More than 280,000 in South West vaccinated
MORE people have been vaccinated against coronavirus in the South West than in London, as new figures reveal a patchy start to the vaccine roll-out.
A total of 285,332 in the South West were vaccinated up to January 10 across all six counties in the region. By comparison in London, the worst-hit region for the disease, 237,524 jabs have been administered.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan said he was “hugely concerned” that Londoners have received only a tenth of the vaccines that have been given across the country.
The news came as three regions of England, the South West, North West and West Midlands, all recorded a rise in Covid-19 cases rates over the past week, against a national trend of a slight fall.
London, the East Midlands, eastern England, north-east England, south-east England and Yorkshire & the Humber all saw a fall in case rates.
In Devon, Exeter Cathedral has followed Truro in announcing diocese staff had taken the reluctant decision to close for public worship to keep people safe from the spread of the virus.
It will remain open from Monday to Saturday, between 11am to 2pm, for individuals to visit for personal prayer and reflection for as long as it is allowed, and services will continue to be broadcast online each day. The Very Rev Jonathan Greener, Dean of Exeter, said: “This is one of the hardest decisions we have had to make. We are very aware how disappointed many people will be.”
The decision will be reviewed on February 11.
MASS vaccination centre are delivering thousands of coronavirus vaccinations to patients across Devon, writes Colleen Smith.
There are now 16 centres in operation in the county, serving 104 of Devon’s 123 GP practices. One of those is inside the Riviera International Centre in Torquay, where the conference hall has been adapted by a team of NHS staff.
They moved in last November to begin preparing for the huge effort to roll out the Pfizer and Oxford/ AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccines stored on site in special refrigerators.
Patients are smoothly and safely moved through in and out of the centre within half an hour, thanks to the work of NHS staff – some in their own time – and volunteer marshals.
Staff said they have been moved to
tears by the grateful reaction of the most elderly and vulnerable who have been shielding – some having not left the house since last March.
Helena Mary Chew – known as Mary – is 94 years old and fiercely independent. She arrived for her jab beautifully turned out in a red hat and matching jewellery.
Mary still lives in the family home where she grew up with her parents in Torquay and describes herself as “the last in the family line”.
Asked about getting her jab, Mary said: “I’m all for it. I was pleased when they rang me on the phone.
“At the age I am, I count my blessings that I am still fit and well.
“I’m used to being on my own. Friends kindly offer to get my shopping – but sometimes I like to go out and get my own shopping because I like to be as independent as I can. People are kind, but they don’t always get exactly what I like.”
Former RAF airman Arthur John Hill, from Preston, Paignton, arrived with his daughter Pauline Roughani.
Arthur said, as he sat in the recovery area after getting his injection: “It’s good to have it done.”
Pauline said: “I’ve not let Dad go out and it’s been hard for him. I go in every day but it’s a long time to be on your own – so we got him a budgie to talk to.”
Arthur said: “He’s called Bobby, because he’s always bobbing up and down.”
Arthur added: “I was in the services, so I was used to getting jabs every time you went overseas. I don’t mind them.”
Pauline said her father had not left the house since Christmas Day.