Covid-19 in UK and Northumberland

Omicron Variant

There are currently 90,906 cases confirmed across the UK and early analysis from the UK Health Security Agency suggests the doubling time could be as little as 2.5 to 3 days.
The latest UKHSA Omicron risk assessment reports increased household transmission risk, increased secondary attack rates (such as the chance of each case infecting another individual) and increased growth rates compared to Delta.

The risk assessment also suggests that Omicron displays a reduction in protection offered by having had a previous infection or vaccination.
An individual with Omicron is estimated to be between 50 to 70% less likely to be admitted to hospital.

Fourteen people are reported to have died within 28 days of an Omicron diagnosis, ranging in age from 52 to 96 years old.

More details in the Gov.UK news story COVID-19 variants identified in the UK

Vaccinations - UK

By Dec 23rd 89% of population aged 12 and over, 51.6 million, had received their 1st dose, 82%, 47.2 million, had received their 2nd dose and 56%, 32.3 million had received their booster. In total 6.5 million doses were dispensed in the last week.

Click on the Vaccine Summary image to see it full screen.

Deaths

The death rate in the UK and Northumberland both remain relatively low.

132 people have died from Covid-19 in Northumberland since April 2nd (9 in the last week).

Patients in Hospital

The number of Covid patients in hospital in the UK and Northumberland both remain relatively low.

As of Dec 21st there were 35 Covid patients in Northumberland hospitals with 12 of them on ventilators. (Last week it was 26 and 6)

7-day case rates by specimen date

The case rates in the UK and Northumberland continue to rise to record levels.
Omicron is now the dominate variant with 80,889 cases last week - up from 9,449 cases last week.

There were 47,101 cases of the Delta variant last week.

Longhorsley Ward

In the 7 days to Dec 22nd there were 28 new cases in Longhorsley ward. (was 45 last week)

Added Sept 12th 2020 Full update Dec 24th Back to top

COVID-19 Alert Level 4

In the light of the rapid increase in Omicron cases, the UK COVID-19 alert level has been increased from Level 3 to Level 4.
The latest data suggests Omicron is extremely transmissible and will become the dominant variant by mid-December.
Cases are now doubling every 2 to 3 days.
Hospitalisations from Omicron are already occurring and these are likely to increase rapidly.

Data published on Friday suggests that vaccine efficacy against symptomatic infection is substantially reduced against Omicron with just two doses, but a third dose boosts protection back up to over 70%.

From today adults over 30 will be able to book their booster online, and all over 18s from Wednesday.
All adults will now be offered a booster jab by the New Year, bringing the target forward by one month.
Volunteers are needed to perform tasks such as registering patients, managing queues and giving jabs.

If you are interested in either a voluntary or paid role to visit the Join Vaccine Team page or search ‘NHS vaccine team’.

See the Gov.UK press release UK coronavirus (COVID-19) alert level increased from Level 3 to Level 4

the Gov.UK news story Urgent Omicron appeal: Get boosted now

and the press release Prime Ministeer and Head of the NHS call for volunteers to support National Booster Effort

The alert levels are:

level 1: COVID-19 is not known to be present in the UK

level 2: COVID-19 is present in UK, but the number of cases and transmission is low

level 3: a COVID-19 epidemic is in general circulation

level 4: a COVID-19 epidemic is in general circulation; transmission is high or rising exponentially

level 5: as level 4 and there is a material risk of healthcare services being overwhelmed

Added Dec 12th Updated Dec 14th Back to top

Greystoke Surgery Update

We are seeing more patients, and offering more face-to-face appointments, than before the pandemic - whilst also changing protective gear, cleaning our rooms in-between patients, and continuing to roll out the largest vaccination program the NHS has ever seen - but we appreciate that it may not seem that way. Demand for our services has never been higher and we share your understandable frustration when it is not possible to speak to a GP on the day that you phone.

Unfortunately, we are becoming increasingly aware of hostility towards our reception staff on the phone lines, which goes above simply expressing frustration. Please, in a world in which you can be anything, be kind.

See the full update here
Added Nov 13th

Vaccinations - England and North East
This is the status as of Oct 10th (the latest date with regional figures)

Vaccinated 1st dose: <50 50-59 60-69 70-79 >80 Adults
England 84% 96% 98% 97% 92% 89%
North East & Yorkshire 82% 96% 99% 100% 93% 89%

Herd Immunity

Herd immunity is when enough of the whole population (not just the adults) is immune to provide indirect protection to those who are not immune.

People acquire immunity through vaccination or following infection with some diseases. The proportion of the population that needs to be immune depends on how transmissible the disease is. For a highly transmissible disease, such as measles, 90-95% of the population have to be immune to have herd immunity.

The rate of mutation of Covid-19 means we are unlikely to ever reach herd immunity.

Deaths

The death rate in the UK and Northumberland both remain extremely low.

67 people have died from Covid-19 in Northumberland since April 2nd (8 in the last week).

Covid-19 Vaccination Programme for North Northumberland

Booster Vaccines from September

A booster vaccine will be offered from September.
You will be contacted by the NHS when you're eligible to book your booster vaccination.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) have approved Pfizer and AstraZeneca for use as booster doses.
It will now be for the JVCI to advise on whether booster jabs will be given and if so, which vaccines should be used.
See the Gov.UK News story, the Guidance COVID-19 vaccination: a guide to booster vaccination and the 4-page Your guide to booster vaccination

JCVI advises that for the 2021 COVID-19 booster vaccine programme individuals who received vaccination in Phase 1 of the COVID-19 vaccination programme (priority groups 1 to 9) should be offered a third dose COVID-19 booster vaccine. This includes:

those living in residential care homes for older adults

all adults aged 50 years or over

frontline health and social care workers

all those aged 16 to 49 years with underlying health conditions that put them at higher risk of severe COVID-19 (as set out in the green book), and adult carers

adult household contacts of immunosuppressed individuals

JCVI advises that the booster vaccine dose is offered no earlier than 6 months after completion of the primary vaccine course, and that the booster programme should be deployed in the same order as during Phase 1 so it would be appropriate for the booster vaccine programme to begin in September 2021, as soon as is operationally practicable.
JCVI advises a preference for the Pfizer vaccine to be offered as the third booster dose irrespective of which product was used in the primary schedule.
See the Gov.UK Independent report and the Press release

12 to 15 year olds

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), has approved the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines for people aged 12 and over after they met strict standards of safety and effectiveness.
The JCVI has advised that the health benefits from vaccination are marginally greater than the potential known harms. It has advised the government to seek further input from the Chief Medical Officers on the wider impacts. See the press release
Following advice from the four UK Chief Medical Officers (CMOs) people aged 12 to 15 in England will be offered one dose of the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. See the Gov.UK Press release
See the 8-page PDF Guide for children and young people

16 and 17 year olds

All young people aged 16 to 17 in England are to be offered a first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine by Monday 23 August to give them protection before returning to school. See the press release
The Health Hut pharmacy in Morpeth offers walk in clinics on Thursday thru Sunday August 26th-29th.
Click on this link to find alternative centres.

