On Sunday, 11 Apr 21, (at least) four people tested positive for Covid in Histon & Impington.

Our infection rate as measured by the number of new infections recorded over the seven days up to 11 Apr 21 increased from three to seven. It’s nothing to worry too much about, it maybe relates to four new infections in one household, but it’s a timely warning that, as we begin to emerge from lockdown, that we still need to be very careful. That means remembering the basic rules: hands, face and space.

One thing we can be certain of is that this sudden increase was nothing to do with the big re-open which happened last Monday. The impact of this is unlikely to be felt for another two weeks.

The easing of lock-down with all shops on the High Street now open and lots of opportunities for alfresco dining at our pubs appears to have gone ahead smoothly. We seem to have enjoyed this extra freedom and taken it for what it is viz just a small step to be appreciated and not abused.

It’s worth reminded ourselves:

• Follow the house rules. Pubs etc must confirm to strict Covid guidelines and that’s why they impose rules about what we must do in order to enjoy their hospitality. Don’t question their rules, just enjoy the beer.
• Don’t flaunt your jabs. Just because you’ve had one or both vaccinations doesn’t guarantee that you’re immune. You must continue to follow the basic rules: you may still catch Covid (albeit less seriously) and you may still be a transmission risk.
• Be tolerant, and mindful, of others. Relaxing the rules is not compulsory and some may choose not to. Respect them. Continue to observe hands, face and space and give others confidence that you understand how they might feel.

There’s been much reporting of the impact of lock down on people’s mental well-being. This may become apparent over the next weeks so please let’s all be mindful of our neighbours and colleagues, friends and family. We’ve said it before: if you sense someone’s a bit down, feeling glum or unnecessarily anxious give them a chance to talk about it. If you’re unsure about how you might do that maybe refer them to the Worry Tree Café at www.hifriends.org.uk.

The Covid19 response team continues to monitor the data which it’s getting and this indicates that our community is coping rather well, we’re looking after each other and demand for exceptional help and support appears to be minimal. However it is aware that problems might be hidden and encourages us all to stay alert and look out for each other.

If anyone does need any help for any reason they should contact their street co-ordinator or call the HICOVID19 helpline on 01223 320420.

Click here for a pdf of this digest.

Our infection rate as measured by the number of new infections recorded over a seven day period is back in the white zone. For the seven days to 4 Apr 21 it was below 3 again having been 3 or 4 for most of the week. Statisticians and public health professionals will no doubt continue to assure us that this sort of fluctuation is nothing to worry about but a reminder that we need to remain cautious and to follow the rules: hands, face and space.

Monday is the big re-open. All the shops on the High Street and elsewhere will be open. Most of our pubs, restaurants and cafés will also be open for ambient trade. As long as you sit in the garden you can eat and drink what you like. You may be cold but at least you can enjoy the company of up to five others.

However as we enjoy such new found freedom please:

• Follow the house rules. Pubs etc must confirm to strict Covid guidelines and that’s why they impose rules about what we must do in order to enjoy their hospitality. Don’t question their rules, just enjoy the beer.
• Don’t flaunt your jabs. Just because you’ve had one or both vaccinations doesn’t guarantee that you’re immune. You must continue to follow the basic rules: you may still catch Covid (albeit less seriously) and you may still be a transmission risk.
• Be tolerant, and mindful, of others. Relaxing the rules is not compulsory and some may choose not to. Respect them. Continue to observe hands, face and space and give others confidence that you understand how they might feel.

The businesses that are choosing not to open have told us that they will open in the next weeks.

There’s been much reporting of the impact of lock down on people’s mental well-being. This may become apparent over the next weeks so please let’s all be mindful of our neighbours and colleagues, friends and family. We’ve said it before: if you sense someone’s a bit down, feeling glum or unnecessarily anxious give them a chance to talk about it. If you’re unsure about how you might do that maybe refer them to the Worry Tree Café at www.hifriends.org.uk.

The Covid19 response team continues to monitor the data which it’s getting and this indicates that our community is coping rather well, we’re looking after each other and demand for exceptional help and support appears to be minimal. However it is aware that problems might be hidden and encourages us all to stay alert and look out for each other.

If anyone does need any help for any reason they should contact their street co-ordinator or call the HICOVID19 helpline on 01223 320420.

Click here for a pdf of this digest.

Our infection rate as measured by the number of new infections recorded over a seven day period continues to be low but we are still seeing a new infection being reported on most days. For the seven days to 27 Mar 21 it was back up to 5 again having been down below 3 on previous days. Statisticians and public health professionals will no doubt assure us that this sort of fluctuation is nothing to worry about but the continuing drip drip must remind us that we need to remain cautious and to follow the rules.

Schools have now broken up for the Easter holidays and it’s good news that they have not been enablers of increased transmission of infection.

