Dear constituents
I am writing to you with a further update on the coronavirus pandemic. You will be aware that the Prime Minister last night announced a further lockdown across England.
The main thing that is changing for us locally is that schools are to close for all except the children of key workers. In addition, shielding is to be reintroduced for the most vulnerable. Most other rules, and particularly for local businesses, remain unchanged from what they were under the Tier 4 regime.
All the details about school, colleges and university closures can be found here.
Surrey Covid-19 Cases
The new measures have been prompted by a continued increase in the rate of infections locally and around the country and continuing increases in pressure on hospitals. The number of patients with the virus in Epsom and St Helier Hospitals continues to rise sharply.
Here are the latest infection figures that I have for Surrey. You will see just how much of an increase there has been.
Business Support
For those of you in business who have been affected by the requirement to close, the Government has this morning announced additional grant support.
The first details of these are here.
These are in addition to the previous grants announced before Christmas.
Vaccination Programme
Many of you have sent me further questions about the vaccination programme.
Here is the official NHS leaflet about the programme. I hope it answers many of your questions.
I know that the local NHS is ready to administer vaccines as soon as each delivery arrives in our area.
Shielding
With the return of shielding and the lockdown, if you have any difficulties getting access to support or to get essential things like food shopping done, please contact me and I will point you to where you can get help.
I will give you any more information as I get it.
Best wishes
Chris