Since the last digest we’ve enjoyed a long spell in the infection white zone (less than 3 new infections over a seven day period) before suddenly seeing a leap at the end of last week. It’s been up to 12 and now it’s at 9. That of course is in the context of the national surge driven by the delta variant and the consequential postponement of ‘Covid freedom day’ which had been set for 21 Jun 21.

This is a matter of concern of course but at the moment we should think of it as pressing the ‘pause’ button and not of hitting rewind. With sensible behaviour and the continuing rollout of the vaccination program it appears that we can be confident about seeing an improvement again as we get into July.

In the meantime we should:

• Continue to be deliberately cautious. ‘Hands, face and space’ should continue to underline our behaviour around our community and elsewhere;
• Get a test when we display symptoms of the delta variant. These can be similar to those of a summer cold or hay fever so please err on the side of caution. Get tested!
• Be vaccinated as soon as we are called. Vaccination protects the individual and reduces transmission. The more people who get vaccinated the better it will be for all of us.

We have been looking forward to events through the summer as we have expected to emerge from  the final stages of lockdown but sadly some of these have been cancelled or can only go ahead under strict control. Several Feast related events have been cancelled although it is still intended that the Feast Market will proceed (10 Jul 21) albeit in a limited fashion and in a Covid compliant manner. A final announcement will be made at the end of the month.

However please note that the Flaming June Half Marathon is going ahead next Saturday, 20 Jun 21, because it was always planned to run this race under the current Covid rules.

Despite the current ‘pause’ increasing thought is being given to ‘life after Covid’ and the developing conclusion is that there isn’t one. There will be life of course but Covid will continue to be with us in the same way that the flu and other respiratory illnesses are. We will simply learn to live with it: getting booster vaccinations, avoiding infection hotspots and isolating (staying at home/in bed) when we’re ill.

Our community continues to look after itself in exemplary fashion. However 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.