Mid-week there was a reminder that warmer weather is on the way but we’re back to a decidedly chilly Easter weekend. However as long as we wrap up warm there are opportunities for leisure activity:

• At National Trust properties. Anglesey Abbey, Wicken Fen, Wimpole etc are all open but for some you need to book a slot. Their web-sites carry useful information.
• Cambridge’s museums are all closed but remember that Cambridge itself is one big outdoor museum and at the moment there are no tourists to share it with

12 Apr 21 will see much more activity and it’s great to hear that our pubs, restaurants and cafes are planning to reopen for outdoor service and that non-essential shops will also be open for business. Gyms will also be reopening. The Parish Council want to support this as much as possible and is keen to hear from these businesses with ideas about how it might help. Please contact Yvonne Murray at the Parish Council on 01223 237173.

In the meantime perhaps we’re all excited to see the hoardings coming down at the School Hill development and to note that the end unit looks as though it’s been designed to allow it to be fitted out as a café. And come May it’ll be good to see the Indian Ocean back as a restaurant.

The Covid19 response team continues to monitor the data which it’s getting and this indicates that our community is coping rather well, we’re looking after each other and demand for exceptional help and support appears to be minimal. However it is aware that problems might be hidden and encourages us all to stay alert and look out for each other.

If anyone does need any help for any reason they should contact their street co-ordinator or call the HICOVID19 helpline on 01223 320420.

Click here for a pdf of this digest.

Our infection rate as measured by the number of new infections recorded over a seven day period appears to be stable. For the seven days to 20 Mar 21 it was back below 3 again having been up to 3 and 4 in the previous days. Statisticians and public health professionals will no doubt assure us that this sort of fluctuation is nothing to worry about. We’re in the right zone!

Schools have been back for three weeks and although two infections have been reported it’s understood that neither relate to students from Histon & Impington.

However this good news notwithstanding it’s important to recognise that we are still in the very early days of relaxing the lock down, there will be a first relaxation on Monday, and there are still rules to follow. Tempting though it might be please do not second guess them. The basics of hands, face and space should continue to be observed.

On Monday we take a significant step forward:

• The rule of 6 for meetings outside returns but please remember that the social distancing rule still applies. So if you’re standing in a circle that means a diameter of about 4m;
• The bonus is that two households of whatever size can also meet;
• Organised sport will be allowed and the Histon Hornets will be training and playing its first matches; and
• To support the activity on the Rec the public toilets will be reopened!

The big step 2 on 12 Apr 21 will see much more activity and it’s great to hear that our pubs, restaurants and cafes are planning to reopen for outdoor service and that non-essential shops will also be open for business. The Parish Council want to support this as much as possible and is keen to hear from these businesses with ideas about how it might help. Please contact Yvonne Murray at the Parish Council on 01223 237173.

In the meantime thanks again to all those take away businesses which have provided such service. We note how the recent freedom to sit and enjoy a take away coffee together in twos has made the deck overlooking the small lake in Vision Park a popular leisure destination!

The Covid19 response team continues to monitor the data which it’s getting and this indicates that our community is coping rather well, we’re looking after each other and demand for exceptional help and support appears to be minimal. However it is aware that problems might be hidden and encourages us all to stay alert and look out for each other.

If anyone does need any help for any reason they should contact their street co-ordinator or call the HICOVID19 helpline on 01223 320420.

Click here for a pdf of this digest.

After a few days in the white zone our infection rate has crept up again first to 3 and then yesterday to 4. That’s not in itself a problem because at those levels the indicator is very sensitive with just one new infection every day or so. But it does mean that a sequence of one infection days can give the impression that it’s getting bad again. We’re a long way away from where we were at the beginning of the year.

Schools have been back for two weeks and so far there’s no news of any infections at our local schools. Fingers crossed that it stays that way until half term which is just two weeks away.

However this good news notwithstanding it’s important to recognise that we are still in the very early days of relaxing the lock down and there are still rules to follow. Tempting though it might be please do not second guess them. The basics of hands, face and space should continue to be observed.

Although many of us have already had our first jabs, and some have just had their second, now is not the time to be bold. Because controlling infection is not just about individual protection but also about minimising transmission we should continue to observe basics like:

• Only meet in groups of two. You can go as far as sitting down and having a coffee together but it’s still just two until 29 Mar 21 at the earliest.
• Shop alone. Don’t go in pairs (or more) to the supermarket, that just increases the risk of transmission. Remember it’s not just about you but others as well.
• Don’t meet up indoors. That seems to be a freedom that we must forego for some time yet. The guidance talks of 17 May 21 (subject to review).

The Parish Council is considering what it might do to support our High Street and other businesses as they emerge from lockdown. It’s keen to hear from them with ideas about how it might help. Please contact the Parish Council on 01223 237173.

The Covid19 response team continues to monitor the data which it’s getting and this indicates that our community is coping rather well, we’re looking after each other and demand for exceptional help and support appears to be minimal. However it is aware that problems might be hidden and encourages us all to stay alert and look out for each other.

If anyone does need any help for any reason they should contact their street co-ordinator or call the HICOVID19 helpline on 01223 320420.

Click here for a pdf of this digest.