Around 2,000 COVID-19 vaccinations so far as MP urges residents to follow new lockdown guidance

AN estimated 2,000 people in Warrington have received COVID-19 vaccinations says Warrington South MP Andy Carter, who is urging residents to observe the new national lockdown guidance.

Mr Carter says he has been told by Warrington’s Clinical Commissioning Group that an estimated 2,000 people have been vaccinated so far, with the introduction of the Oxford vaccine this week helping significantly, in the push to return to “normal” later this year.
Mr Carter said: “Our combined efforts during the November lockdown saw a significant drop in levels of infections in Warrington but they have risen significantly over the last 7 days, now standing at 408 per 100k, with hospitalisations undoubtedly likely to follow in the coming weeks.
“Our scientists are learning about the virus all the time, in particular the new variant strain which was discovered just before Christmas in the South East.
“The rapid spread means we need to ask that everyone follow the guidance and only leave home if you are; shopping for basic necessities or medicine, going to work where you can’t work at home, exercising once per day or to attend childcare or support bubble duties. As we did in March, we need to reduce social contact to minimise the spread which will, in turn, reduce hospitalisations of those who are most at risk from the virus.
Mr Carter added: “These measures will be reviewed in mid-February, by which time we hope to have the top four priority groups of the vaccine waiting list administered, which is everyone over the age of 70, care home residents and staff, health and social care workers, and the clinically extremely vulnerable. The CCG estimate around 2,000 people have so far been vaccinated in Warrington and the introduction of the Oxford vaccine this week will help significantly in our push to return to normal later this year.”
There are currently three primary vaccination sites in Warrington, at the Hospital, Orford Hub and Halliwell Jones.
Primary care networks are handling the programmes via Orford Hub and Halliwell Jones Stadium and they will cover all community vaccinations for the initial 4 categories.
GP practices are calling or writing to their practice lists and inviting them to the two sites. Roving community teams also going into care homes to do resident vaccinations and staff. Care staff/NHS staff being covered by the hospital.
It is understood that once the supply of vaccines increases it is planned to extend vaccination centres into community settings, which will operate 7 days a week.
Meanwhile supermarket chain Morrisons, following on from Tesco and Boots, has announced it will be hosting drive-through COVID-19 vaccinations from next week.
Three stores are set to host Covid-19 vaccine centres from next Monday with a further 47 sites being made available to the Government.
Chief executive David Potts says the assets of the company are “at the disposal of the country”.
He added “We’ll have three stores operating from Monday 11th January and we have offered up another 47 subject to requirements and availability of the vaccine.
It is unknown at this stage whether the Warrington store will feature.

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