Earlier this week the Government announced that 137,000 people in the UK had received the first dose of the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID vaccine. This is a fantastic start to what will be the biggest vaccination programme in British history.
The majority of the vaccines have been administered to the over-80s, care home workers and NHS staff. This is taking place in over 70 sites across the UK, and GP-led centres have also started administering the vaccine this week too.
This is just the initial rollout, with the programme being accelerated over the coming weeks and months. The rate of vaccinations will increase as the programme continues to expand and more doses become available.
Turning to a different topic, it was announced this week that Wiltshire police are set to receive an additional £7.3million of funding next year. This comes as part of the Government’s £15.8billion of police funding for 2021/22, an increase of £636 million on last year. This includes over £400 million to deliver on our promise to recruit 20,000 police officers by 2023, and funding will also be used to bolster counter-terrorism policing, including money for armed policing and more officers.
Police officers and staff in Swindon have been instrumental in keeping our community safe this year, and I am delighted with this additional funding to support their work. The Government is absolutely committed to giving the police the resources they need to keep us safe – this funding package delivers on that promise.
Turning back to Covid, this time next week it will be Christmas Day - unfortunately, a very different one this year.
This Christmas, we will have to see our loved ones in temporary ‘Christmas bubbles’, composed of people from no more than three households. This bubble system is a sensible and proportionate way to balance the desire to spend time with family and friends over the Christmas period, whilst limiting the risk of spreading the virus. However, despite being allowed to create a Christmas bubble, it is vital that we continue to recognise the risks posed by Covid-19 and take sensible measures to mitigate them as much as possible.
People should bear in mind that the more people you see, the more likely it is that you will catch or spread the virus. As such, these risks should be considered carefully before agreeing to form a bubble. It goes without saying that forming a bubble if you are vulnerable or clinically extremely vulnerable carries additional risks.
This Christmas, we should also consider utilising the opportunities that technology provides in bringing families together. We are lucky to live in a time when technology connects people virtually, all from the comfort of our homes.
Whatever you do this Christmas, the most important thing is to continue taking steps to reduce the spread of the virus. This includes ensuring that indoor spaces get as much fresh air as possible, washing your hands regularly and thoroughly, and following rules on self-isolation if you develop symptoms or test positive for the virus.
I know Christmas won’t be the same this year, but if we are sensible and continue to follow the guidance, we can start the New Year on the right foot and finally win the battle against this terrible virus. I hope you all have a very safe and restful Christmas!
