SCOTLAND’S largest dental group has announced it will continue to provide its patients with essential dental care treatments throughout the second national lockdown.
Clyde Munro Dental Group has reassured its patients they will be able to receive fundamental care in all 45 of the group’s practices, with the exception of a few treatments.
The group’s three Edinburgh practices, Earl Grey Dental Practice, Gilmore Dental and Bellstane Dental Care, will remain open throughout lockdown for essential dental work.
Essential travel, including leaving home for healthcare, has been permitted by the Scottish Government meaning patients can travel to their dental surgery for a scheduled appointment.
Patient safety is deemed Clyde Munro’s number one priority with measures introduced throughout all of its practices.
Jim Hall, founder and Chief Executive of Clyde Munro, said: “Once again we have gone into national lockdown in order to keep our loved ones safe, but we would like to reassure all our patients that our practices will remain open during this period and our practices will be available to carry out essential dental care throughout this lockdown.
“The safety of our staff and patients is our top priority and we have worked hard to ensure we have in place all the necessary precautions to safely provide the essential care our patients need during this challenging time.
“Please contact your local Clyde Munro practice to find out what treatments are available to you.”
Those attending their practice are asked to observe a wide range of safety procedures which include, filling in forms digitally before attending, using on site sanitising stations, observing strict social distancing, and paying by contactless methods where possible.
Virtual consultations with dentists are also available for patients using a video link prior to visiting the practice.
Patients with dental emergencies are also being encouraged to call their practice during opening hours, or contact NHS 24 on 111 out with opening hours.
Clyde Munro was founded by Jim Hall in 2015 with the acquisition of seven practices. Since then, it has enjoyed rapid growth through acquisition and has plans to continue expanding.
It now comprises 45 practices across Scotland, with more than 200 dentists, 350 staff and 400,000 patients. The group’s ambition is to become Scotland’s “local dentist”, operating an expanding network of family dentists across Scotland, with each devoted to providing the best dental care, while reflecting the needs and character of its community.
Communities across Scotland will face unavoidable and damaging consequences if Local Government does not receive a fair funding settlement in this year’s Budget, COSLA has warned.
COSLA said that the trend of recent settlements for Local Government needs to change because on top of existing pressures, the COVID pandemic has placed unprecedented strain on the finances of Scotland’s Councils this year.
the costs of COVID-19 to Local Government and the need for these to be met,
flexibility on how the budget allocated to Councils is spent and
an increased budget allocation to address the reduction in funding to Councils over recent settlements.
Speaking as she launched the document yesterday, COSLA Resources Spokesperson, Councillor Gail Macgregor, said: “This year, across every community in Scotland, Local Government’s essential role has been magnified and once again we have delivered for our communities.
“Nobody in Scotland has been unaffected by this pandemic and the financial impacts of COVID-19 are severe. Individuals, families and businesses have all felt the effects and continue to look to Councils for support every day.
“Sustaining this lifeline support is placing extreme pressure on already strained budgets and without fair funding for Local Government this year, the consequences for the most vulnerable in our communities would be unacceptable.
“That is why we need fair funding for 2021/22 that respects our communities. Without this, there will be further cuts to services, reductions in spending locally, increases in the inequalities exposed by the pandemic and a much slower recovery.”
Echoing these concerns, COSLA President, Councillor Alison Evison, said: “Local Government’s role on behalf of our communities cannot be underestimated anymore. The COVID pandemic has shown exactly how much the public rely on us as leaders and as providers of vital services.
“The reality is that in recent budgets, the Scottish Government has chosen not to provide enough funding for the essential services that communities rely on day in day out.
“On top of this, this year we have had to contend with COVID-19 which has seen the inequality in our society grow.
“Our ability to recover from this and continue to deliver for Scotland’s communities depends on a change of emphasis from Scottish Government that provides fair funding for Council services.
“If we are to truly recover from this pandemic then Local Authorities must receive a fair settlement.”
I have spent a lot of time in our stores over the past few days and I need to ask for your help with two key issues to keep you and all my colleagues safe.
