People planning any sort of socialising in Cambridge this weekend have been asked to take extra care in the light of the City’s increased infection levels by Jyoti Atri, Cambridgeshire’s Director of Public Health, and Cllr Anna Smith, Deputy Leader of Cambridge City Council.

Current infection rates in the City have increased by 217% in the last seven days – with 114 new cases reported in the week to June 19th. So ahead of a weekend traditionally associated with end of exam celebrations and the Midsummer Fair – which has been cancelled this year - the Director of Public Health and Deputy Leader have urged people to get tested, get vaccinated and avoid crowded places.

Ms Atri pointed to the fact that the largest proportion of recent infections in Cambridge City are in the 18 – 30 age group, the vast majority of whom have only been eligible for Covid vaccinations for the last two weeks. She also confirmed that rates are extremely low in the 60+ age group where many more people have had both jabs.

“This shows how vitally important it is for people to get their vaccination as soon as they are eligible for it, either their first dose or their second at eight weeks. More places are offering vaccinations for those who are eligible without an appointment – and even more are planned, “she said. “But with growing levels of infections in the younger age group, I would urge these age groups in particular, to get vaccinated, and also get tested particularly before they go out and socialise.”

“Just because you can meet up with larger groups of people, and meet up with friends inside doesn’t mean you necessarily should, ”agreed Cllr Smith “We are extremely keen for Cambridge City to return to welcoming people from all parts of the globe to experience all we have to offer – but that will be put in jeopardy if people don’t take care now.

“Increasing numbers of walk ins have been set up across the City and we are working very hard with our CCG colleagues to open up even more walk in sites across Cambridge in the coming week where younger people can have their first vaccination – or where people who have had their first dose can get their second as soon as they reach the eight week point.”

Both urged people to keep away from crowded spots in the City and elsewhere this weekend, to socialise indoors only where there is good ventilation, maintain social distancing and remember hand hygiene is one of the best defences against spreading the infection.

“The advice to remember to take your two lateral flow tests each week and to isolate to help prevent the pandemic once again taking a hold and potentially holding up the end of restrictions remains one of the best things we can all do to protect each other, “ said Ms Atri.

• You can get your free lateral flow tests from sites all over the county but specifically in Sidney Street in Cambridge between 10 – 4pm, or the Meadows Community Centre, Arbury (8am- 7pm) on Saturday or by calling 119 or ordering by online at gov.uk

The list of walk-in vaccination points where no appointment is necessary (but if you are getting your second jab it is useful to bring your card) this weekend are:

Saturday 26^th June

• Peterborough United Football Club, London Road, Peterborough, PE2 8AL – 8am to 8pm - for people who need their first dose or second dose of AstraZeneca or Pfizer
• Halls Vaccination Centre, Napier Place, Orton Wistow, Peterborough, PE2 6XN - 8am to 4pm – for people who need their first dose or second dose of Moderna
• Little Paxton Surgery, 40 High St, Little Paxton, Saint Neots PE19 6EY – 9.30am to 12pm - for people aged 40+ or clinically vulnerable who need their first dose or second dose of AstraZeneca
• Alconbury Surgery, School Lane, Alconbury, Huntingdon PE28 4EQ – 2pm to 5pm - for people aged 40+ or clinically vulnerable who need their first dose or second dose of AstraZeneca
• City Care Centre, Thorpe Road, Peterborough, PE3 6DB – 9am to 3pm – for people aged 40+ or clinically vulnerable who had their first dose of AstraZeneca at least 8 weeks ago
• Arena and Arts Centre @ East of England Showground, Peterborough, PE2 6XE – for people aged 40+ or clinically vulnerable who had their first dose of AstraZeneca at least 8 weeks ago
• Unit 30, The Grafton Shopping Centre, Cambridge, CB1 1PS – for people aged 40+ or clinically vulnerable who had their first dose of AstraZeneca at least 8 weeks ago
• Chesterton Indoor Bowls Club, Logan’s Way, Cambridge, CB4 1BL – for people aged 40+ or clinically vulnerable who had their first dose of AstraZeneca at least 8 weeks ago
• Horsefair Shopping Centre, Churchill Road, Wisbech, PE13 1AL – for people aged 40+ or clinically vulnerable who had their first dose of AstraZeneca at least 8 weeks ago
• The Eatons Community Centre, The Maltings, Eaton Socon, St Neots, PE19 8ES – for people aged 40+ or clinically vulnerable who had their first dose of AstraZeneca at least 8 weeks ago

Sunday 27^th June

• Peterborough United Football Club, London Road, Peterborough, PE2 8AL – 8am to 8pm - for people who need their first dose or second dose of AstraZeneca or Pfizer
• City Care Centre, Thorpe Road, Peterborough, PE3 6DB – 9am to 3pm – for people aged 40+ or clinically vulnerable who had their first dose of AstraZeneca at least 8 weeks ago
• Arena and Arts Centre @ East of England Showground, Peterborough, PE2 6XE – for people aged 40+ or clinically vulnerable who had their first dose of AstraZeneca at least 8 weeks ago
• Unit 30, The Grafton Shopping Centre, Cambridge, CB1 1PS – for people aged 40+ or clinically vulnerable who had their first dose of AstraZeneca at least 8 weeks ago
• Chesterton Indoor Bowls Club, Logan’s Way, Cambridge, CB4 1BL – for people aged 40+ or clinically vulnerable who had their first dose of AstraZeneca at least 8 weeks ago
• Horsefair Shopping Centre, Churchill Road, Wisbech, PE13 1AL – for people aged 40+ or clinically vulnerable who had their first dose of AstraZeneca at least 8 weeks ago
• The Eatons Community Centre, The Maltings, Eaton Socon, St Neots, PE19 8ES – for people aged 40+ or clinically vulnerable who had their first dose of AstraZeneca at least 8 weeks ago

Information on vaccination sites can be found on the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Clinical Commissioning Group website.