New evidence shows for the first time that two doses of the COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective against the B1.617.2 variant first identified in India.
That is clearly positive news given the evidence suggests that this variant passes on more easily from person to person than the B.117 variant, first discovered in Kent. As of sending the newsletter (28 May), we have a small number of cases of the B1.617.2 variant in Swindon, however current risk to the wider community is low. But that may change at any time. We continue to monitor the situation closely working with Public Health England.
It reinforces why it’s so important to get both doses of a COVID-19 vaccine when you are invited and have the opportunity to do so. If you’re aged 30 or over, or if you turn 30 before 1 July 2021, you can now book your COVID-19 vaccine.
Please check this information if you have any questions about the vaccination programme in Swindon.
If you’re travelling out of the area this bank holiday weekend and mixing with others outside of your household or support bubble, please make sure you’re clear on the rules and try to:
- Meet outside rather than inside where possible
- Try to keep two metres apart from people that you don’t live with (unless you have formed a support bubble with them), this includes friends and family you don’t live with
- Get tested twice a week for free and isolate if you are positive
- If you experience COVID-19 symptoms book a test and isolate, and make sure your close contacts also isolate
- Continue to work from home if you can
- Get vaccinated when you are offered it, and encourage others to do so as well
It’s up to all of us to do everything we can to prevent the case rate threatening our progress. Depending on what the latest evidence shows, the Prime Minister is due to provide an update on 14 June as to whether or not England can progress to Stage 4 of the roadmap from 21 June, at the earliest.
Read the full E-Newsletter here: https://preview.mailerlite.com/v2j7r8/1695762710462993574/l8e0/