Local people are being urged to enjoy a safe Christmas, by acting sensibly and responsibly over the festive season.
The message comes as yesterday saw two national COVID records broken – the number of daily cases of COVID-19 recorded in the UK, and number of COVID-19 vaccines given.
Krishna Ramkhelawon, the council’s director of public health, says: “Yesterday we heard that the UK had recorded the largest number of daily cases of COVID-19 since the pandemic began and that Omicron is spreading at a very fast rate nationally.
“Locally, we have seen case numbers stabilise slightly in recent days, but there is no doubt we face an important milestone in the pandemic.
“As Christmas approaches, I am urging local people to enjoy a safe Christmas and act sensibly and responsibly. Please adhere to the plan B measures in place, please wear face coverings in crowded and enclosed places, continue to wash your hands regularly and please ventilate rooms if you are meeting indoors.
“We also heard yesterday that a record number of vaccinations were given across the country - this is excellent news, but we must continue to get as many jabs in arms as we can as they provide the best defence against severe illness from COVID. So please grab the jab.”
Cllr Cheryl Nevin, cabinet member for adult social care and health integration, says: “Please enjoy a safe Christmas by adhering to all national measures in place and by acting with common sense and responsibility. Please protect your friends and family by getting a COVID-19 vaccination – whether that is your first, second or booster dose.
“Booster jabs are available via appointment at the Civic Centre and it is also offering walk-ins. Over 40,000 jabs have been given at this site since August, and we want to see that number rise as much as possible over the coming days and weeks.”
Residents can get a COVID-19 vaccine at the Civic Centre, from 8.30am to 7.15pm, 7 days a week.
As part of efforts to support the community and encourage vaccine uptake, a pop-up, walk-in vaccine clinic will also be open at the Pall Mall Surgery, Leigh-on-Sea, SS9 3NG on Saturday 18th December 2021 from 9am–12pm. No appointment necessary. This follows previous pop-up clinics across the Borough which have proved popular.
To book a COVID vaccine, and for more information, please visit the Essex COVID vaccine website.
For more information on the booster jab, please visit our website
The current rate of infection in Southend is 676.8 per 100,000 and 172.1 per 100,000 in the 60 and over group (Wednesday 15 December). This is slightly down from the 757.8 per 100,000 and 180.8 per 100,000 (in 60 and over) on Wednesday 8 December.