Lockdown again

So here we are again, predictably, in another national lockdown – the third for the UK since the start of the pandemic.

Just a day after we were told that it was safe to send children to school, we are told tonight that all schools must close except for vulnerable children and the children of key workers.

The new rules are at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/national-lockdown-stay-at-home

They’re not without ambiguity, but it’s clear that once again restrictions are tightening until March, and that we’re back to ‘Stay home, protect the NHS, save lives’. With many hospitals at imminent risk of being totally overwhelmed, we’re in for a difficult few months.

Information and help for Cambridgeshire residents is at https://www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/residents/coronavirus/coronavirus-information

Cambridgeshire County Council COVID hub is at 0345 045 5219.

East Cambridgeshire District Council hub is at 01353 665555.

Please wear a mask, wash your hands, make space. Look out for neighbours who may need support. Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it.

No return to unsafe schools: petition

Class, Classroom, Room, School, Empty, Interior, Chairs

Cambridgeshire National Education Union has launched a petition to be presented to Cambridgeshire County Council calling for “No return to unsafe schools” in light of the COVID-19 pandemic until at least 18 January.

The petition can be found (and signed) at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1uVGS5U2iT_eXAIUwBYJRWvJCuZU0ltkwLLzXiqI1Uz8/edit?ts=5ff19b4a

Liberal Democrat Deputy Leader and Education Spokesperson Daisy Cooper says:

“With the government’s own scientific advisors saying that they cannot provide any analysis on what is required to control the new strain of the virus until mid-January, the Government must think again and adopt a plan to get ahead of the virus.

“Time and time again, this Government has squandered opportunities to get ahead of the virus in schools and left pupils, parents and teachers understandably anxious if not terrified about returning next week.

“For months, Liberal Democrats have been calling on the Government to come up with a proper plan to keep schools open safely. Instead, this latest botched decision and the Tories top-down attitude has once again led to last minute and inconsistent decisions that are wreaking havoc on people’s lives. 

“Given this new strain of the virus transmits faster, Ministers must think again to get ahead of the virus. 

“Moving primary schools to remote learning until 18 January would create time to work out new pupil bubbling strategies, ensure that all school-transport is single-school only, and build trust in the Government’s school COVID testing strategy so schools can open safely.”

Cambridgeshire Liberal Democrat Group leader Cllr Lucy Nethsingha adds:

“With the number of cases still rising across the county, and pressure increasing on NHS services in neighbouring areas, re-opening primary schools seems risky.

“We all agree we would prefer to have children back in school, but only if it is safe for both children, families and staff.  

“We have all seen the impact of the new variant on NHS capacity in London, and with bed space in the East of England already being taken up with patients being moved out of London and Essex, reducing infection rates must be the top priority.”

Recent planning applications

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is ECDC-building-small-300x182.jpg

The following planning application in the Sutton division has been published by East Cambridgeshire District Council.

20/01540/FUL
Little Downham
14 Lawns Crescent Little Downham CB6 2TT
Loft conversion with flat roof dormer and new front porch.

Further information can be found on the district council’s planning pages. If you would like to respond formally to the council about any planning application, comments should be addressed to the district council and not to me.  Comments may be made

  • online using the council’s public access web page (the link above);
  • by email to plservices@eastcambs.gov.uk;
  • or by post to the Planning Department, The Grange, Nutholt Lane, Ely, CB7 4EE.

Recent planning applications

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is ECDC-building-small-300x182.jpg

The following planning applications in the Sutton division have been published by East Cambridgeshire District Council.

20/01514/FUL
Coveney
Site north east of 2 Main Street Wardy Hill CB6 2DF
Proposed one three-bed two-storey dwelling to include single garage replacing double car park. Revised proposal of previously approved application 19/00644/FUL (at appeal).

20/01628/FUL
Little Downham
Wigeon House Downham Common Little Downham
Proposed single storey rear extension.

20/01697/CLP
Sutton
44 The Row Sutton CB6 2PD
Loft conversion utilising existing roof space, removal of one chimney breast, and other internal alterations.

Further information can be found on the district council’s planning pages. If you would like to respond formally to the council about any planning application, comments should be addressed to the district council and not to me.  Comments may be made

  • online using the council’s public access web page (the link above);
  • by email to plservices@eastcambs.gov.uk;
  • or by post to the Planning Department, The Grange, Nutholt Lane, Ely, CB7 4EE.

Business grants for COVID help

Following the launch of four additional business grants, East Cambridgeshire District Council is urging business owners to check if they are eligible for the new and existing business grants available.

Pubs in East Cambridgeshire that predominantly serve alcohol are now able to apply for access to the government’s one-off £1,000 Christmas Support Payment through the district council.

East Cambridgeshire District Council is accepting applications from pubs that derive less than 50 per cent of their income from sales of food, which have been severely impacted over the festive season.

Final applications must be submitted by 31 January 2021.

There are two new grants to support businesses impacted by the Tier 2 restrictions.