Beat Covid NE

The Beat Covid NE website has been developed by the seven NE local authorities, with CCGs and NHS Foundation Trusts across the region.

It provides a reliable source to answer frequently asked vaccine questions.

If you were initially hesitant when your cohort was first called, but have changed your mind, you can still get the vaccine - it’s not too late.

Call your GP and they will be able to advise on how to book an appointment.

See the NCC news item New campaign to answer frequently asked vaccine questions

Booking Process

The NHS will let you know when it's your turn to have the coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination.

DO NOT PHONE YOUR GP SURGERY.

You may get a letter, text, email or phone call.

If you are in a currently eligible group you can book online even if you haven't received notification.

If you are aged 18 or over you can book online with a vaccination centre or local pharmacy.

To see who is currently eligible, book online and manage your online appointments, go to How you will be contacted for your coronavirus vaccination

If you choose to book online you will only be offered vaccination centres and pharmacies.

Our nearest vaccination centres are Centre for Life in Newcastle (25miles), Sunderland Nightingale (28miles), Hexham Mart (38 miles) and Arnison VC, Durham (38miles).

There are 5 pharmacies in Northumberland - Morpeth, Ponteland, Cramlington, Whitley Bay and Ashington.

You do not have to use the national booking system - everyone will be offered vaccination through their GP, though that may be up to a few weeks later.

See the NHS webpage Northumberland residents are being reassured they can have their COVID-19 vaccine locally

Your GP surgery will contact you to arrange vaccination at a local site.

This now includes pop-up clinics and a transit van as a Roving Vaccination Unit for remote communities and hard to reach groups.

Greystoke Surgery (Well Up North PCN)

August 24th update from Alnwick Medical Group
Audience

- Those who needs a second AZ vaccine locally

- Patients from Alnwick and branches, Rothbury, Gas House and Greystoke in Morpeth

Deadline

- Until Tuesday - but act now

If you need a second AZ vaccine please consider getting in touch quickly if you would prefer to get it locally.

We have AZ vaccine stock that will be returned to the regional centre on the afternoon of Tuesday 31st August so it can be used elsewhere as its approaching expiry.

It’s very unlikely we will receive any more AZ vaccines and patients wanting a second AZ may have to travel considerable distances if they require it later.

If you need a SECOND AZ VACCINE then please email NORCCG.AlnwickMG@nhs.net with your name, address including postcode and date of birth [and NHS number if you have it!] Please title your email with SECOND AZ

You can call 01665 656000 too, but we would prefer to keep that line freed up for Alnwick patients not looking for a vaccine as we are also quite short staffed at the moment.

We will do what we can to get these vaccines to our patients later this week but please get in touch asap if you need this.

There are other considerations in that its not ethical for us to open a vial that could vaccinate six people and only use it on one - so please try to be flexible and ask your manager to give you time to attend if work is an issue.

We will arrange appointments as best as we can to suit, but this is a very limited offer due to timescale.

Wellway Surgery (Valens PCN)

June 23rd update:

Still to have your 1st vaccine?

We're planning further 1st vaccination clinics next week and all patients over 18s are now eligible.

If you're in a previous cohort and haven't had your 1st vaccine yet please call us and let us know.

The current Delta variant is highly transmissable and the vaccine protects you, your family and community from the risks of becoming ill with Covid.

For those in the 18-29 age group, we will be contacting you to invite you to book into our next 1st vaccine local clinics. If you would like to have the vaccine and need to update your contact details, you can speak to one of our team by selecting option 3 on the phone system or send us a message via our website and we will update your contact details so you can book in. Please try after 10am to avoid our busy waiting times on the phones.

Thanks for your co-operation.

Rothbury Practice

August 6th update:
Covid 19 and Flu Booster programme at your Local Surgery this Autumn.

We are delighted to announce that following much planning, we are able to provide these vaccines at The Rothbury Practice from early September. This will enable you to attend locally for your vaccine.

We will be working closely with local transport to provide shuttle bus services to and from the surgery.

We will be contacting you to make appointments at the beginning of September. Please don't call the surgery regarding this.

Community Testing

People aged over 18 without symptoms will be able to visit a participating local pharmacy and collect a box of 7 rapid tests to use twice a week at home.

One in 3 people with COVID-19 do not experience any symptoms and may be spreading the virus unwittingly.

Use the online checker to find their nearest pharmacy offering free rapid test kits - there are 5 in Morpeth.

The best route for testing can be found at NHS.UK/get-tested.

If testing at home, individuals will need to register their results online or by calling 119.

They should self-isolate if positive and order a confirmatory PCR test.

See the NHS video How to do a COVID-19 Self Test

Added Jan 31st Updated Oct 3rd Back to top

Covid Variants and Vaccines

Over 4,000 variants have been identified across the globe. Most of these are not of concern.

As of Oct 13th there were 16 variants of concern or under investigation.
Almost all were of the Delta variant (VOC-21APR-02/India) ~ 53,889 cases last week

The best way to keep yourself and those around you safe is to get both doses of the vaccine as soon as you are eligible. However, while vaccines offer excellent protection, they do not completely eliminate risk. As we approach the end of restrictions, it is as important as ever that we continue to exercise caution. Take your free twice-weekly rapid tests and if you have symptoms, you should book a PCR test immediately and stay at home until you receive your result.

See the Gov.UK news story Confirmed cases of COVID-19 variants identified in UK

Vaccine Effectiveness

Public Health England (PHE) reports that, for the Delta variant, after 2 doses the Pfizer-BioNTech/Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccines are 96%/92% effective against hospitalisation.

See the Gov.UK press release Vaccines highly effective against hospitalisation from Delta variant.

Also see the press release COVID-19 vaccines highly effective in clinical risk groups

Myths about Vaccines

See the webpage COVID-19 Vaccine Hub – Myths

AstraZeneca and Blood Clots

See details here

Vaccines Approved or Ordered

As of May 28th there were 4 vaccines approved for use in the UK several others undertaking clinical trials.

On June 3rd the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine was approved for use in 12- to 15-year-olds - see the Gov.UK news story.
On August 4th the Health Secretary accepted advice from JCVI to offer COVID-19 vaccination to those aged 16 and 17 - see the Gov.UK press release.