When shopping in our stores, you must wear a mask or visor unless you have a medical exemption. And you should also shop on your own. Thank you for your support.
Security guards will support our colleagues at the front of store and will challenge customers who are not wearing masks or who are shopping in groups. I know you’ll understand and support what we are trying to do.
We have also significantly reduced the number of customers allowed in our stores at any one time to ensure social distancing is maintained at all times.
Together, these steps will go a long way to keep everyone safe, whether you are shopping or working with us.
Please wear a mask or visor and please shop alone in our stores. Thank you for helping us to keep everyone safe.
A Conservative MSP has expressed concerns over a possible delay to vaccine rollout in Edinburgh.
Lothians MSP Miles Briggs was reacting to a news story that appeared in the Daily Mail group’s i newspaper yesterday, which quoted a Edinburgh Health and Social Care Partnership (EHSCP) email sent to GPs on Friday (8th January) which said supplies of the vaccine are not expected to ‘become reliable’ until 25 January.
Part of the email reads: “Our best understanding is that the supply will increase and become more reliable and proportionate to practice numbers from week beginning 25th January, so a couple more weeks of frustration during which some 80+ patients will be getting the vaccination whilst others have to wait longer.”
EHSCP also suggested that mass vaccination centres may not become operational until the middle of February, partly due to delays with creating a national booking system for patients.
Lothian MSP, Miles Briggs, said:“This is hugely concerning, SNP Ministers need to get their act together and sort the logistics to deliver the vaccine rollout.
‘The vaccine is our key weapon against this virus, we urgently need to see SNP Ministers accelerate plans and focus on rapid effective vaccine delivery.”
EHSCP have not responded to the news story but the Scottish Government says the email contains ‘inaccuracies’ and that EHSCP will be issuing a correction.
Genuine concerns or political point-scoring? We’ll see – Ed.
Some useful tips from CHILD MIND INSTITUTE for parents trying to cope during the latest lockdown:
Focus on basic needs
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, start with the basic needs of yourself and your child: getting good sleep, eating healthy foods and doing some physical activity.
When those basic needs are taken care of, you can set additional goals. Begin with what has to get done. Then, consider adding what you’d like to get done.
Take small breaks
To be able to help your child, it’s important that you also take care of yourself. Small breaks throughout the day, even if it’s just to stretch, take some deep breaths or drink water, can help you manage stress and feel more in control.
Ask for help
There’s nothing wrong with asking for help from your community or support network. You can seek support from your child’s teacher, your faith or spiritual community, another parent or a family member. Remember that when you ask for help, you’re modelling that behaviour for your child, too.
Be kind to yourself
When you’re having a challenging day, imagine a good friend, partner or parent by your side, giving you support and help. Talk to yourself the way this person would talk to you. Remember that self-compassion is a skill you can develop through practice.
Stay connected
When trying to balance work and parenting, it can be hard to make time to connect with friends and family. Consider scheduling regular check-ins with your support system. These conversations can help structure your days and give you something to look forward to. Even a 5-minute chat can help you feel connected.
Celebrate small victories
Remind yourself that you’re a good parent doing the best you can. Every success is worth celebrating, no matter how small. Try keeping a list of what you did well each day and focus on these when you’re feeling frustrated.
Accept uncertainty
If you’re experiencing a lot of uncertainty, you may be feeling uncomfortable or exhausted. Try practising acceptance and make decisions based on the information you have now. When planning for the future, avoid focusing on worst-case scenarios. Taking a rational approach can be a big help when you’re feeling powerless against uncertainty.
Practise empathy
This current situation is difficult for everyone, your child included. It’s normal for children to be anxious, which may make them act out. If your child’s emotions or behaviour get out of hand, take a few deep breaths. Have a calm discussion about the issue with your child. You can acknowledge what your child is feeling and be honest about your own feelings, too. When things are going well, be generous with praise and reinforce positive behaviour.
Yorkshire Building Society has launched six online lessons of its financial education programme Money Minds, to support parents, carers, teachers and all Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 primary school pupils as well as Key Stage 3 secondary pupils through the coronavirus pandemic.