  • The Local Restrictions Support Grants (LRSG) for closed businesses is specifically for businesses with a rateable value which have been forced to close due to Tier 2 restrictions. There is a further LRSG for open businesses. This grant is for hospitality, hotel, B&B and leisure businesses with a rateable value that have stayed open, but whose income has been severely reduced due Tier 2 restrictions.
  • Round two of the Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG) for businesses impacted by the November national lockdown has also opened for applications. The grant was originally for businesses outside the business rates system forced to close during the November national lockdown, as well as those businesses with commercial properties who were severely impacted by the national lockdown due to supplying the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors or businesses in the events sector. This grant has now been extended to include businesses that operate from domestic properties and pay Council Tax.

The deadline for applications for the Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG) round two is 31 January 2021.

More information on criteria for each grant can be found on the East Cambridgeshire District Council website: https://www.eastcambs.gov.uk/content/coronavirus-business-grants-0

Businesses can also apply for the Christmas Support Payment, ARG round two, and LRSG for open businesses on the website.

The Council will contact businesses directly regarding the LRSG for closed businesses.

Enquiries regarding business grants can be emailed to covid19businessgrants@eastcambs.gov.uk

Cambridgeshire in Tier 4 from Boxing Day

The following statement has just been issued by Dr Liz Robin, Director of Public Health for Cambridgeshire.

“I am writing to confirm the announcement made in Parliament this morning that Cambridgeshire will be under tier 4 restrictions from 12.01am on Saturday (26 December).

Case numbers have more than doubled in Cambridgeshire in the most recent week, with the most rapid increases seen in South Cambridgeshire, Huntingdonshire, and Cambridge City. There are significant increases in all districts.

It is thought that this rapid increase in infections – after a period of reducing rates – may be associated with the new variant of the disease which is being seen across London, the East of England and South East England. Peterborough was placed in tier 4 last weekend (20 December).

Under the new restrictions, all non-essential shops must close as well as personal care services such as hairdressers, gyms and entertainment venues such as theatres and cinemas. Hospitality venues such as pubs, cafes and restaurants must also close, offering only take away and delivery services.

People must reduce their contact with anyone outside of their household /support bubble to the absolute minimum and can meet with only one other person from another household outdoors, socially distanced at all times.

People should stay local and travel outside the tier 4 area is only permitted for essential reasons such as work, education, or medical appointments. It is a great shame that we have reached this stage, especially when I know how hard so many people have worked to keep rates of the virus down, and how much we have done as a council with our district and city council colleagues and partners to keep people safe and to protect our health services.

However, this isn’t simply a reflection on everyone’s efforts so far. We know that the new variant is up to 70% easier to catch, and this may have contributed to the increases seen in Cambridgeshire and also elsewhere. Thankfully, there is currently no evidence that the virus leads to worse outcomes than other variants.

With rates of the virus rising sharply it is clear that we need to do even more. We will be working with our district and city council colleagues on this, and we need everyone across Cambridgeshire to do more as well.

I will be asking residents to play their part and avoid all non-essential contact with anyone outside of their household or support bubble – and any help you can give to promote those messages internally and externally will be extremely helpful.

The tier 4 rules, which I ask you to share with residents, are as follows:

  • Don’t invite anyone into your home for social reasons, who you don’t normally live with or who isn’t in your existing support bubble.
  • Only leave home for essential reasons (for food/medicine/essential care or personal safety) and when you are out, remember to keep 2 meters away from anyone you don’t live with, wear a mask, wash your hands, and stay in well ventilated, uncrowded places.
  • You can go out to exercise alone, with people you live with, or with one other person you don’t live with providing this is in a public place like a park.
  • Everyone must work from home unless they are unable to do so, and if it is essential to work outside the home take maximum precautions – particularly travelling to or from work (avoid car sharing and busy public transport, wear a mask, regular hand washing or sanitising, staying in well ventilated places, and cleaning surfaces).
  • Don’t travel outside tier 4 unless for essential work or education or a legally permitted reason – and reduce the journeys you take inside the area. People from tiers 1 – 3 should not travel to tier 4 areas, except for essential purposes such as work, education or a legally permitted reason.

Other impacts of the tier 4 rules are as follows:

  • All non-essential shops have closed. Click and collect is allowed.
  • All hospitality is closed – except for take away, drive through or food delivery.
  • Businesses offering personal care, hairdressers, barbers, beauty salons, gyms etc are all closed.
  • No weddings except in exceptional circumstances, funerals with only a maximum of 30 people.
  • Places of worship open for private prayer or communal worship – but don’t mix with anyone not in your household.
  • Visits to care homes can take place if there are arrangements such as substantial screens, visiting pods, or behind windows.
  • Close-contact indoor care home visits supported by rapid testing, which are allowed in some care homes in Tiers 1-3, will not be allowed in Tier 4.
  • Entertainment venues are closed. Some outdoor sports facilities are allowed with Covid secure measures

The link to the Tier 4 guidance is here https://www.gov.uk/guidance/tier-4-stay-at-home

I am also asking people across the county to look out for neighbours and friends who may be alone or under specific pressures and suggesting that they ring or contact them online

The network of support hubs run by the district and city councils and the Countywide Co-ordination Hub can offer support to those who may be lonely or isolated, or who suddenly need very practical support. To contact the hub network people need to call 0345 045 5219 or visit www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk 

For anyone whose mental health is being more severely impacted, there is the Lifeline support number 0808 808 2121 which operates daily from 11am to 11pm and for people with a mental health crisis you can phone the NHS 111 number and ask for Option 2. More information about mental health support is available on the Keep Your Head website  www.keep-your-head.com

While we must protect people’s health – protecting the economy is vital too. There is financial support available for businesses, and individuals affected by the return to a strict lockdown or affected by the virus. Please contact your district council to find out more about the support that is available.”