The UK has placed orders for 7 vaccines and has options on another.

The Janssen 1-dose vaccine has been approved following positive data from the Phase 3 studies showing it to be 66% effective overall in preventing coronavirus in participants. Phase 3 trials for the company’s 2-dose regimen are ongoing worldwide, including in the UK.

Deliveries are expected to arrive in the second half of this year. See the Gov.UK press releases about the approval and the phase 3 report.

Vaccine Made in Class Ordered Options

Approved

Pfizer/BioNTech EU (Belgium) 1 40M 60M

Oxford/AstraZeneca EU then UK 2 100M

Moderna USA and EU 1 17M

Janssen Netherlands 2 20M 10M

Not yet approved

Novavax Tesside 3 60M

Valneva Livingston 4 Order cancelled

GlaxoSmithKline 3 60M

CureVac UK 1 50M

TOTAL 297M 120M

The Novavax vaccine is expected to be available the second half of the year and the Valneva by the end of the year.

The cost of vaccinating the UK population of about 54million adults is likely to be above £2billion.

A new partnership between the UK Government and vaccine manufacturer CureVac has been established to rapidly develop new vaccines in response to new Covid-19 variants if needed.

The UK has placed an initial order for 50 million doses of CureVac vaccines to be delivered later this year if they are required.

See the Gov.UK press release New vaccines partnership to rapidly respond to new virus variants

Classes of Vaccines

There are 4 classes of vaccine being developed:

mRNA ~ Pfizer/BioNTech, Moderna and Imperial
adenoviral ~ Oxford/AstraZeneca and Janssen
protein adjuvant ~ Novavax and GlaxoSmithKline
inactivated whole virus ~ Valneva

Added Jan 29th Updated Oct 16th
Back to top

Covid-19 Breaking News Archive

**WARNING**
This webpage has been converted from Classic Google Sites to the new version of Google Sites.
We have removed the images that were posted with the original Breaking News.
Links are underlined but the text is black rather than blue.

What's Open in the Longhorsley Area

What's open in the Longhorsley area:

Millar's Village Store is open Monday-Saturday 7:30am-2:30pm and Sunday 8am-12noon.

Carr's Convenience Store in Longframlington is open as normal - phone 07803 182578 for deliveries.

Please phone Wednesday or Thursday for delivery to Longhorsley on Friday.

Green's the butchers in Longframlington are open as normal - phone 01665 570 253 for deliveries to Longhorsley, Monday to Saturday.

Dobbies Garden Centre at Heighley Gate are open as normal including Natures Finest Fruits and Rothbury Butchers and Sainsbury's (selected products only).

Dobbies is now open 9am - 5pm Monday-Saturday and 10:30am-4:30pm Sunday.

The Shoulder of Mutton will open for Sunday lunches takeaway or local delivery 12-2pm

Phone 07803 515772 to order ~ Menu varies ~ adult £10/child £6 ~ desert £3.50

The Granby Inn in Longframlington is closed but phone 01665 570228 for takeaway or delivery to Longhorsley 4.30-8pm Tue-Sat, 12-6pm Sun.

Pizzeria Padre is open for takeaways every Thursday and Saturday - order at least two days before collection - see menu

DOU_H&CO pizza van is here every Thursday 5pm to 7:30pm - see menu

The Flying Fryer will be here every Friday (except Bank Holidays)

Monroe's Food Truck will be here Sunday April 11th

Mivesi Naan Truck will be here Wednesday April 28th 4pm to 8pm

The Post Office in Longhorsley Village Hall will be open as normal.

For all NCC services see the Council services affected section of their Coronavirus (covid-19) information hub

(Shows tips are open and bins will be collected as normal)

Longhorsley Play Areas are open - Adamson Park, Church View and MUGA - see Longhorsley Play Areas for details.

Stephenson's Garage is open as normal.

St Helen's, St Thomas and Longhorsley Mission are open for public church services.

Walking Group walks restarted in April.

What's closed in the Longhorsley area:

Added Nov 6th Updated March 26th Back to top

UK Covid Alert Level Moves to 3

UK Chief Medical Officers agree that the UK alert level should move from level 4 to level 3.

Thanks to the efforts of the UK public in social distancing and the impact we are starting to see from the vaccination programme, case numbers, deaths and COVID hospital pressures have fallen consistently. However COVID is still circulating with people catching and spreading the virus every day so we all need to continue to be vigilant. This remains a major pandemic globally.

It is very important that we all continue to follow the guidance closely and everyone gets both doses of the vaccine when they are offered it.

See the Gov'UK news story COVID-19 alert level: update from the UK Chief Medical Officers

The alert levels are:

level 1: COVID-19 is not known to be present in the UK

level 2: COVID-19 is present in UK, but the number of cases and transmission is low

level 3: a COVID-19 epidemic is in general circulation

level 4: a COVID-19 epidemic is in general circulation; transmission is high or rising exponentially

level 5: as level 4 and there is a material risk of healthcare services being overwhelmed

The indicators for de-escalation from level 4 to level 3 are:

Are there estimated to be less than 10,000 new infections per day?

Is the UK weekly case rate less than 25 per 100,000 population?

Has the national estimate of R been consistently <1 for at least 4 weeks?

Have the observed number of new daily COVID-19 confirmed infections, hospital admissions, ICU admissions and deaths been on a downward trend for the last 4 weeks?

The move to level 3 will mean a gradual relaxing of restrictions and social distancing measures.

See the Gov.UK guidance UK COVID-19 alert level methodology: an overview

Added May 10th Back to top

National Day of Reflection

Tuesday March 23rd marks a year since the first national lockdown.

NCC will be joining a National Day of Reflection to remember and honour those lives lost due to Coronavirus.

Residents are encouraged to share in a minute’s silence at 12pm as well as taking to their doorstep to shine a light in memory of loved ones at 8pm.

A special online exhibition showcasing the things residents have been creating during the various lockdowns will also be launched on Tuesday on www.discoverourland.co.uk The exhibition includes short stories, poems, diaries, artwork and songs which people created to keep themselves busy.

See the NCC news items

Northumberland to mark National Day of Reflection

Lockdown stories take their place in history

One year on and the Covid fight goes on

Added March 22nd Back to top

Covid-19 Vaccination Programme for North Northumberland

People aged 70 and over and the clinically extremely vulnerable are to begin receiving invitations for vaccinations from Monday January 18th.

Vaccinating the first 2 groups will remain the priority, but where area has already reached the vast majority of groups 1 to 2 vaccination sites which have enough supply and capacity for vaccinating further people are allowed to offer vaccinations to the next 2 groups – those aged 70 and over and clinically extremely vulnerable people.

