The number of people getting coronavirus in the last seven days in Portsmouth is down 115 on the last week.
This is a sign that the actions of local people and businesses, of everyone that is sticking to the rules of the national lockdown, are starting to slow the spread of infection.
But we must remain vigilant - over 1,200 people still tested positive for the virus this week and our local NHS is under huge pressure. Over 65% of COVID-related deaths in Portsmouth happened during the last three months. Every one of those deaths is one too many.
So stay at home, socially distance during daily exercise and remember Hands, Face, Space at all times - this will help prevent you becoming infected and spreading the virus to others.
Our open spaces - including the seafront - are there for everyone.
We know that having the space to exercise is important for people's physical and emotional wellbeing. We want to make sure these spaces are safe for everyone. The vast majority of people behave safely and responsibly, but here's some simple guidance to think about when you do go out to exercise.
- If you need to stop, stand to the side - it helps others pass safely.
- If you are visiting the seafront and you're able to, why not go for a walk on the beach rather than the prom. This will give space for those less able.
- If it feels too busy on parts of your route wear a face covering outside. Alternatively come back another time, and maybe next time you go out make it slightly earlier or later in the day to avoid busy times.
If you're worried about a serious breach of coronavirus regulations, like a large gathering, or a business that might not have the right safety measures in place you can let us or the police know via our website and we'll look into it. Our enforcement teams and police partners are out and about all weekend.
You may have heard that people aged 70 and over and those classed as clinically extremely vulnerable can now start to receive their COVID-19 vaccination.
Don't worry if you, or someone you know, is aged over 80 and is still waiting to receive it. You haven’t been missed. The NHS will be in touch to invite you to your vaccine appointment. They'll also contact those aged 70 and over and clinically extremely vulnerable residents when it's time for them to attend their appointment.
To help the NHS deliver the programme please don’t contact them for an appointment, wait for them to invite you. Everyone in these priority groups will get the vaccine over the coming weeks, it just takes time as it's the biggest vaccination programme in NHS history.
Those awaiting a vaccination invitation are reminded to :
- Make sure you are registered with a GP practice.
- Ensure your practice has up-to-date contact details for you – especially a mobile phone number if you have one. This makes it quicker and easier for the practice to make contact. There is no need to call them with this information – it can be updated online through the practice website.
- Continue to follow the government guidelines to keep yourself and others safe by complying with lockdown rules, washing your hands, covering your face, and giving other people space when you are out. This is really important even once you’ve had the vaccine.
The vaccines are safe and effective, and offer you the best protection from getting seriously ill with coronavirus so please attend your appointments when invited.
It's really important to stay at home if you've been asked to self-isolate.
But we know it's not easy for everyone. If isolating means you'll face serious financial difficulties you might be able to claim a £500 test and trace support payment. You can apply if you:
- have been told to stay at home by NHS Test and Trace or the NHS COVID-19 app
- are in work but will lose income because you can't work from home
- are currently receiving benefits payments
Check if you're eligible and apply online at portsmouth.gov.uk/testandtracepayments
If you're struggling financially there's lots of other local help and advice available - you can find out more on our website.
Education is critical for the well-being and life chances of all children and young people.
Thank you to all parents and carers, teachers and staff who are working so hard to support children while they are learning remotely from home.
We've put together some top tips for remote learning that might help you during this time. This is a challenging time for everyone, so be patient with your child and with yourself. Doing your best is all that anyone can ask!
Please speak to your school if you need any support accessing the remote learning system they have set up.
Lots of people in Portsmouth have gone the extra mile to help others during the pandemic.
We want to celebrate their ongoing contribution to the city with the Coronavirus Civic Awards. From healthcare workers and teachers, to supermarket staff, local businesses, community volunteers and kind neighbours, the awards will recognise the exceptional effort they've made to support others. Nominations close 12 February.
The coronavirus pandemic has affected us all.
We are looking for local people to tell us about their experiences of coronavirus. We hope to share some of these stories through council magazines, social media channels, on our website, and in the wider media to help people see the impact coronavirus has had on our city.
We would like to hear from you if you live or work in Portsmouth and have:
- had coronavirus, or lost someone to the virus;
- shielded during the pandemic;
- had the vaccine or would like to have it;
- experienced a special or unexpected kindness from others.
Please fill out this short survey by Sunday 21 February.
QA Hospital has temporarily moved the children's emergency department. It's now in the children’s assessment unit, within the paediatric unit on A level.
The same high level of care will continue to be provided. If you need to bring your child to ED enter via the east entrance. If your child has a routine appointment they should go via the main entrance to the paediatric unit. This move is part of the hospital's COVID-19 response and provides more space for adult patients coming into ED via ambulance.
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