Due to new national lockdown measures leading to the closure of schools, the Society has released two Key Stage 1 (aged 5-7) digital Money Minds lessons on the topics of ‘Keeping Money Safe’ and ‘Wants and Needs’ and two Key Stage 2 (aged 8-11) lessons on the topics of ‘Vacation Venture’ and ‘Project Party’ to teach them about the importance of budgeting.
The Society has also launched two new Key Stage 3 (aged 11-14) digital lessons for students on the topics of ‘Bills and Budgets’ and ‘Project Profit’ to teach them about the importance of budgeting and being financially resilient.
The video lessons should take between 25-40 minutes to complete and are presented by colleagues from the Society.
Money Minds is a free programme consisting of a series of activities and projects designed to promote discussion and learning amongst children and young people and is usually delivered in schools by colleagues from the Society as part of its volunteering programme.
Society colleagues working in branches are key workers and are supporting customers with essential financial services through the Covid-19 outbreak and new lockdowns.
Sharon Stirling, manager at Yorkshire Building Society’s Edinburgh branch filmed the ‘Keeping Money Safe’ and ‘Project Party’ lesson which teaches children how to budget whilst planning a party.
She said: “We know that there have been really hard times over the last nine months for children, teachers, parents and guardians. Now with schools closing again I hope that our digital Money Minds lessons will help in any small way in making their lives a little easier by providing some quality ‘go to’ content available to use for home-schooling or in classrooms for vulnerable children and those of key workers.
“I’ve delivered numerous face-to-face Money Minds lessons for the Society to pupils in the past and know from experience how impactful they are. The feedback we have received so far on our online sessions has been really positive so we are really pleased they are being well received.”
Louise Neill, Community Manager at Yorkshire Building Society has developed the financial education lessons. She said: “We’re committed to supporting children and young people in teaching financial education through our Money Minds programme. As we usually have our colleagues volunteering in schools we have had to adapt the way we deliver these.
“It’s incredible that our branch colleagues, classed as key workers supporting customers with essential financial services through the lockdowns, have been able to extend the help they can offer by providing these lessons which will continue to improve financial capability in the next generation in the UK.”
More than 25,000 pupils across the UK have now received a Money Minds lesson since the programme launched in 2015.
When children have completed the lesson their parents or guardians can e-mail the Society and they will be emailed a certificate.
The extra cost of food, energy, and entertaining, distracting and home-schooling children has meant that low-income families with children are twice as likely to have increased, rather than reduced, their spending during the pandemic so far, according to new research.
Pandemic Pressures – a collaboration between the Resolution Foundation and the Nuffield Foundation-funded Covid Realities research project at the University of York – combines survey work with first-hand accounts of low-income parents and carers to highlight how the spending patterns of low-income families with children have been very different to the wider population during the pandemic, and during the first lockdown in particular.
The report notes that the pandemic has been marked by a huge reduction in overall spending as social activities have been curtailed by public health restrictions.
However, this ‘enforced saving’ has affected higher income households more, as they spend 40 per cent more of their income on recreation, leisure and hospitality activities than the poorest fifth of households (24 per cent vs. 17 per cent).
In stark contrast to this overall picture, the research shows that the pandemic has in many cases made it more expensive to live on a low income with children – and particularly so during lockdowns.
Over-one-in-three (36 per cent) low-income households with children have increased their spending during the pandemic so far (rising to 37 per cent during the first lockdown), compared to around one-in-six (18 per cent) who have reduced their spending. Among high-income households without children, 13 per cent have increased their spending, compared to 40 per cent who have reduced it.
The report highlights three main reasons for these extra pandemic pressures.
First, parents identified that having children at home 24 hours a day led to higher food and energy bills, while the need to entertain them during the lockdowns, in place of activities such as visiting families and public libraries, has brought additional costs.
Second, parents identified additional costs associated with home-schooling, such as acquiring laptops, paying for internet access and obtaining additional study materials.