The plan is still to offer vaccinations to the first 4 priority groups by the middle of February.

(See list of groups below)

See the Gov.UK press release COVID-19 vaccines rolled out to people aged 70 years and over from today

See the NHS webpage Who can get the COVID-19 vaccine

The UK COVID-19 vaccines delivery plan sets out how the government will work with the NHS, devolved administrations, local councils and the armed forces to deliver the largest vaccination programme in British history.

By the end of January, everyone in England will be within 10 miles of a vaccination site or, for a small number of highly rural areas, the vaccine will be brought to them via mobile teams. There will also be capacity to deliver at least 2 million vaccinations in England per week by the end of January and all residents and staff in over 10,000 care homes across the country will be offered a vaccine by the end of January.

The plan also reiterates the commitment to offer the first vaccine dose to all those in the top 4 priority groups (see list below) by 15 February.

With these groups accounting for 88% of COVID-19 fatalities, the move will prevent thousands of deaths once their immunity develops in 14 days.

The UK has secured early access to 367 million doses of 7 of the most promising vaccines so far.

See the Gov.UK press release Government publishes plan for the largest vaccination programme in British history

Small quantities of the AstraZeneca vaccine are now available in our area.

It will be initially be used for patients and staff in care homes in the more rural locations.

The AstraZeneca vaccine has a shelf life of up to six months, and is much more stable when being transported.

It will therefore offer considerably more flexibility for appointment times and locations once we can get sufficient amounts.

The third COVID-19 vaccine for the UK, US company Moderna, has been given approval for use.

The UK has pre-ordered 17 million doses of the Moderna vaccine - 10 million more than planned - but supplies are not expected to arrive until spring.

It is 94% effective, works in a similar way to the Pfizer vaccine, can be used by pregnant and breastfeeding women and can be stored at -20°C for up to six months.

The dosage for this specific vaccine requires two doses to be given - the second dose 28 days after the first.

See the Gov.UK press release Moderna COVID-19 vaccine authorised by UK medicines regulator

JCVI does not advise a preference for either vaccine (Pfizer-BioNTech or AstraZeneca) in any specific population.

Both vaccines give very high protection against severe disease, which is the primary aim of the first phase of the programme.

The storage requirements for the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine mean that in some populations, the AstraZeneca vaccine is the only vaccine which can be deployed rapidly.

JCVI advises that the second vaccine dose should be with the same vaccine as for the first dose.

Their recommendations for the first phase of the vaccination programme has not changed:

Residents in a care home for older adults and their carers
1. All those 80 years of age and over - vaccinations for this group have started
2. Frontline health and social care workers
3. Appointments for second injections are likely to be rescheduled.
All those 75 years of age and over
All those 70 years of age and over
Clinically extremely vulnerable individuals (see list here)
All those 65 years of age and over
All individuals aged 16 years to 64 years with underlying health conditions which put them at higher risk of serious disease and mortality
All those 60 years of age and over
All those 55 years of age and over
All those 50 years of age and over

The Well Up North Primary Care Network (PCN) has announced it's mass vaccination programme.

There will be three hubs in North Northumberland.

• Well Close Medical Group – Berwick Upon Tweed

• Alnwick Cricket Club – Weavers Way, Alnwick NE66 1BL

• Broomhill Surgery – Amble

Patients registered with Alnwick Medical Group, The Rothbury Practice, Gas House Lane Surgery, and Greystoke Surgery will attend for their vaccinations at Alnwick Cricket Club.

The Valens PCN, which includes the Wellway Medical Group, have also started their vaccination programme.

Important notes:

only turn up if you have an appointment

do not turn up more than five minutes before your allocated time

not everyone has been invited yet so if you haven’t had a call yet please DO NOT call your practice

the teams are taken from local practices meaning it will be harder to get through to them on vaccine days

DO NOT ATTEND IF YOU HAVE ANY COVID SYMPTOMS

Transport to Alnwick Cricket Club

If you are unable to make your own way to Alnwick Cricket Club and cannot get anyone else to take you, then you can call your Local Covid-19 Help Line and they will try to arrange transport for you.

Longhorsley Margaret Scott 788 499 margscott09@gmail.com

Wingates Carol Fowler 788 553 carolsfowler@yahoo.com

This service should only be used if you can’t get a lift from family or friends.

Only contact the Help Line after you have been given an appointment.

They expect to be asked to give the vaccine at short notice with strict rules about who comes first.

They will need a lot of community support to bring patients to our hubs to receive their vaccine.

Please do not call any surgery about the Covid Vaccine.

The order in which patients receive the vaccine has been decided nationally - your practice cannot change this.

You will be contacted by your practice when it is your time to be vaccinated.

It is possible that you will be contacted at short notice to book your appointment.

The first batches of vaccines are have arrived at the hubs and Well Up North expect to administer almost 3,000 vaccines per week across the PCN.

They will contact you as soon as they are able to offer your group [cohort] the vaccine, with details of how to book an appointment.

They will do their best to ensure there is as little impact as possible to their normal day-to-day service.

They are collating a database of GPs, Nurses, and other Allied Health Professionals who may be able to help them administer vaccines.

If you think you could help please email Sophie.wrightson@nhs.net to register your interest.

See the Well Up North announcement Northumberland Medical Alliance - Covid-19 Vaccinations

See the first update from Well Up North Covid Vaccine Update

See the second update from Well Up North Covid Vaccine Update 2

Added Dec 3rd updated Jan 18th Back to top

December 30th Review of Covid Tiers

More areas move to Tier 4 to limit the spread of the virus as case rates rise across the country.

All the North East local authorities (County Durham, Gateshead, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, North Tyneside, Northumberland, South Tyneside, Sunderland) are in Tier 4 from 00:01 Thursday December 31st.

See the Gov.UK press release Formal tiering review update: 30 December 2020

and the NCC new item Government places North East in Tier 4

For details of the Tier 4 Stay at Home rules see our Summary of COVID-19 Rules in force December 31st webpage.

Added Dec 30th updated Dec 31st Back to top

Return to School

NCC are asking that parents check their child’s school’s website for the latest information and any updates relating to closures.

Schools will also be contacting parents in their usual way if they are to remain closed and move to online learning.

See the NCC news item Statement regarding the return of schools

The current situation for Northumberland schools can be summarised as follows:

Monday 4 January:

First / primary school children will go back to school (unless already advised teacher training day).

*Middle school years 5 & 6 will go back to school (unless already advised teacher training day).

Secondary / high school / post 16 settings: years 11 & 13 only (exam years) – remote learning will be offered.

