to protect your child and can prevent the spread of the virus.
- Children who get flu have the same symptoms as adults – including fever, chills, aching muscles, headache, stuffy nose, dry cough and sore throat.
- Some children develop a very high fever or complications of flu such as bronchitis or pneumonia and may need hospital treatment. Call NHS 111 if you are worried about your child's symptoms.
- Vaccinating children can protect both them and those around them who are at high risk of serious complications if they get flu.
- Ask your GP Practice about your child's free flu nasal spray.
Parents of children 4-11
- Flu can be horrible for young children and they can easily pass it on to those around them who could be vulnerable - even if they don't show any symptoms. The free flu nasal spray is the best way to protect your child and can prevent the spread of the virus.
- Children who get flu have the same symptoms as adults – including fever, chills, aching muscles, headache, stuffy nose, dry cough and sore throat.
- Some children develop a very high fever or complications of flu such as bronchitis or pneumonia and may need hospital treatment. Call NHS 111 if you are worried about your child's symptoms.
- Vaccinating children can protect both them and those around them who are at high risk of serious complications if they get flu.
- For most children the flu vaccine is not an injection, just a quick painless nasal spray.
- Social distancing and safety measures are in place in schools to prevent the spread of COVID-19 when giving the vaccine.
- Look out for your child's consent form from their school and sign and return it to ensure they get their free flu nasal spray.
People aged 65+
- Flu can cause serious complications for people aged 65 years and over. The free flu vaccine is the very best protection for you from the harms of flu.
- People aged 65 years and over are more likely to experience serious complications from flu. As well as having your flu vaccine, you may be eligible for the pneumococcal and shingles vaccines. All three vaccines can be given at the same time.
- Ask your pharmacist or GP Practice about the free flu vaccine.
People with LTHCs
- Flu can cause serious complications if you have a long-term health condition. The free flu vaccine is the very best protection for you from the harms of flu. Ask your pharmacist or GP Practice if you’re eligible for a free flu vaccination.
- If you have diabetes, a long term respiratory, heart, kidney, liver or neurological condition, Immunosuppressed, morbidly obese or have problems with your spleen you are more likely to experience serious complications from flu. Ask your pharmacist or GP about the free flu vaccine
- All children who have long term health conditions should be offered flu vaccination from the age of six months. Ask your GP about the free flu vaccine.
Household contacts of those on the NHS shielded patient list for COVID-19
- Flu can easily spread (even if you are not showing symptoms) to those around you who are vulnerable and are on the NHS shielded patient list for COVID-19. That is why their household members are being offered the flu vaccine this year.
- As well as household contacts of the shielded getting the flu vaccine, it is also the very best protection for those who have been shielding from COVID-19 from the harms of flu.
- Flu can be serious and can be easily spread to those who are more vulnerable. That's why you may be offered the vaccine for the first time this year, to protect yourself and others.
- Ask your pharmacist or GP if you’re eligible for a free flu vaccination.If you live with someone who is on the NHS Shielded Patient List, or if you expect to share accommodation with them on most days over the winter, making close contact unavoidable, then you should ask for a free flu vaccine.
We have a range of useful images for you to use, download them here.
Agencies across Cumbria are continuing to share trusted information, advice and guidance and you can help by sharing this on your own social media accounts.
Every share or retweet means we reach more people and spread important messages wider across our communities.
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