Third, families noted that the cost of buying food had risen, due to the reduction in store promotions, and because the need to shield has forced many to use more expensive home delivery options, while the need to avoid public transport means those without access to a car have had to use more expensive shops closer to home.
The report notes that these spending pressures for low-income families have come off the back of living standards that have stagnated pre-pandemic. Real incomes for the lowest-income households were no higher in 2018-19 than in 2001-02.
With the third national lockdown likely to last several months and put families under further pressure, the report calls on the Chancellor to urgently do more to support family incomes during the pandemic.
The top priority should be to maintain the £20 a week uplift to Universal Credit (UC) into next year – otherwise six million households face having their incomes cut by over £1,000. The report authors add that the Chancellor should also strengthen the safety net for families with children in light of the extra cost pressures they face.
Mike Brewer, Chief Economist at the Resolution Foundation, said:“The pandemic has forced society as a whole to spend less and save more. But these broad spending patterns don’t hold true for everyone.
“The extra cost of feeding, schooling and entertaining children 24/7 means that, for many families, lockdowns have made life more expensive to live on a low income.
“With the country going into another lockdown for at least the next few months, the Chancellor should acknowledge the pandemic pressures that families with children face and reconsider plans to cut Universal Credit in just a few months’ time.”
Dr Ruth Patrick, Lecturer in Social Policy at the University of York, who leads the Covid Realities research programme said:“The idea of being able save money during this pandemic is just a world away from the experiences of the parents and carers we’ve been working with through the Covid Realities research project.
“Parents have found their spending increase, as some of the usual strategies they use to get by on a low income – shopping around for the best deal, going to families and friends for a meal when the cupboards are empty – have become suddenly impossible.
“The conditions the pandemic has created make it harder still to get by on a low-income, creating extra financial pressures, rooted in the requirement for families and their children to stay at home and restrictions on household mixing.
“While the need for the lockdown is clear, there is an equally urgent need to address the additional financial pressures that families on a low-income face through greater income support to families with dependent children.”
Speech by Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Matt Hancock at the Downing Street coronavirus briefing, 11 January
Good afternoon and welcome back to Downing Street for today’s coronavirus briefing. I’m joined by Professor Steve Powis, the National Medical Director of NHS England.
Before I turn to our vaccine delivery plan, which we’ve published today, I wanted to go through the latest coronavirus data.
As we know, the new strain of this virus is highly contagious, and it is putting our NHS under very significant pressure.
Yesterday 46,169 positive cases of coronavirus were recorded across the whole of the UK.
As the slide shows, 32,294 people are currently in hospital with coronavirus – that’s across the UK and as you can see that is up sharply, it’s up 22% from this time last week.
The average number of deaths reported each day over the past week is 926.
And our hearts go out to the family and the loved ones of each and every person who has died of coronavirus.
As the Chief Medical Officer said earlier today, we are at the worst point of this pandemic, and you can see that from this slide and from the increase in the number of people in hospital.
So the NHS, more than ever before, needs everybody to be doing something right now and that something is to follow the rules.
Now, I know there’s been speculation about more restrictions. And we don’t rule out taking further action if it’s needed. But it’s your actions now that can make a difference. Stay at home. And please reduce all social contact that is not absolutely strictly necessary.
That’s what’s needed. Act like you have the virus.
And it’s all the more important to do this because the vaccine rollout is now proceeding at pace and we all know that this is the way out of the pandemic.
I am determined, as I have been for almost a year now, to drive this vaccination programme as fast as is safely possible.
I’m determined to ensure every adult in this country has the chance to be vaccinated. And that as many as possible take up that chance to be vaccinated.
Vaccines are important and I care about vaccines because I want our country to get back to normal as fast as possible.
I want us to have that great British summer.
And my team and I are working hard to deliver this as fast as possible, both to save lives and to make people safe and to protect the NHS and reduce the very significant pressures it’s under right now.
Vaccines delivery plan
I wanted to bring you up to speed with the very latest statistics on vaccination.
So far, across the UK we’ve given 2.6 million doses to 2.3 million people.