Children with an EHCP or any child classed as vulnerable in any year should attend school from 4 January.

Children of key workers in any year can also attend from this date.

Monday 11 January:

Secondary / high school / post 16 settings: years 11 & 13 (exam years) will return to school.

Remote education being provided for all other years 7,8,9,10,12

Monday 18 January:

*Middle / secondary / high school / post 16 settings: years 7, 8, 9, 10 & 12 will return to school.

Colleges, including all post 16 settings return.

Parents and carers should also refer to information they receive directly from their child’s school [For example, see the KEVI letter here]

*NCC is also seeking final clarification from government about middle schools.

See the NCC news item Phased return to school for Northumberland children

Added Jan 1st Updated Jan 3rd Back to top

December 23rd Review of Covid Tiers

Exponential rises in cases in the South East and East of England necessitate decisive action ahead of the formal review on 30 December.

See the Gov.UK press release Government tiers review update

and the speech Health and Social Care Secretary's statement on coronavirus (COVID-19): 23 December 2020

Northumberland remains in Tier 3 for the moment.

Added Dec 23rd Back to top

December 17th Review of Covid Tiers

Taken from the written statement to Parliament Review of local restriction tiers: 17 December 2020

As set out in the COVID-19 winter plan, there are 5 indicators which guide decisions for any given area, alongside consideration of ‘human geographies’ like travel patterns.

These are:

• case detection rates in all age groups

• case detection rates in the over 60s

• the rate at which cases are rising or falling

• positivity rate (the number of positive cases detected as a percentage of tests taken)

• pressure on the NHS

The summary for the North East is:

Since the end of national restrictions, the overall picture in the North East 7 has remained stable and case rates are broadly decreasing in Gateshead, Newcastle, North Tyneside and Northumberland. However, case rates are high and continuing to rise in South Tyneside which has the highest case rate in the area (272 per 100,000) and is seeing a deterioration across all epidemiology indicators. Case rates is lowest in Gateshead (94 per 100,000) however the trajectory of some neighbouring local authorities is concerning, with increasing case rates, therefore de-escalation of this area would likely lead to cases further increasing, particularly given human travel patterns across the region. De-escalating areas now could lead to further rises in case numbers, and overall, the epidemiology indicators are still too high for the area to move down to Tier 2.

COVID admissions, bed occupancy and critical care bed occupancy in the Cumbria and North East STP are stable.

The information that guided the decisions for the North East can be seen in North East: lower tier local authority watchlist – epidemiological charts

Click on the image to see it full screen

See the statement from North East leaders in the NCC news item Government decision to keep North East in Tier 3

Editors note: The Dec 17th decision was based on weekly cases rates to Dec 9th.

The case rate for Northumberland has increased from 494 week to Dec 9th to 554 week to Dec 12th.

NCC estimate the rate as 565 week to Dec 15th.

See Covid-19 in UK and Northumberland below for weekly updates.

Added Dec 18th Back to top

Covid-19 Vaccination Guidance

Public Health England has issued the following COVID-19 vaccination guidance:

Women of childbearing age, currently pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding - webpage - 2 page leaflet
All women of childbearing age must read this leaflet before they go for vaccination.
Why you are being asked to wait - webpage - 2 page leaflet
Guide for social care staff - webpage - 8 page leaflet
Guide for healthcare workers - webpage - 8 page leaflet
Guide for older adults - webpage - 12 page leaflet
We have copied the wording of the webpage and created an A5 leaflet.
If you have a neighbour who doesn't have internet access can you print a copy for them or let them know they can collect one from Millar's Village Store.
What to expect after vaccination - webpage - 8 page leaflet

Added Dec 8th Back to top

COVID-19 Transmission Study

Over 105,000 volunteers tested in England in latest significant study into coronavirus (COVID-19) by Imperial College London and Ipsos MORI.

• Interim findings show a 30% fall in infections nationally between 13 and 24 November, with 96 people per 10,000 infected

• New tiering system will be crucial to safeguarding these gains, bringing down infections further and keeping infection rates low

More details in the press release November interim findings from COVID-19 transmission study published

In Northumberland the 7-day case rate fell by 31% in the same period - from 968/wk Nov 13th to 672/wk Nov 24th.

Added Dec 1st Back to top

New National Restrictions

These rules apply from Thursday 5 November and will end on Wednesday 2 December.

See our Summary of COVID-19 Rules in force November 5th webpage.

Updated Nov 6th Back to top

Longhorsley Play Areas

The Parish Council advise that the MUGA, as well as Adamson Park and the Church View play area, will remain open.

As these are unsupervised areas, allowing children to use the areas is done at parents’ own risk.

HM Government require the following conditions are observed by anyone using these areas –

Adherence to the current Social Distancing rules in force must be maintained at all times
Parents must bring their own hand sanitisers and surface wipes (to clean equipment before and after use)
Only one family member should accompany a child at any given time
Consumption of food and drink in these areas is not allowed
Hands should be sanitised at the beginning and end of play
Parents should use their own judgement as to whether their child should wear a face covering
Users are reminded not to touch their faces, and to cough or sneeze into a tissue or arm if tissues are not available
Users are reminded not to put their mouths on equipment or hands into their mouths

Note that HM Government guidance is currently that “you can exercise or meet in a public, outdoors space with people you live with, your support bubble (or as part of a childcare bubble), or with one other person.”

This applies to the MUGA.

You are reminded that bikes and skateboards are not permitted in the MUGA as they will damage the playing surface.

CCTV recording is in operation.

Longhorsley Parish Council

Added Nov 6th Back to top

NCC's Covid Question Time

NCC leaders will be answering residents’ questions on Wednesday 18 November, at 5pm.

It will look at the current Covid-19 picture in Northumberland, what the national lockdown means for the county, and answer queries or concerns people have.

The aim is for the public broadcast to become a regular event and cover the most commonly-asked issues.

People can submit their questions to the Council via a simple online form at nland.uk/questions

Residents will be able to watch the broadcast live on their Facebook page at facebook.com/NorthumberlandCC

See the NCC news item Get involved in Northumberland's first Covid question time

Liz Morgan, Director of Public Health, will be on the panel. This is a recent message to residents.

Added Nov 14th Back to top

New National Restrictions

These rules apply from Thursday 5 November and will end on Wednesday 2 December.

See our Summary of COVID-19 Rules in force November 5th webpage.

Everyone must stay at home, and may leave only for a limited set of reasons. These include:

For education;

For work, if you cannot work from home;

For exercise and recreation outdoors, with your household, support bubble or on your own with one person from another household;

For all medical reasons, appointments and to escape injury or harm;

To shop for food and essentials;

And to provide care for vulnerable people, or as a volunteer.

