Coronavirus Doncaster: Update
Introduction
Hi I’m Dr Rupert Suckling, Director of Public Health in Doncaster.
Our rate of infections has fallen to 66.4 per 100,000 people for the period 17-23 April. This is of course welcome, but our rates are going down very slowly and we remain amongst the highest in the country.
The good news is that our hospital admissions for Covid-19 remain low - similar to last week, we currently have less than 10 patients in hospital being directly treated.
I've been asked a number of times why Covid rates remain important as the vaccination programme continues so successfully and hospital rates are low. There are three important answers to this:
- The lower our rates of infection, the more confident we can all be about returning to normal activities. We want to ensure the public are confident that they can support Doncaster's economy - from shopping on our High Streets to visiting restaurants to attending events - whilst remaining as safe as possible.
- The risk of 'Long Covid' to residents. We're increasingly seeing how debilitating 'Long Covid' can be for people and want to avoid those numbers increasing further.
- Areas with higher rates increase their risk of developing new variants of concern.
We're all looking forward to a first Bank Holiday weekend of the year with shops open and the chance to visit outdoor areas at pubs restaurants and cafes. You might also be having a get together with friends or family in your garden. Whatever your plans, I'd urge everyone to follow all the guidance we currently have in place. Stick to the rule of six or two households mixing, don't go inside someone else's house (whatever the weather) and continue to follow hands, face and space.
I hope everyone enjoys their Bank Holiday weekend and Let’s continue to do it for Doncaster. Thank you.
Dr Rupert Suckling
Director of Public Health
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Staying Safe this Bank Holiday
Our first bank holiday weekend with more places back open fast approaches!
Whilst many of us are looking forward to spending time with friends and family, it's worth weighing up any possible Covid risks that may come with your plans.
If in doubt - stay out(side)!
There are plenty of safety measures in place on our High Streets if you fancy some retail therapy.
But there are still further small steps we can take to reduce our risk even further - like choosing a quieter time to shop.
 
Call Out for Vaccination Marshalls
Doncaster's vaccination programme has been a success due to the amazing support of our volunteers.  
However, we still need support with marshalling duties at vaccination sites.
Regular At Home Covid-19 Testing
More and more of us are now doing regular Covid tests at home, playing your part in helping to slow the spread of the virus across the borough.
It's REALLY important we do these tests properly, so here's an easy guide to follow...
Remember home test kits are now universally available for all - find out how you can get yours (and find out more on Covid testing):
Litter Reminder
Planning a walk and catch up with friends this bank holiday weekend?
Well there’s one little action you can do which can make a BIG difference in our fight against littering.
Crushing your coffee cup when you put it in the bin means there's more space for other rubbish, the bins don't get full as quick and there's even less of an excuse to litter!
If the bin is full, please try and find another one that's empty or take your rubbish home with you. It really does make a big difference.
Polling Stations will be Covid Secure
Elections are taking place on Thursday 6 May and the council is putting in extra precautions to help keep every voter safe at the polling stations.
There will be social distancing measures in place and a limit on the number of people allowed into the polling station at any one time. Please wait to be invited in to vote by one of our friendly team, and be prepared to queue outside – remember your umbrella if the weather is bad!
Ballot boxes, voting booths and other touch points will be cleaned regularly throughout the day and you will be asked to sanitise your hands on the way in and way out of the polling station. There will be pencils available to mark your ballot papers, but you can bring your own pen or pencil if you wish.
Staff will be wearing face coverings and there will be a screen in place at the point where ballot papers are handed over. You will also need to wear a face covering (unless exempt), so please remember to bring yours with you.
Please DO NOT go to the polling station if:
- you have any Covid-19 symptoms
- you have had a positive test result
- you are required to self-isolate
Instead, apply for an Emergency Covid-19 Proxy Vote by calling Freephone 0800 180 4604. These are available up until 5pm on Election Day.
For more information on the elections in Doncaster please visit Upcoming Elections
Mobile Testing Unit
Here is where our mobile Covid-19 Testing Unit will be this week...
Sharing is caring
Don’t forget to share the messages in this newsletter with people who may not be online, whilst following government guidance on physical distancing.
They may also be interested in signing up to receive these emails (and other updates from us):
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To help us do this, we're asking you to answer a couple of questions by clicking on the link below. This will allow us to send updates on where you live straight to your inbox 👍
How is Covid impacting your life?
We are still running our Doncaster Talks survey to find out how the coronavirus pandemic is affecting YOU.
Please take a few minutes to let us know how you think your experience should shape what we do in the future. Help further shape what we do going forward:
COVID app
You can download the NHS COVID-19 app here:
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