And we’ve protected more people through vaccinations than all other countries in Europe put together.
It sets out how we will build on this work that’s been done so far, and put in place the biggest vaccination programme in British history.
There are 4 parts to the plan.
The first is supply.
I’ve always believed in British science, and that it can find the solutions to get us out of this.
For a year now we have been working to develop and buy vaccines for everyone in the UK.
Thanks to our investment in Ebola and MERS vaccines several years ago, the Jenner Institute at Oxford University was able to repurpose existing work, and move so fast to develop a successful vaccine.
But our search has been global throughout, so while we’ve backed the scientists who’ve been working on this here at home, we’ve also worked with international partners like Pfizer and BioNTech, to ensure that we were the first country in the world to authorise, and use the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine.
And of course the Moderna vaccine has now been authorised and is ready to bring on stream.
I want to thank all those involved, but this work is not yet done.
The supply of the vaccine is currently the rate limiting step.
And we will bring forward as much vaccine as becomes available.
And we must ensure that we have the vaccine development and manufacturing capabilities in this country for the future too.
The next part of the plan is prioritisation, this has been much discussed.
The plan sets out how we prioritise the vaccine so that we can protect those at greatest clinical risk. And one simple statistic explains why this is important.
The top 4 priority groups account for 88% of the deaths from COVID.
This stark fact explains why we must prioritise according to clinical need – to save lives – and because that is the fastest route to safely lifting restrictions.
We are on track to deliver on our pledge to offer a first vaccine to everyone in the top 4 cohorts by the 15th of February.
I want to give you an update on progress.
Two-fifths of over 80s have now received their first dose.
Care home residents are of course in the very top priority group.
In the last few days, since the Oxford vaccine was approved for use in primary care on Thursday morning, we have significantly accelerated the care home vaccination rollout.
Almost a quarter of older care home residents have now received their first dose of the vaccine.
We are committed to reaching every care home resident this month.
And I want to see as much of that as possible as soon as possible.
I’m incredibly grateful to everybody working in social care.
Whether in care homes, or domiciliary care, for everything they are doing to keep the people who are the most vulnerable to COVID, to keep them safe right now.
This is not easy, but it is vital. And it is vital too that when the vaccine reaches your care home, everyone, everyone, residents and staff alike steps forward and gets that jab.
Each of these jabs helps save lives. And we’re making this happen as fast as we can.
The plan sets out how we will continue through the clinically prioritised groups, and beyond.
So all adults can be offered a vaccine by the autumn.
The third part of the plan is expanding where you can be vaccinated.
As of Friday, 96% of the population in England lived within 10 miles of a vaccination site and we’re expanding the number of vaccination sites further, right across the whole of the UK, with the devolved NHS responsible for delivery in each of the 3 devolved nations, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
This expansion will include community pharmacy and roving vaccination centres, on top of the hospitals, GP practices, and the 7 mass vaccination centres, that we have opened, including the one I visited today at Epsom.
This huge expansion means that by the end of January everyone will live within 10 miles of a vaccination centre, either fixed or roving in England. And this will help us make sure that everyone can get access to the vaccine that’s so important.
The final part of this plan is about the people who will make it happen.
Over the past few months, we have recruited and trained an 80,000 strong vaccination workforce. I am incredibly grateful to all who have stepped forward.
Including people from all parts of the NHS:
retired clinicians
pharmacists
airline cabin crew
the armed services
St John’s Ambulance
The Royal Voluntary Service
And so many volunteers who have come forward for their country.
Thank you for your service.
And I’m very grateful to the many offers of support we’re receiving right now, and for all those who are in training as this vaccination rollout expands.
So that is the vaccine delivery plan. It is an incredibly important piece of work.
But while this crucial work takes place, each and every one of us must keep pushing back against this virus
By following the rules that are in place.
Please do your bit and help keep the NHS strong
While we roll up our sleeves and make this ambitious plan a reality.
So please, stay at home to protect the NHS and save lives.
