Vaccine progess gives people sense of optimism
RECENT announcements regarding the development of coronavirus vaccines have provided a real note of optimism for Hyndburn residents for almost the first time during the pandemic, says a council chief.
Chief executive David Welsby provided an updated report on
Covid-19 with national and local data at the Hyndburn full council meeting - broadcast via YouTube on November 19.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said this week that a vaccine roll-out could start as early as December 1, after positive trial results were reported by Moderna and Pfizer.
Mr Welsby said “great strides” were being made every day and the vaccination programme was a “massive logistical operation”.
“Lancashire as a whole still has a higher case rate than it did when we were put into the local alert level 3 back in October,” he told councillors.
“For the first time, however, I think we can allow ourselves some optimism with the news about the development of vaccines.
“Plans are now moving forward rapidly for a network of vaccination sites across the county, as well as mobile sites for those who are housebound or otherwise detained.”
In a detailed presentation on Covid-19 infection and mortality data, the chief executive said there had been 79 deaths from the virus so far in Hyndburn, of which approximately 66 per cent were in a hospital setting, 21 per cent were in care homes 10pc at home and 3pc in a hospice.
He added that in the week to November 13 in
Hyndburn, 13 per cent of Covid-19 tests were found to be positive, compared to the England average of 9pc.
He said the direction of travel was positive on contact tracing, with three-quarters of known contacts currently contacted within two days of entry into the national system.
Conservative group leader Coun Marlene Haworth said the figures were “very, very encouraging”, but vigilance was still required.
She said: “I don’t think we should presume that things are going to get better sooner rather than later; I don’t think any of us actually believe that’s going to happen.
“I hope they do relax some of the rules so that everybody can share the time with members of their family, but I do beg every resident, every person in Hyndburn, please, please be vigilant, do what you’re supposed to do, follow the rules.
“And hopefully we will soon be out of this horrid situation which no-one of this generation has ever experienced before.”
Coun Jenny Molineux said: “Our figures are heading in the right direction, but that can only continue if residents stick to the lockdown rules.
“It’s hard, but if we carry on going we will beat this virus and hopefully we will be able to have some form of family Christmas and festive occasions.”