Nailsea in National Lockdown

North Somerset Council health bosses are urging residents to stay at home as the new lockdown measures begin and the coronavirus rates in the district hit their highest level since the start of the pandemic. 

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The latest reported figures show the seven-day rate per 100,000 of population is 326.9. The previous figure peaked at 305.5 during the November lockdown and 68.4 during the spring. 

Prime minister Boris Johnson announced new restrictions on Monday evening 4 January.

He said: "While there is no doubt our collective efforts had been working in fighting the old variant of the virus, this new variant is confirmed to be between 50-70 per cent more transmissible.

"In just the last week we have seen deaths sadly up by 20 per cent and the number of Covid patients in English hospitals alone increase by nearly a third, to almost 27,000.

"And yesterday the UK’s Chief Medical Officers advised that the country should move to alert level 5, meaning that if action is not taken NHS capacity may be overwhelmed within 21 days.

"With most of the country already under extreme measures, it is clear that we need to do more, together, to bring this new variant under control while our vaccines are rolled out.

"There is of course one huge difference compared to last year. We are now rolling out the biggest vaccination programme in our history.

"So far, we in the UK have vaccinated more people than the rest of Europe combined.

"And with the arrival this week of the UK’s own Oxford University / AstraZeneca vaccine, the pace of vaccination is accelerating.

"Meaning that by the middle of February, if things go well, we expect to have offered the first vaccine dose to everyone in the four top priority groups.

"And of course, if everyone plays their part by following the rules, that will eventually enable us to lift many of the restrictions we have endured for so long.

"The weeks ahead will be the hardest yet, but I really do believe that we are entering the last phase of the struggle.

"Because with every jab that goes into our arms, we are tilting the odds against Covid and in favour of the British people.

"But for now, I am afraid, you must once again."

Everyone in North Somerset is now required to stay at home and only leave for specific reasons including, to go to work - where working from home isn’t possible, for exercise, for shopping for essentials, for medical assistance and to escape domestic abuse. 

All schools are closed for face-to-face learning until at least February half-term, except for vulnerable children and the children of critical workers. 

Clinically Extremely Vulnerable people must begin shielding again and will shortly receive a letter from government about this. 

North Somerset Council deputy leader and executive member for health is Mike Bell the Liberat Democrat councillor for Weston-super-Mare Central ward.

He said: “Our rates have risen sharply in the past couple of days to a level we have not yet seen in North Somerset.

“It is therefore essential that everyone respects the new rules in place and works together to bring infection rates down. 

“We know from the previous lockdowns that these measures work and we can turn it around.

“Everyone’s previous efforts have made our rates go down, so if we all work together, we know we can do it again. 

“It’s been said many times, this is a marathon, and you might be feeling like you’re hitting the wall but there’s hope now that we didn’t have in the previous lockdowns as vaccinations are happening.

“People are already getting protected against Covid-19, and many more will get the opportunity during the coming weeks. 

“So, while the prospect of the lockdown might feel daunting, it's more vital than ever that we all play our part so that we can all look forward to enjoying more freedoms again as the year progresses.” 

Director of Public Health Matt Lenny said: “Now's the time to hold our nerve and keep doing what we know works. 

“It’s hard, yes, but it’s the best way to look after each other. By staying at home you are protecting yourself and those you love from this potentially life-threatening disease. 

“A new high in our rates shows us that Covid is more present than ever in our community right now, and we also know the new variant is much more transmissible than the previous version, so please do all you can to protect yourselves, and each other.” 

Anyone with concerns about how the new lockdown might affect their ability to access essential support at home is encouraged to visit www.n-somerset.gov.uk/together or call 01934 427437.

The North Somerset Together support network has been put in place by communities working together across North Somerset to ensure that the area's most vulnerable residents can continue to get the help they need during the pandemic.

Read the government guidance in full HERE.

CUPBOARD LOVE: Not trying to be flippant while many have serious family concerns but sometimes you just have to lighten the mood - see you in the gym (not) when this is all over and don't forget Nailsea MicroPub along with our supermarkets and pharmacies is doing home deliveries of essential supplies

SKATE PARK CLOSED: Nailsea Town Council in consultation with local police have closed the skate park at Millennium Park on safety grounds due to Covid-19 restrictions. Nailsea police sergeant Mark Raby said: "Can we remind parents please do not to allow their children to take bikes or scooters to the park. We all want it to reopen soon and the best way is all work together on beating this virus." Let's hope it will all be up and running in time for the annual summer skate festival which like many events last year was sadly cancelled 

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