More than one in three people still don’t have a dedicated home workspace
Only a quarter of home workers have invested in a comfortable work chair
Interiors experts share advice on creating a functional work area no matter what space you have available
Despite home working remaining firmly on the agenda for the near future, more than a third of people (37%) admit they still don’t have a dedicated space to work from at home. What’s more, just a quarter of home workers have invested in comfortable seating (26%) or a desk (27%).
The research1, conducted by online retailer, Furniture And Choice, reveals where the nation has spent its money to set up for long-term remote working this year, revealing the average price paid to create a home office is £144 per person – with some spending upwards of £300.
Shockingly only one in four (26%) have invested in a comfy work chair. According to the Health and Safety executive2, unsuitable seating can cause people to adopt awkward postures which can lead to discomfort, back pain and upper limb disorders. This may prove costly to employers in the form of staff absences, but individuals also bear some of the costs in the form of suffering and lost income.
It should come as no surprise that outside of the essentials, houseplants were among the most purchased items, with 14% hoping to bring the outdoors in, during a time where getting outside has never been harder. It’s not a bad option to invest in for your home office, with houseplants proven to improve concentration, boost mood and create a calmer environment.
While other essential items such as pencil holders and filing cabinets were purchased, comfort proved to be key. More than 1 in 10 (11%) bought new cushions and 6% opted to snap up pet beds so their furry friends can seek comfort in their home workspace.
With working from home likely to remain in some form well into this year, Rebecca Snowdon, Interior Style Advisor at Furniture And Choice, shares her advice on creating a functional, yet stylish home working space:
“Finding additional space in the home to work from may not be an option for everyone, in which case our workspaces need to integrate seamlessly into the overall style and functionality of the space we’re in.
“We can see in our research that many people have chosen not to invest in some of the office essentials, instead making use of their existing set ups, such as working from their dining table.
“Creating a stylish yet functional work area in your home needn’t break the bank or involve huge amounts of time and planning, but with home working looking set to stay for the near future, it’s well worth giving your home office some TLC.”
To help people create a home working space that is practical yet on trend, Rebecca shares her top tips:
Remember the trends
If you do need to utilise your kitchen counter then remember there was a big trend for standing desks last year, as the health benefits of standing rather than sitting for long stretches of time were widely debated.
The good news about a standing desk is that it takes up a lot less space than a regular desk arrangement. All you need is a high console unit or breakfast bar to set up your laptop and you’re away!
Pick the best view
Poor lighting can make you feel tired, strain your eyes and give you a headache, all of which can take away focus and motivation. A study also found a direct positive correlation between daylight and productivity, finding that natural light improves alertness4.
This means that a well-lit room is crucial for a good home office space, so set up your desk near a window and stay away from harsh, electric lights. The kitchen is often filled with natural light – great for keeping you energised throughout the day.
Bring the outdoors inside
The American Psychological Association found that workers in spaces with plants showed 15% higher productivity than those without5.
The best plants to incorporate into your home office space, are:
Peace Lily – they don’t need much light and help remove toxins from the air
Devils Ivy – these can adapt easily to a variety of conditions
Chinese Evergreen – offers visual variety and requires little maintenance
Light a candle or accessorise with a diffuser
Working in your kitchen or dining room, you might be met with smells of your partner’s lunch or last night’s takeaway. Many studies have shown that odours impact our mood, creativity and problem-solving skills6.
We’d advise sticking with natural scents like lavender and essential oils instead, such as:
Pine – for alertness
Cinnamon – for focus
Lavender – to relax
Peppermint – to lift your mood
Citrus (any) – for wakefulness
Using dining chairs
Your dining table is the perfect place to work but be aware that the average table is around 3cm higher than your desk, and your dining chair 3cm lower. Make up for this deficit by using cushions to support your lumbar and pad the bottom of the chair. You’ll know you’re sitting at the right height by making sure that, with shoulders relaxed, your forearms run parallel to the table.
Rebecca added: “With many of us finding ourselves working from home for the foreseeable future, there really is no better time to give your home working space the refresh it might need.