This means people cannot travel internationally or within the UK or stay overnight away from primary residences.

There is no exemption for communal worship in places of worship (except funerals and individual prayer), organised team sports, or children’s activities.

Non-essential shops, leisure and entertainment venues will be closed.

Click and collect services can continue and essential shops, including supermarkets, will remain open.

Pubs, bars, restaurants must close, except for takeaway and delivery services.

People should work from home wherever possible.

Early years settings, schools, colleges and universities will all remain open.

For more details see the press release Prime Minister announces new national restrictions

For full details see the guidance New National Restrictions from 5 November

Also see the NCC news items Council Leader's response ... and Keep doing your bit, leaders urge

Added Nov 1st Updated Nov 4th Back to top

New NCC Covid Support Grants

NCC has announced it is taking new steps to help county councillors to provide Covid related support to Town and Parish Councils, as well as community groups, with specific grants for Covid related financial support.

The grants of up to £2,000 will assist recipient organisations to help families who need support.

See the NCC news item Extra funding to support communities through Covid schemes

If you have a community group that needs Covid related support you can contact our County Councillor, Glen Sanderson.

Glen Sanderson 07730 979 737 glen.sanderson@northumberland.gov.uk

Added Oct 26th Back to top

Covid-19 in UK and Northumberland

Added Oct 9th: Public Health England are analysing contact tracing data to identify where people are being exposed to Covid-19.

Early analysis suggests that hospitality counts for 30% of common exposure settings.

For those under-30, among whom the virus is spreading more quickly and who may spread the virus to older generations, the figure is 41%.

This chart is based on data in COVID-19 TaskForce: Data briefing 8 October

North-East Local Covid Restrictions

The North East of England: local restrictions guidance will be replaced by the Local COVID Alert Levels system from 14 October.

The only change to the regulations enforced by law is that it will no longer be illegal for households to meet in a private garden.

The Rule of Six will still apply to such meetings.

See Local COVID Alert Levels above.

Added Sept 17th Updated Oct 13th Back to top

Local COVID Alert Levels

Details of the new local COVID Alert Levels - these rules will apply from 00.01 on Wednesday 14 October.

All seven north east local authorities are initially classified as High Alert.

The leaders of the seven north east councils, concerned by the suggestion that a decision could be taken nationally to move the region into Very High Alert, have issued a joint statement opposing such a move.

See the NCC news item Joint LA7 Leaders statement: opposition to move to Tier 3,

the NCC news item Area to stay at "High" alert level, leaders confirm

and the NCC news item Hard work paying off but no room for complacency

To see your area risk level check on the NHS COVID-19 app or on Gov.UK (link changed to postcode search on Oct 17th)

Medium Alert

Only national restrictions such as

Rule of Six on gatherings.

10pm curfew on restaurants and pubs.

Current rules on masks and social distancing.

High Alert

All the restrictions of medium alert plus

Ban on households meeting indoors (homes and public venues).

Rule of Six in outdoor spaces including private gardens.

Very High Alert

All the restrictions of medium alert plus

Ban on households meeting indoors (homes and public venues).

Ban on households meeting in private gardens.

Rule of Six allowed in open public spaces like parks and beaches.

Pubs and bars are closed (restaurant can open).

Wedding receptions are not allowed (weddings are allowed).

People will be advised not to travel in and out of these areas.

Non-essential retail, schools and universities will remain open in all levels.

There may be additional local restrictions.

For example, in Northumberland face coverings are mandatory on school transport for children over age 11 and non-essential visiting is suspended in hospitals.

The “very high” alert level will apply where transmission rates are causing the greatest concern, based on an assessment of all the available data and the local situation. This includes incidence and test positivity, including amongst older and more at-risk age groups, as well as the growth rate, hospital admissions and other factors.

Detailed guidance at Local COVID alert levels: what you need to know and Local COVID alert level: high

Also see the press release Prime Minister announces new local COVID Alert Levels

and the NCC news item Local leaders react to Prime Minister's announcement

We have added a Summary of COVID-19 Rules in force October 14th webpage

Added Oct 13th Updated Oct 22nd Back to top

NHS Covid-19 app Available

NHS COVID-19 app launches nationwide to help control COVID-19 transmission alongside national and local contact tracing.

Features of the app include contact tracing using Bluetooth, risk alerts based on postcode district, QR check-in at venues, symptom checker and test booking – with user privacy and data security at its heart.

Businesses are now required by law to display the official NHS QR code posters from today so people can check-in at different premises with the app.

The UK’s major mobile network operators, including Vodafone, Three, EE and O2, Sky and Virgin, have confirmed that all in-app activity will not come out of customers’ data allowance.

A full list of compatible devices is available.

Those who may not have access to the app, or the ability to use a smartphone should continue to use traditional contact tracing services provided by NHS Test and Trace.

Taken from the Gov.UK press release NHS COVID-19 app launches across England and Wales

Full details at NHS COVID-19 app support including What the app does

Added Sept 24th Back to top

Changes to Covid-19 Rules (September 22nd)

Taken from the Gov.UK news story Coronavirus (COVID-19): What has changed – 22 September

Also see the speech PM Commons statement on coronavirus: 22 September 2020

and the address to the nation Prime Minister's statement on coronavirus (COVID-19): 22 September 2020

Customers in private hire vehicles and taxis must wear face coverings (from 23 September).
Customers in hospitality venues must wear face coverings, except when seated at a table to eat or drink.
Staff in hospitality and retail will now also be required to wear face coverings (from 24 September).
Office workers who can work effectively from home should do so over the winter.
Public sector employees working in essential services, including education settings, should continue to go into work where necessary.
Businesses will need to display the official NHS QR code posters so that customers can ‘check-in’ at different premises using this option as an alternative to providing their contact details once the app is rolled out nationally (from 24 September).
Weddings and civil partnership ceremonies and receptions will be restricted to a maximum of 15 people (down from 30) (from 28 September).
- [30 people can still go to a funeral]
- [For information about weddings in Northumberland see NCC's Service changes due to coronavirus (COVID-19)]

NCC's Local Coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions for Northumberland has been updated.

This has answers to many frequently asked questions.

Added Sept 23rd Back to top

Self-isolation package

From Monday September 28th there will be a new £500 Isolation Support Payment for people on low incomes who can’t work because they’ve tested positive or are asked to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace.

The government are proposing a new legal duty to self isolate for people who test positive or who are asked to do so by NHS Test and Trace.

This is backed by fines of up to £10,000, for repeat offences and serious breaches.

NHS Test and Trace will make regular checks on those who are self-isolating.

