Cambridgeshire and Peterborough will become an Enhanced Response Area for tackling the Covid pandemic.

Local leaders have welcomed the Government announcement, which follows an approach from both Councils and the Director of Public Health. Infections across the area are rising, especially in the 60+ age group. Rates are currently higher in most areas than in January’s peak.

The new status takes effect from Monday, and will last for at least five weeks. It allows the Council to push for additional support to:

• Accelerate and target 12-15 vaccination roll out to key areas and schools where infections are highest.
• Accelerate booster vaccinations for eligible groups who have had their second vaccination more than six months ago.
• Increase vaccination rate in areas with the lowest uptake.

The Councils will also enter into further discussions with the Department for Education about additional measures it can use in schools. In the meantime they will continue to:

• Encourage secondary school teachers or pupils who are household contacts of positive cases to take daily lateral flow tests.
• Advise schools that face coverings should be worn in secondary school communal areas, and that meetings should happen virtually where possible.
• Encourage anyone who is a household contact of a positive case to take daily rapid tests, until a negative PCR test is received.

For the general public government funded additional communications will also begin from next week. These will:

• Recommend wear face coverings in crowded and enclosed areas where you come into contact with people you do not usually meet.
• Remind people to get their vaccinations, test regularly and particularly before attending events, meet with others outside their households in well ventilated spaces and wash hands regularly and well.

More information here.

The pandemic is nowhere near over. Rates in Cambridgeshire are well above the national average. Our National Health Service is already stretched. We are now in a very serious situation, and this move by the Council and the Director of Public Health is both necessary and welcome.