In a statement on New Year’s Eve, Stockport’s Director of Public Health Jennifer Connolly expressed her thanks to residents for their actions during the coronavirus pandemic.
In particular, she thanked residents for adhering to guidance not to mix with other households over the Christmas period, as well as for showing “kindness to each other and our communities in the response to the pandemic” after a challenging year.
However, caution was also urged. Cases in Stockport showed a steep rise over the festive break: as of 31st December 2020, cases stood at 240.6 per 100,000 with the borough seeing around 100 new cases being reported each day. As a result of rising Covid-19 cases across the city-region, Greater Manchester was put into Tier 4 (Stay at Home) restrictions. Under the new rules, you also should only leave your house for food, exercise, medical reasons or work if unable to do this from home.
Jennifer Connolly also expressed hope that 2021 would bring an end to the coronavirus pandemic crisis, commenting on the ongoing rollout of vaccination programmes in Stockport. She said:
There is light at the end of the tunnel. Not only has the largest vaccination programme in NHS history been rolled out, including to the first care home residents who will begin to receive their inoculations shortly, but this week we have had the incredibly positive news that the Oxford/Astra Zeneca vaccine for coronavirus is safe, effective, of high quality and has been approved for use in the UK. More like a traditional vaccine in that it can be stored and transported more easily than the Pfizer vaccine, we will all be hoping that as more cohorts are vaccinated that 2021 eventually brings a return to normality.
“Anyone who is eligible and has been called for their vaccination must get it. You will be invited in time, so there is no need to contact your GP practice.”
Further information about the priority groups and coronavirus vaccines can be found here.
If you have 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. Testing sites are open on New Year’s Day. You and your household members must self-isolate while you await your results. If found positive, stay home for 10 days. Household members must stay at home for 10 days. Minimise transmission within your home by staggering use of the bathroom, giving each person their own towel, and keeping kitchens and bathrooms clean.
If told to self-isolate through the NHS Covid 19 app you must follow the instruction.
Stockport Council’s coronavirus pandemic helpline and website can be accessed on 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 the Stockport Council website’s helpline page.