See the Gov.UK's Oral statement to Parliament New measures in response to the acceleration of coronavirus

Added Sept 21st Back to top

Covid-19 in Morpeth Schools

On Monday September 14th Chantry Middle School reported their first positive case of coronavirus.

All students who had close contact with the individual were notified by letter.

All other students continued attending as normal.

On Monday September 21st the school reported that two more students in Year 8 have tested positive for COVID-19.

They have closed the school to all Year 8 students who will have to self isolate for 14 days.

Full details at chantry.the3rivers.net/covid-19-update

On Saturday September 19th KEVI reported there has been a positive case of COVID-19 within the school.

The small number of students who have been in direct prolonged contact with the confirmed case will be staying at home for 14 days.

Full details at kevi.the3rivers.net/covid-19-update

Added Sept 21st Back to top

North-East Local Covid Restrictions

From midnight Thursday night September 17th local coronavirus restrictions apply in north-east England.

The local area authorities covered are the seven who asked the government to introduce stricter COVID-19 prevention measures.

They are Northumberland, Newcastle, North Tyneside, South Tyneside, Gateshead, County Durham and Sunderland.

Regulations will lawfully ban the following:

Residents must not socialise with other people outside of their own households in private homes and gardens.

All hospitality for food and drink will be restricted to table service only.

Late night restriction of operating hours will be introduced, with venues required to close between 10pm to 5am.

The regulations specify that "Friends or family who do not live with you must not visit your home to help with childcare unless they are part of your support bubble."

The leaders of seven North East local authorities have requested that people be able to enter other households for the purposes of childcare while the main carer was at work.

See the NCC news item North East calls for local restrictions change on childcare

Added Sept 21st: Informal carers will be able to provide care for children and vulnerable adults in parts of the country with restrictions on interhousehold mixing.

Children under 14 will be able to be cared for by individuals outside of their immediate household as part of a care bubble.

It does not allow for playdates or parties, but it does mean that a consistent childcare relationship, that is vital for somebody to get to work, is allowed.

See the Gov.UK press release Childcare to be exempt from interhousehold mixing restrictions in local areas of intervention

and the NCC news item Councils welcome government decision on childcare arrangements - NCC's FAQs have been updated.

Residents are also advised to adhere to the following guidance to further reduce rates of infection:

Residents should not socialise with other people outside of their own households in all public venues.

Residents are advised to only use public transport for essential purposes, such as travelling to school or work.

Holidays should be taken within your own household or support bubble.

Residents are advised against attending amateur and semi-professional sporting events as spectators.

The measures being brought in do not constitute a lockdown.

People will continue to be able to go to work, school, restaurants and cafes and go on holiday.

See the NCC news item Northumberland remains open for business

The government guidance has been updated - North East of England: local restrictions

Added guidance for university students moving to or relocating within an area of local restrictions.

Updated guidance on going to work and on childcare bubbles.

Guidance updated to reflect regulations affecting businesses selling food and drink.

We have copied the updated guidance and created a PDF - view/download/print the September 26th update here

See the Oral statement to Parliament Oral statement on coronavirus and the government's plans for winter,

Gov.UK's press release Stronger measures introduced in parts of the North East to tackle rising infection rates

and NCC's Local Coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions for Northumberland - this has answers to many frequently asked questions.

Also see the NCC news item New COVID measures being introduced in Northumberland

These are the cases per 100,000 people shown in National COVID-19 surveillance report for week 39 published Sept 25th.

* Local authorities needing enhanced support on the September 11th watchlist.

Added Sept 17th Updated Sept 27th Back to top

Covid-19 in UK and Northumberland

Added September 21st: UK Chief Medical Officers recommend that the UK COVID-19 alert level should move to level 4.

Level 4: COVID-19 epidemic is in general circulation, transmission is high or rising exponentially.

During the lockdown the UK was at level 4.

See the Gov.UK News story Update from the UK Chief Medical Officers on the COVID-19 alert level

The latest R number for the UK is 1.2-1.5 (was 1.1-1.4) with a growth rate in the North East and Yorkshire region of +4 to +8% per day (was +3 to +8%).

Also see the press release Largest testing programme for coronavirus reinforces need for vigilance

The latest National COVID-19 surveillance report shows the 92 (was 88) local authorities currently on the watchlist.

There are 48 (was 44) areas with intervention, 6 (was 3) with enhanced support and 38 (was 11) areas with concern.

The number of cases in Northumberland has risen over the last few weeks so NCC have issued guidance to older persons care homes across Northumberland to suspend non-essential visitors from Monday September 14th.

See the NCC news item Northumberland care homes told to close to visitors from Monday after rise in Covid cases

Leaders of seven North East local authorities have come together to take the unprecedented step of seeking greater controls from government to introduce stricter COVID-19 prevention measures ahead of national intervention.

With infection rates already rising rapidly across the region, local authority leaders are keen to take drastic proactive action to protect residents, communities, and businesses.

See the NCC news item North East lobbies government for stricter COVID control measures

and the BBC news item Coronavirus: North East councils 'want more restrictions'

These charts show the 7-day average case rates reported up to September 26th.

The UK uses the rate of 20 per 100,000 to exclude territories from the travel corridors list.

In the last 7 days there have been 442 cases in Northumberland - almost twice the peak in April.

Added Sept 27th: NCC now publishes Covid-19 Northumberland statistics dashboard.

The NCC data is updated retrospectively so the detail will vary slightly from the Gov.UK data upon which these graphs are based.

Added Sept 12th Updated Sept 27th Back to top

Changes to Covid-19 Rules (September 9th)

Taken from the Gov.UK news story Coronavirus (COVID-19): What has changed – 9 September

Also see the speech PM press conference statement: 9 September 2020

From Monday 14 September, you must not meet with people from other households socially in groups of more than 6.

The rule of six includes children of all ages.

This will apply indoors and outdoors, including in private homes.

COVID-19 Secure venues, such as places of worship, restaurants and hospitality venues, can still host larger numbers in total but groups of up to 6 must not mix or form larger groups.

This rule will not apply to individual households or support bubbles of more than 6 who will still be able to gather together.

Education and work settings are unaffected, and organised team sports will still be able to proceed, as will weddings and funerals up to 30.

From Friday 18 September, it will be mandatory for certain businesses to have a system to collect NHS Test and Trace data, and keep this for 21 days.

Core COVID-19 Secure requirements will be mandated for hospitality businesses, and egregious breaches enforced.

The government has also published simplified COVID-19 Secure guidance, available here.

The government will restrict the opening hours of premises, initially in local lockdown areas, with the option of national action in the future.

We will introduce COVID-19 Secure Marshals to help local authorities support social distancing in towns and city centres.

