What's happening in West Lancs?

• This week Covid rates are markedly and unexpectedly on the rise again – across the UK and in West Lancs.

• The number of new cases reported yesterday is up by 71% in West Lancs in comparison to last Thursday – and this mirrors a rise in most areas across the UK.

• A number of factors are thought to be causing this including the removal of restrictions leading to increased mixing, combining with the spread of an Omicron sister variant which is more contagious (but no more severe and equally well combated by vaccines).

• Initial fears that immunity may be waning in older age groups were shown to be unfounded by the latest ONS figures showing immunity is holding strong, despite it being some months since their boosters.

• However the good news is that data is showing the recent increase in hospital admissions is mostly driven by patients who are being treated for something else, not Covid - but happen to be found testing positive on admission.
  

• This is also reflected in the decrease in the number of people needing mechanical ventilation due to severe covid - dropping by a further 6% this week and now standing
• at a similar level to June 2021.

So to summarise, there’s now more covid around but thanks to the high levels of immunity due to vaccination, it's continuing to be relatively mild for most.

See the situation in your postcode here.

Never too late

Vaccines have built a wall of protection around our communities, allowing us to get back to a more normal way of life.

It’s vital we get our first, second and booster doses, not just to protect ourselves, but also our loved ones and our communities.

It's never too late to get your Covid vaccination.

Every day, thousands of people are still coming forward for their first jab.  In the UK yesterday, for example, over 5,000 people got their first covid jab and over 15,000 got their second.

And it's not too late for 12-15 year olds either.  They’ve not missed the chance to get their jabs and can still get them through school or at a local vaccination clinic.

Who is eligible?

• Everyone aged 12 and over, and some children aged 5 to 11 can get a jab.
• You don't need an NHS Number or to be registered with a GP.
• Check all eligibility here

Boosters

• Everyone aged 16+ (or 12-15 in an ‘at risk’ category) is eligible for a booster 3 months after their second dose.
• People aged 75+, residents in care homes and those 12+ who are immunosuppressed can get a spring booster 6 months after their third dose/booster.

1. Book an appointment online

You can make an appointment by booking online here or freephone 119

2. Find your nearest drop-in clinic

Permanent clinic sites:   Anyone aged 16 and over can get vaccinated at a drop-in clinic - without a pre-booked appointment.

Find nearest vaccine drop-in clinics on the NHS website. 

Additional drop-in clinics:  This weekend's local drop-in clinics are listed below and any additions will be listed on West Lancs CCG’s webpage each week:  www.westlancashireccg.nhs.uk/popupclinics/

3. Request a home visit

Anyone who is shielding or doesn’t feel comfortable using the existing vaccine services can now book to be vaccinated at home.

This service is for anyone aged 12 and over and provides all doses of the vaccine.

Find out more information and how to book online, here.

You can either:

• Collect FREE tests from a symptom free local collection site to use at home later. Find your nearest collection point here.  Or

• Order FREE home testing kits online to be delivered to your home, here.

Please note:  Due to government changes to self-isolation rules, the Test & Trace Support Payment has now finished. See full information here:   www.westlancs.gov.uk/more/emergencies/coronavirus/test-and-trace-support-payment.aspx

If you test positive

You are no longer legally required to self isolate if you test positive for Covid but it is strongly advised you do. 

If you test positive, the government advice is: 

• Stay at home, avoid contact with others
• You should not attend work during that time
• Avoid inviting anyone into your home 
• Cancel routine medical or dental appointments
• Tell people you’ve met with recently about your positive test result

Household Support Fund

Since the Household Support Fund launched in December, West Lancashire Borough Council have paid out £78,355 in Household Support payments to more than 400 residents.

If you know anyone who needs a bit of extra financial support, West Lancashire Borough Council is still accepting applications from residents who don't have enough resources to meet their immediate needs and need help with essential items.

This Household Support Fund grant can be used to help towards the cost of:

• food
• energy / water needs
• essentials linked to energy / water needs
• wider essentials such as household bills, clothing, and white goods.

Find out more about how to apply here.

If you want to reduce loneliness, reconnect with people or make new friendships, why not join Hope Street's Sunday Walk and Talk?

All ages are welcome to their weekly rambles amidst farms, livestock and likeminded people.

Every Thursday and Sunday - find out more here.

There's lots of opportunities to get involved and try new things at Ormkirk's Civic

On Tuesdays, choose from U3A Musical Theatre, Clubbercise, Hope Street, Keep-Fit classes, ReSound choir, line dancing, Scouts, WLPA, cake decorating, guitar lessons plus social events.

There really is something for everybody.

For more information about what's going on at the Civic, please visit www.ormskirkcivichall.co.uk

Can you help us get the word out?

We are working with West Lancashire Borough Council to get accurate information into the heart of communities and would be grateful if you could pass this on to your networks.

Please join in these efforts by cascading these messages on to your work colleagues, friends and families using the share buttons below: