CORONAVIRUS UPDATE

Hi Everyone 
I can’t believe we are nearly into September but let’s hope we get an Indian Summer with the return of some glorious sunshine, as the heavy rain has caused chaos on the roads with some flash flooding. 
 
But with the arrival of September signals the return of going back to school and a greater focus on the work place, and with the number of COVID-19 cases continuing to rise in the UK, vigilance and maintaining social distances are just of paramount importance as the increased movement of people rises. WE MUST NOT BE COMPLACENT AND MUST DO EVERYTHING WE CAN TO STOP THE SPREAD OF INFECTION.  This horrid and deadly disease is just not going to go away quickly. 
 
I note that medical practices have already started to promote their flu vaccine clinics and so if you are eligible for a free jab it is recommended and even more important this year that you book your appointment early. 
 
COVID-19 Update  
The cumulative cases across the county as of today are now 2734 up from 2695 with confirmed cases in Stratford on Avon District increasing by 9 to 551 since last week with evidence that the increase in cases is continuing to come from the community (Pillar 2) rather than Pillar 1 (hospitals and NHS settings).  Across Warwickshire the community increases appear to be more prominent within the 20 years to 59 years age groups which reinforces the importance of maintaining a social distance when out and about and for those who can and are not exempt from wearing face coverings and masks to do so in public places where advised. 
 
Out of the 423 SWFT Hospital Beds there remains one inpatient confirmed case of COVID-19 at present and NO patients are in the intensive care unit.  The cumulative deaths across Stratford District remains at 168 with the deaths in care home remaining at 82 from a cumulative of 1033 ‘all cause deaths’ in the district. The cumulative total of all COVID-19 deaths in Warwickshire remains at 595 and over the same period there have been 3484 non COVID-19 related deaths in Warwickshire.  Across the county there has been a total of 211 COVID-19 deaths in care homes settings (no increase in the last week) compared to 1194 ‘all cause deaths’ in care homes over the same period.    
 
The capacity in hospitals remains excellent with one bed occupied by a COVID-19 patient. There are 45% of beds occupied by Non-COVID-19 patients, 15% beds occupied with suspected COVID-19 patients and a spare capacity of 47% beds reinforcing the need from September to start tackling the waiting lists where possible. 
 
Let’s all keep focused together and keep safe this Bank Holiday Weekend to keep the numbers of cases down to single digit levels.  
 
Household Recycling 
Works are progressing well to reopen the Wellesbourne Recycling Centre which is planned for Saturday 27th September, with bookings scheduled to be released a week before. 
 
As Wellesbourne is one of Warwickshire’s smallest sites more measures have been needed to be put in place to ensure the safety of the public and staff when it opens. Since the reopening of the main centres, there has been a booking system in place for residents to book a slot to bring their waste for recycling.  This system has been successful in ensuring the maximum level of safety for both visitors and staff by allowing social distancing to take place, whilst also minimising disruption to the roads around the centre by preventing queues. 
 
Initially, Wellesbourne will be open on Saturday, Sunday and Monday only and the usual opening hours for these days will apply. 
 
Anyone wishing to book a slot at one of the centres, can do so via https://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/recyclingcentres 
 
Kind regards
 Anne
 Anne Parry
Warwickshire County Councillor for Wellesbourne Division
Ward Member for Wellesbourne East