“With wellbeing and mindfulness as prevalent as ever, it’s important to create a space that you can switch off from to stay well at home. Carving out a zen zone near your work space for quick stretch breaks can provide a calming space for yoga or practising meditation.”
If you’re finding yourself working from your dining table and want to update its style, visit Furniture And Choice’s website for inspiration:
The UK Government has launched a major new public campaign urging people to act like they have the virus
A new TV ad fronted by the Chief Medical Officer, Professor Chris Whitty urges people to stay at home in the face of rapidly rising rate of coronavirus infections and pressures facing the NHS.
Massive public information campaign is now running across TV, radio, out of home and on social media
Everyone in England is being urged to stay at home and “act like you’ve got it” as part of a major advertising campaign encouraging the public to control the spread of the virus and protect the NHS and save lives.
Around 1 in 3 people with Covid-19 don’t have any symptoms and can pass it on without realising, which is why it’s essential everyone stays at home and remembers Hands, Face, Space.
‘Stay at home, save lives’ will run across TV, radio, out of home advertising and on social media, and will include a new advert fronted by the Chief Medical Officer, Professor Chris Whitty which will be aired for the first time on ITV at 7.15pm on Friday 8 January 2021.
The campaign recognises the overwhelming pressure facing the NHS and urges people to stay at home. It comes as current data shows COVID-19 cases and deaths are at an all-time high and NHS hospitals and staff are under huge pressure, with some hospitals in the South East at extreme capacity.
On 1 September, there were under 500 COVID-19 inpatients in hospitals in England. On 1 November this increased to approximately 9,000. On Christmas Day, it was just below the last peak at 17,701 and on 7 January there were 28,246 – that is an increase of more than 11,000 in under two weeks.
The latest stark data shows the UK recorded 68,053 new coronavirus cases – the highest daily total of the pandemic so far, as well as the highest ever daily COVID-19 deaths with 1,325 fatalities.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: “Our hospitals are under more pressure than at any other time since the start of the pandemic, and infection rates across the entire country continue to soar at an alarming rate.
“The vaccine has given us renewed hope in our fight against the virus but we must not be complacent. The NHS is under severe strain and we must take action to protect it, both so our doctors and nurses can continue to save lives and so they can vaccinate as many people as possible as quickly as we can.
“I know the last year has taken its toll – but your compliance is now more vital than ever. So once again, I must urge everyone to stay at home, protect the NHS and save lives.”
Health and Social Care Secretary, Matt Hancock, said: Our NHS is facing a huge challenge – it is under immense pressure and it’s imperative now more than ever we all play our part.
“I know how much we have all sacrificed already, but the new variant has significantly changed the current landscape and we absolutely cannot let up now.
“There is light at the end of the tunnel – the vaccine will provide a way out of this and over 1.5 million people across the UK have now been vaccinated.
“Every day we are closer to beating this virus, but right now, we need to pull together for one final push and I’m urging you to continue to do your bit by staying at home to save lives and protect the NHS.
Chief Medical Officer, Professor Chris Whitty, said: “Covid-19, especially the new variant, is spreading quickly across the country. This puts many people at risk of serious disease and is placing a lot of pressure on our NHS.
“Once more, we must all stay at home. If it’s essential to go out, remember: wash your hands, cover your face indoors and keep your distance from others.
“Vaccines give clear hope for the future, but for now we must all stay home, protect the NHS and save lives.”
The adverts remind the public the new Covid-19 variant is spreading fast. Around 1 in 3 people with Covid-19 don’t have any symptoms, but can still pass it on, putting people at risk and a renewed pressure on our NHS.
It reiterates everyone must stay at home. If it’s essential to go out, it reminds people to wash their hands, cover their face and make space.
In the meantime, NHS Test and Trace is successfully reaching more people than ever before, with 96.8% of contacts reached within 24 hours and more than five million people being reached in total. As of 30 December, more than 54 million tests have been processed in the UK in total since testing began – more than any other comparable European country.
Over 1.5 million people across the UK have now been vaccinated – more than the whole of Europe. But the Government is urging people to continue to do their bit and further prevent the spread of Covid-19.
