It’s scary how quickly the Covid situation can change. As we came out of lockdown 2 we were disappointed that we did not remain in tier 1. According to the way things are going now we’re very fortunate not to find ourselves in tier 3.

We are almost surrounded by tier 3 territories, Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Peterborough, and although outbreaks in Cambridge have faded the rates across Cambridgeshire, and elsewhere in the Eastern Region, are all climbing. In Histon & Impington we had 17 (that’s up from a recent low of 5) new infections in the 7 days to 12 Dec 20 putting us at the same as the average across the UK.

It’s likely that the situation now is worse than it was during lockdown 1. Fortunately the support mechanisms which we put into place then and our experience and natural resilience are helping us to meet today’s challenge. In contrast to last March it’s likely that many of us are now aware of people with Covid but thankfully the testing regime is in place and it is straightforward for track and trace to take place.

On the good news front the Pfizer BioNTech vaccine is being rolled out and, as with infections, most of us now know of someone who’s had one so that’s great progress. The AstraZeneca vaccine is expected to be approved in the UK ‘within the first weeks of January’ and the Moderna vaccine is likely to be granted an emergency use authorization in the US within the next days.

If you think you are due a vaccine please sit tight. You will be contacted. Please do not ring Firs House or Addenbrookes. They are very busy and don’t need unnecessary phone calls.

Locally our community feels strong. The shops in the High Street are open and the shelves in the food stores are well-stocked, people are enjoying alfresco coffees with friends at the St Andrew’s Centre, the Geographer and D:licious, and our pubs are doing their best to serve ‘substantial’ meals to those who want a drink. People are social distancing and wearing masks. That’s good.

Please remember ‘hands, face and space’. And do a little more if you think that’s right.

There’s also a program of events leading up to Xmas with both Choir 2000 and the Salvation Army out singing carols this Saturday.

The HICovid19 response team continues to meet weekly, the network of street coordinators is alert and is responding when extra support is needed. Well done and thank you to all of you who continue to provide support to family, friends and neighbours.

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

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