Positive vaccine news welcomed by Stockport Director of Public Health

Stockport’s Director of Public Health, Jennifer Connolly has welcomed the news that the rolling out of a coronavirus vaccine can now begin.

Writing on the 4th December on the Stockport Council website, Jennifer Connolly shared the positive news that the coronavirus vaccine developed by Pfizer had been approved. Sky News has also reported that Stockport will be one of 50 NHS trusts in England to coordinate delivering the first batch of the vaccine to those most vulnerable.

In her statement, Jennifer Connolly also reiterated the need to remember social distancing and the use of face coverings to continue case numbers in the borough on a downward trajectory, particularly as shops reopen and Stockport residents have the opportunity to meet with their extended families over Christmas.

The full statement is published below:

This week we have had the incredibly positive news that the Pfizer vaccine for coronavirus is safe, effective, of high quality and has been approved for use in the UK. The NHS has planned extensively to deliver the largest vaccination programme in our history and the roll out will begin next week. Our most vulnerable residents, and care and health staff will be among the first people to be called. We know that it will take months for the vaccine to be rolled out to all the priority groups. With that in mind I would ask you to wait to be called for the vaccine, if you are in an eligible group; and once you are called, I urge you to take up the vaccine.

The other good news this week is that our rates continue to fall. Stockport residents have shown care, kindness and dedication in protecting each other, through the steps taken every day to slow the spread of this disease. Thank you for all the commitment you have shown so far in driving down our rates. As it will take a few months for the vulnerable population to be vaccinated it’s as important as ever that we remain vigilant and stop the spread of the virus.

The case rates are *123 per 100,000, are occurring in all 21 wards and we are still seeing around *52 new cases in the borough each day. The latest published data can found here.

Christmas will look and feel very different this year. Now that Stockport has gone from national restrictions into Tier 3 – Very High Alert, non-essential shops are open again in the run up to the festive period and it is tempting to rush to the shops, but please continue to maintain social distancing (two metres), wear face coverings and wash or sanitise hands regularly. Shopping early or late in the day may also help prevent shops from becoming overcrowded – crowds offer the ideal opportunity for the infection to spread from person to person.

Though we will be allowed to meet loved ones and friends in a Christmas bubble over five days, as soon as we introduce more mixing the virus rates may escalate again. We may all have to make difficult decisions about whether it is wise to meet up, especially with those in the groups vulnerable to Coronavirus.

I am also keen for us to think ahead to just after Christmas, and the things we do in late December and early January. This will be a period of high risk for the virus starting to spread rapidly again, so please take extra care to reduce your contacts in this period, especially if you have enjoyed some contact with a few additional people over the Christmas period.

It’s about us learning to change our behaviours and doing what’s right to protect our communities. Everything we are doing to keep rates heading down is protecting each other and our loved ones. Let’s dig deep, keep the momentum going, and not allow complacency to set in. Please continue do everything you can and be more cautious than ever.

The council’s Coronavirus helpline and website offers help with shopping, medicine supplies, money concerns, food, housing, loneliness, caring responsibilities and help with being digitally connected. Call 0161 217 6046 from Monday – Thursday from 9.00am – 5pm and Friday from 9.00am – 4:30pm. If you’re deaf or have difficulty hearing, you can use our textphone on 07860 022 876. Find out more by visiting our helpline page. You should stay at home for work if able, especially if you are classed as clinically extremely vulnerable to coronavirus.

The best way to stop transmission is by limiting direct contact with others, so do not meet with anyone not in your household or support bubble (this should be just one adult from another household), either indoors or in private gardens.

You can exercise or meet in a public, outdoor space with people you live with, your support bubble (or as part of a childcare bubble), or with up to six people (keeping 2 metres apart), as this is vital for your overall health and wellbeing. Gyms and swimming pools are open. For information on how you might look after your health and wellbeing, please visit our Health and Wellbeing pages or for ways to remain healthy, please visit Healthy Stockport.

If you have any symptoms of Coronavirus – a new continuous cough, high temperature, or a change or loss of smell/taste – however mild, stay at home and book a test via GOV.UK or by phoning 119. You and your household members must self-isolate at home while you await your results. If you are positive, stay at home and do not go out for any reason for 10 days. Your household members must stay at home for 14 days, as they may still develop the illness. Try to minimise transmission within your home by staggering use of the bathroom, giving each person their own towel, and keeping kitchens and bathrooms clean.

If you are told to self-isolate through the NHS Covid 19 app you must follow the instruction. This tool also identifies those who have been in proximity of someone who has tested positive even if you don’t have symptoms.

The virus will spread wherever it can so avoid the 3 C’s – close contact such as hugs, closed spaces and crowds. Follow the safety guidance at your place of work and within your school or college. This will help to keep you and others safe. For information about what you can and cannot do visit GOV.UK.

*This is the latest figure for Stockport validated on 4.12.20.