The last committee before Christmas

The County Council’s General Purposes Committee met today to discuss its spending this year, budget next year, COVID, and a confidential item.

I asked how much uncertainty there was about how this year’s spending would look at year-end in early April. I was told there were millions of pounds in potential variation depending on what happens in the coming months.

We heard from the County’s Director of Public Health about the latest COVID figures for the week, and were given the following figures for cases per 100,000 population and for the increase in the last seven days.

  • England 284 (up 63 per cent)
  • East of England 374 (up 99 per cent)
  • Cambridgeshire 170 (up 108 per cent)
  • Cambridge 181 (up 122 per cent)
  • East Cambridgeshire 140 (up 50 per cent)
  • Fenland 190 (up 62 per cent)
  • Huntingdonshire 144 (up 165 per cent)
  • South Cambridgeshire 194 (up 133 per cent)

The virus is definitely on the rise across the county, and we need to remain vigilant. The message from the Director of Public Health was clear: just because you’re allowed under the COVID rules to do something, doesn’t mean it’s a good idea. Keep social interactions to your own household if you can; meet outdoors if you have to; and meeting indoors continues to be risky.

We discussed the County Council’s ‘strategic framework’, and I expressed surprise that the section of the document on ‘A well-connected, safe, clean, green environment’ contained no reference whatsoever to public transport – or to encouraging people to choose more environmentally friendly modes of transport where these were available. So much for the Conservatives’ green credentials!

Some early figures for the council’s budget plans were presented, and we were promised that in January we will be presented with options to deliver a balanced budget. Conservative councillors once again peddling myths and misinformation about Liberal Democrat views on the budget in order to distract from their own policies and proposals and their ‘fantastic’ decision to close children’s centres across Cambridgeshire.

Before going into private session to discuss the confidential item, I said it raised issues which ought to be given a wider public airing. Unfortunately the Committee Chair didn’t agree.

COVID vaccine seminar

Sars-Cov-2, Covid-19, Virus, Vaccine, Coronavirus

This afternoon I attended an online seminar organised by the Local Government Association on the rollout of the COVID vaccine.

Professor Jonathan Van-Tam MBE, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, explained that only ten per cent of vaccines typically make it through testing, so we have had to back multiple vaccines of multiple types to try to develop a working vaccine quickly. We don’t know how rapidly the virus will mutate in future so the vaccine may be like the flu jab which changes from time to time as the predominant strain of flu changes. We also don’t know how long vaccine protection will last. There would be several more vaccines available by autumn 2021.

Sue Harriman, Chief Operating Officer of the COVID-19 Vaccination Deployment Programme, described the practicalities of rolling out the vaccine to nursing homes. GP practices, and soon mass vaccination centres and pharmacies. People will be called up in priority order to receive the vaccine, either through their GP or by letter through a nationally-organised process.

James Sorene, Deputy Director of COVID-19 Vaccine Communications at the Department of Health & Social Care, reminded us that we would still need to maintain hygiene and public health measures after the vaccination programme. Willingness to receive the vaccination was high, which was good news.

David Pearson CBE, Chair Social Care Sector at the COVID-19 Support Taskforce, talked about the Joint Committee on Vaccination & Immunisation and how they had prioritised those who would receive the vaccine soonest. Jonathan Van-Tam noted that 99 per cent of COVID mortality comes from the nine priority groups identified to receive the vaccine in Phase One.

We heard about the difficulties of manufacturing the vaccine to the standards required, but we were also told that the nine priority groups in Phase One could be vaccinated pretty quickly.

It was an encouraging presentation showing that whatever may be going on in government, in real life the scientists and health professionals are getting on with making the vaccine available as quickly as possible to those for whom it will make the most difference.

Recent planning applications

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is ECDC-building-small-300x182.jpg

The following planning application in the Sutton division has been published by East Cambridgeshire District Council.

20/01649/FUL
Little Downham
Land south west of 73 Main Street Pymoor
Construction of 5 bedroom detached dwelling – Plot 1.

Further information can be found on the district council’s planning pages. If you would like to respond formally to the council about any planning application, comments should be addressed to the district council and not to me.  Comments may be made

  • online using the council’s public access web page (the link above);
  • by email to plservices@eastcambs.gov.uk;
  • or by post to the Planning Department, The Grange, Nutholt Lane, Ely, CB7 4EE.