The government will review plans to pilot larger audiences in venues this month.

Planned sports pilot events will be limited to smaller, safer numbers, with strict conditions to ensure social distancing.

We will review our intention to return audiences to stadia and conference centres from 1 October.

Added Sept 9th Back to top

Covid-19 in Northumberland

NCC are urging residents and visitors to protect themselves by following the safety guidance about Covid-19.

Numbers of cases in Northumberland have been increasing over the last month - particularly in people in their 20s.

There are simple steps we can take to minimise the risk of catching coronavirus

washing our hands regularly for 20 seconds

complying with social distancing

being alert to symptoms and then self isolating

getting a test if symptomatic

responding to NHS Test and Trace if positive or if contact traced

See the NCC news items Protect yourself, protect others, and protect Northumberland

and North East local authorities join forces in the fight against Covid-19

Also see the report from Northumberland's Director of Public Health to the Sept 10th meeting of the Health and Well-being Board - Update on the Northumberland COVID 19 Outbreak Prevention and Control Plan

[Editors note: The 7-day case rate in Northumberland is currently at 20 per 100,000 - the rate the UK uses to exclude territories from the travel corridors list]

Added Sept 8th Updated Sept 9th Back to top

Changes to Lockdown Rules (August 13th)

On July 31st it had been announced that plans to loosen the lockdown from 1 August had been delayed by at least 2 weeks.

On August 13th it was announced that bowling alleys, skating rinks, casinos, conference and exhibition centres, indoor theatre performances, wedding receptions for up to 30 guests and the remaining close contact services (eg facial treatment and make up) will be able to open from Saturday August 15th.

See COVID-19 secure guidance below.

It was also announced that fines will double to a maximum of £3,200 for those who repeatedly flout face covering rules.

New fines are to be introduced for people hosting raves or other unlawful gatherings of more than 30 people.

For more details on all the items above, see the press release: Prime Minister announces stronger enforcement measures as easements resume

Travel Corridors

The government maintain a list of places you can travel to without having to quarantine.

If you visit any country not on the list, you will need to self isolate for 14 days when you re-enter the UK.

France, the Netherlands, Monaco, Malta, Turks and Caicos Islands and Aruba have been removed from the current list.

Updated Aug 22nd: Croatia, Trinidad and Tobago and Austria have been removed from the travel corridors list and Portugal has been added.

See the list at Coronavirus (COVID-19): travel corridors

COVID-19 secure guidance

All venues will have to follow strict COVID-19 secure guidance.

Specific guidance is being issued for each type of venue but many were not published at the time this Breaking News was posted.

Therefore, you should not expect all places to be open from the date they are allowed to.

In some cases the cost of adhering to the guidelines will be prohibitive.

Added Aug 14th Updated Aug 22nd Back to top

North-East Local Covid Restrictions

The North East of England: local restrictions guidance will be replaced by the Local COVID Alert Levels system from 14 October.

The only change to the regulations enforced by law is that it will no longer be illegal for households to meet in a private garden.

The Rule of Six will still apply to such meetings.

See Local COVID Alert Levels above.

Added Sept 17th Updated Oct 13th Back to top

Local COVID Alert Levels

Details of the new local COVID Alert Levels - these rules will apply from 00.01 on Wednesday 14 October.

All seven north east local authorities are initially classified as High Alert.

See the NCC news item Joint LA7 Leaders statement: opposition to move to Tier 3,

the NCC news item Area to stay at "High" alert level, leaders confirm

and the NCC news item Hard work paying off but no room for complacency

To see your area risk level check on the NHS COVID-19 app or on Gov.UK (link changed to postcode search on Oct 17th)

Medium Alert

Only national restrictions such as

Rule of Six on gatherings.

10pm curfew on restaurants and pubs.

Current rules on masks and social distancing.

High Alert

All the restrictions of medium alert plus

Ban on households meeting indoors (homes and public venues).

Rule of Six in outdoor spaces including private gardens.

Very High Alert

All the restrictions of medium alert plus

Ban on households meeting indoors (homes and public venues).

Ban on households meeting in private gardens.

Rule of Six allowed in open public spaces like parks and beaches.

Pubs and bars are closed (restaurant can open).

Wedding receptions are not allowed (weddings are allowed).

People will be advised not to travel in and out of these areas.

Non-essential retail, schools and universities will remain open in all levels.

There may be additional local restrictions.

For example, in Northumberland face coverings are mandatory on school transport for children over age 11 and non-essential visiting is suspended in hospitals.

Detailed guidance at Local COVID alert levels: what you need to know and Local COVID alert level: high

Also see the press release Prime Minister announces new local COVID Alert Levels

and the NCC news item Local leaders react to Prime Minister's announcement

We have added a Summary of COVID-19 Rules in force October 14th webpage

Added Oct 13th Updated Oct 22nd Back to top

NHS Covid-19 app Available

NHS COVID-19 app launches nationwide to help control COVID-19 transmission alongside national and local contact tracing.

Businesses are now required by law to display the official NHS QR code posters from today so people can check-in at different premises with the app.

The UK’s major mobile network operators, including Vodafone, Three, EE and O2, Sky and Virgin, have confirmed that all in-app activity will not come out of customers’ data allowance.

A full list of compatible devices is available.

Those who may not have access to the app, or the ability to use a smartphone should continue to use traditional contact tracing services provided by NHS Test and Trace.

Taken from the Gov.UK press release NHS COVID-19 app launches across England and Wales

Full details at NHS COVID-19 app support including What the app does

Added Sept 24th Back to top

Changes to Covid-19 Rules (September 22nd)

Taken from the Gov.UK news story Coronavirus (COVID-19): What has changed – 22 September

Also see the speech PM Commons statement on coronavirus: 22 September 2020

and the address to the nation Prime Minister's statement on coronavirus (COVID-19): 22 September 2020

Customers in private hire vehicles and taxis must wear face coverings (from 23 September).
Customers in hospitality venues must wear face coverings, except when seated at a table to eat or drink.
Staff in hospitality and retail will now also be required to wear face coverings (from 24 September).
Office workers who can work effectively from home should do so over the winter.
Public sector employees working in essential services, including education settings, should continue to go into work where necessary.
Businesses will need to display the official NHS QR code posters so that customers can ‘check-in’ at different premises using this option as an alternative to providing their contact details once the app is rolled out nationally (from 24 September).
Weddings and civil partnership ceremonies and receptions will be restricted to a maximum of 15 people (down from 30) (from 28 September).
- [30 people can still go to a funeral]
- [For information about weddings in Northumberland see NCC's Service changes due to coronavirus (COVID-19)]