Community Connectors newsletter

 

Community Connectors 11 February 2020 View this email in your browser

Vaccination news... On Monday, the Government announced that anyone aged 70 plus who has not had their jab yet can now book one with the NHS. You can book a vaccination online or call 119 for free. In other vaccination news, as of today, the NHS Kent and Medway CCG has given 370,289 doses of COVID-19 vaccines to residents in Kent and Medway. Finally, a fourth large-scale vaccination centre is set to open in Kent at the end of the month. The latest centre is in Thanet. In addition, local vaccination centres are opening all the time across the county. View the vaccination centres in Kent. Councillor says yes to test! Cllr Lesley Dyball, our Cabinet Member for People and Places, agreed to be filmed taking a COVID-19 test at her local centre in Swanley. The video was released today and shows how quick and easy it is to book, take the test and get the results. The video is on our social media accounts, including YouTube. If you get the chance, please share with your contacts too. Book a test Taking on the COVID conspiracies Sadly there is a great deal of misinformation about COVID and the vaccines, most of it online. Some of the theories falsely claim that COVID does not really exists or is exaggerated. Others suggest the vaccine has not been property tested or it can make you infertile. One even claims the vaccine includes microchips that somehow implant in themselves in the brain so people can be tracked by others. To most of us, the theories sound bizarre and implausible, but they are gaining traction, especially with certain communities. There is some concern these theories could make people hesitant about having the jab. However, we can take action to stop the spread of this misinformation. The Government’s SHAREChecklist website provides guidance and advice on how to spot fake news. We can also share the PHE resources that promote confidence the vaccines including the image above.   Financial support and advice The Coronavirus outbreak has affected different people in different ways. Many people have found themselves in financial difficulties but there is support available. The NHS Test and Trace payment scheme helps people on low incomes who have been asked to self-isolate. Those entitled could receive £500. The Kent Support and Assistance Service may be able to help families who need help with food or utility vouchers. The Money Advice Service can give advice on how to manage money and list support available from service providers. Every Mind Matters has advice to help with the stress and anxiety that money worries can bring. Kent Citizen’s Advice branches are now offering advice on employment or financial matters over the phone and online. Latest local COVID-19 data The latest data we have from the Government and Public Health England is dated 4 February and COVID-19 rates are continuing to fall in all districts of Kent and Medway. The case rate in the Sevenoaks District to 4 February 2021 was 119.3, down significantly from 329.6 per 100,000 on 24 January. The current case rate in Sevenoaks District is now lower than the England rate, which stood at 211.8 per 100,000 on 4 February.   There are currently 256 active cases in the District, also a significant drop from 546 recorded previously. These are associated with clusters in residential dwellings and care settings. Although the decrease in rates of infection is welcome news, it still remains incredibly important that we follow the guidance and make use of symptom free testing at this critical period.     View the latest national COVID-19 data. What do you think of this newsletter? Drop us a line at communications@sevenoaks.gov.uk