Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Region surpasses vaccine milestone
More than 120,000 residents receive first dose
NHS Lanarkshire has reached and surpassed the milestone of 100,000 residents receiving their first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine.
Dr Mark Russell, lead for the region’s vaccination programme, says the health board are “on course” to finish the over 65s group by “late February”.
Dr Russell added: “We reached this significant milestone [100,000 residents receiving their first dose] on February 12 and this increased over that weekend to more than 120,000.
“This means that more than 20 per cent of the local adult population have received their first dose.
“While the programme hasn’t been without its
“All appointments for everyone aged 65 and over and for those who are clinically extremely vulnerable have been scheduled by the national system and the letters have been posted.
“We ask that you are patient and wait on your letter arriving. However, there are some exceptions.”
The exceptions are people aged over 80 and those who are aged over 80 and housebound.
If you are in this age group and haven’t received your vaccination, contact your GP practice and staff will then pass on your details.
People who are housebound and aged under 80 will automatically receive an appointment at a large vaccination clinic.
They are asked to call the number on their letter and let them know they are housebound.
When you attend your appointment, you are asked to remember to bring your appointment letter with you; arrive as close to your appointment time as possible to avoid queues building up; wear a face covering for the entire duration of your appointment (unless you are medically exempt); and follow the signs and directions from staff once you arrive at the vaccination centre.
Dr Russell added: “We are vaccinating people as quickly and as safely as possible.
“However, it will take time, so we are asking you to be patient and wait to be contacted.
“Once you are vaccinated it takes two to three weeks to provide protection, so we all still need to stick to the national FACTS guidance.”
FACTS guidance is wearing Face coverings, Avoiding crowded places, Cleaning hands and surfaces regularly, maintaining Twometre distancing, and Selfisolating and booking a test if displaying Covid-19 symptoms.
More details are available at www.nhslanarkshire.scot. nhs.uk/covid-19-vaccine and www.nhsinform.scot/
This means that more than 20 per cent of the local adult population have received their first dose Dr Mark Russell
Monklands motorists will be impacted by several road closures and restrictions over the next couple of weeks.
The eastbound lane of Airdrie’s Gartlea Avenue is shutting between 9.30am and 6pm tomorrow.
This is to allow for the completion of manhole works by Scottish Water and will affect the area 25m east of Gartlea Road.
Broomknoll Avenue will act as a diverted route for motorists and pedestrians will still be able to access the road.
Two Coatbridge roads will be under restrictions until Friday.
The A89 Bank Street is closed to eastbound traffic, while there is no right turn allowed on Ross Street.
These restrictions are required for the demolition and reconstruction of a BT manhole.
Finally, Market Street in Airdrie is shutting for five days from Sunday for works being carried out by the firm Openreach.
This closure will run to 90m from the termination point of nearby Wellwynd and affect“all vehicles except work traffic”.
Drivers are warned there will be no alternative routes in place and pedestrians will be able to use the road“where practical”.
To find out more about any impending roadworks in Airdrie, Coatbridge or surrounding villages, visit https://www.roadworksscotland. org/