The new tougher restrictions came into force just after midnight this morning.
Leader of Somerset County Council David Fothergill says: “In the last three weeks in Somerset the number of Covid-19 cases has almost trebled, rising from 473 cases per week to 1,299.”
“In the most recent week, the rate of new cases increased by more than a third (37 per cent). Tier 4 restrictions are tough but very necessary if we are to get back in control of our rising rates and cases.
“We’ve just heard the new Oxford vaccine has been approved, so the vaccination programme will gather pace but now is not the time to be complacent.”
First round of Covid vaccinations at Berrow medical centre hailed a success
Somerset health bosses say the first phase of Covid-19 vaccinations in the Burnham-On-Sea area have run smoothly and planning is now underway for the next round.
Hundreds of local people received the vaccine at The Mulberry Centre next to Berrow Medical Centre before Christmas and they will be returning in January for their second vaccination.
Dr Alex Murray, Clinical Director for Fit for My Future and Clinical Executive Committee Vice Chair for Somerset Clinical Commissioning Group, told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “Our first Covid-19 vaccination clinic has been a fantastic achievement. It is a wonderful example of just what can be achieved when everyone pulls together to achieve a common aim.”
Somerset NHS says rolling out Pfizer vaccine to care homes is complex as it urges people not to call GPs and hospitals about it
“We know that many people are very keen to know when they will be getting their vaccine, but please do not contact your local GP practice or hospital
Man is given his Pfizer BioNTech Covid-19 vaccination.
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HEALTH bosses overseeing the rollout of the Covid-19 vaccine in Somerset have moved to dismiss rumours that council staff have been prioritised over care home residents. Residents have been concerned after claims emerged that vaccines had been handed out to workers at Somerset County Council (SCC) while care homes were left wanting. Now, although it remains unclear how many care home residents and workers have received the new Pfizer vaccine, the Somerset Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) has told your
News that it is delivering the vaccine in line with guidance - including to health and social care staff at the council.
The Gateway Centre in Yeovil These initial GP-led sites have been developed by primary care networks (groups of local GP practices) who have been working closely together to develop detailed plans to deliver Covid-19 vaccinations in community locations. Dr Tim Norbury, local GP Partner and Tone Valley primary care network COVID vaccination lead, said: “We’re delighted to be leading the way as one of the first initial GP- led sites in Somerset to offer the Covid-19 vaccine to our most vulnerable patients in the Taunton area. “This has been an amazing example of team work from across our network and all GP practices across the county, where teams have worked extremely hard together, in partnership with local NHS colleagues to set up the first COVID-19 vaccinations.