Leader of East Cambridgeshire District Council, Councillor Anna Bailey is asking residents to “Give it what you’ve got. Get the shot. And test a lot” in the District Council’s latest push to reduce the impact of moving into Step 4 of the Government’s road map.

Following the lifting of several legal restrictions relating to the COVID-19 pandemic last month, many places including East Cambridgeshire, are now seeing the effect through fluctuating numbers of positive cases.

In her video, which has been released by the District Council, Councillor Anna Bailey says:

“We’re already seeing that rates in East Cambs are fluctuating as we move through Stage 4 of the Government’s roadmap.

“At the time of speaking our NHS is under enormous pressure again. We owe it to them to do all we can to help each other through this stage safely. 

“The early signs show that the vaccination is doing its job, but we do need all eligible people, particularly younger people, to get their vaccinations and we all need to carry on working hard on the basics to protect each other.

“You can do your bit by taking rapid tests twice a week, getting both doses of the COVID-19 vaccination, you need both doses for stronger and longer-lasting protection.

“If you haven’t booked your second dose, please take action and do so now.

“If you feel unwell of course, stay at home and take a rapid test. If feeling unwell persists or you have COVID-19 symptoms get a PCR test. 

“Anyone who gets COVID-19 can become seriously ill or suffer long-term effects such as long COVID. The vaccine reduces the risk of getting seriously ill or dying from COVID-19, as well as the risk of catching or spreading the disease.

“But there is still a risk. A recent Public Health England report shows that around 1 in 5 people who are double vaccinated are still vulnerable to becoming infected with the Delta variant and showing symptoms. 

“So please – give it what you’ve got.  Get the shot.  And test a lot. Let’s Protect East Cambs.”

Although legal restrictions such as social distancing and wearing face coverings in all enclosed spaces have been removed, guidance still remains in place, with government stating that we should stay cautious to help protect yourself and others. Guidance includes:

• continuing to wash your hands thoroughly and regularly
• wearing face coverings in crowded and enclosed spaces where you come into contact with people you don’t normally meet
• limiting close contact with those you do not usually live with
• increasing close contact gradually, minimising the number, proximity and duration of social contacts
• meeting outdoors where possible and letting fresh air into homes or other enclosed spaces
• covering your nose and mouth when you cough and sneeze

Some businesses including shops and restaurants may also continue to request the use of hand sanitisers, face coverings and social distancing. The District Council is encouraging residents to respect their policies, which are in place for their safety and the safety of others.

To view COVID-19 figures for East Cambridgeshire visit the gov.uk website.

Rapid tests can be ordered online via the gov.uk website.

To find rapid test centres in East Cambridgeshire visit the Cambridgeshire County Council website.

For local rapid test pick up points in the district, visit the NHS website.

To get a free PCR test visit the gov.uk website.