Haringey coronavirus (COVID-19) updates
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Amber list scrapped in overhaul of travel rules in England
The international travel traffic light system is being simplified in England with a single red list, as part of an overhaul of the rules from 4 October.
The Transport Secretary, Grant Shapps also announced that eight countries will be taken off the red list. These are: Turkey, Pakistan, the Maldives, Egypt, Sri Lanka, Oman, Bangladesh and Kenya. Changes will come into effect at 4am Wednesday 22 September.
It means people returning from places such as Turkey will no longer have to stay in hotel quarantine.
PCR tests will no longer be required for fully vaccinated travellers returning to England.
Under the new testing regime, people who have had both jabs will not need to take a pre-departure test before leaving any country not on the red list.
Mr Shapps also indicated that later in October, the day two PCR test for fully vaccinated people, returning from countries not on the red list, will be replaced with a cheaper, rapid lateral flow test.
COVID-19 autumn and winter plan unveiled
The government has set out its ‘COVID-19 Response – Autumn and Winter Plan 2021’(external link) for managing COVID-19.
The publication outlines the government’s plans for autumn and winter 2021 for England. It includes ‘Plan A’ – a comprehensive approach designed to steer the country through autumn and winter 2021/22.
It also outlines a ‘Plan B’ which would only be implemented if the data suggests further measures are necessary to protect the NHS.
The PM outlined how the success of the vaccine programme has put the British public in a stronger position to fight the disease – with 80% of the population over 16 now double-vaccinated and Covid antibodies in 90% of the adult population.
Plan A is to continue with the government’s current strategy:
- Continue to offer testing
- Continue to urge everyone to be responsible – wash hands, use ventilation, wear a face covering in crowded places, stay at home if you are feeling unwell, download and use the NHS Test & Trace app
- Intensify the vaccine programme with the introduction of COVID19 vaccination for 12 to 15-year-olds
- Implement the COVID19 booster programme for those over 50 and those under 50 at higher risk, offering a third vaccine dose 6 months after the second jab.
- The previously announced, mandatory vaccine-only Covid status certification in certain, riskier settings, such as night clubs, from the end of September, will not go ahead.
The government will continue to monitor data and update advice as required.
Plan B will be implemented with reserve measures to be introduced if further action is required to protect the NHS and will include:
- The introduction of mandatory face covering in all public places
- Advise people to again work from home where they can
- Introducing mandatory vaccine only Covid status certification in certain, riskier settings.
Read the full statement – Gov.uk (external link)
Dr Will Maimaris, Director of Public Health at Haringey Council said:
COVID-19 remains a serious public health threat and protecting our older and most vulnerable people is this council’s number one priority, especially as we head into what will be a challenging autumn and winter.
I would urge everyone to continue to do the right thing and follow advice to reduce transmission of the virus within our community. If you are aged 16+ and haven’t been vaccinated yet, please do so without further delay. Please also book your booster vaccine as soon as you are contacted by the NHS. This is the best way that you can protect yourself, your family and the community from COVID-19 and prevent restrictions being reintroduced.
For information on vaccination in Haringey, including an up-to-date schedule of walk-in vaccine clinics, please visit: www.haringey.gov.uk/vaccine
COVID-19 booster vaccination programme
The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has, updated its advice on the COVID-19 vaccine booster programme.
To maintain a high level of protection through the coming winter, the JCVI is advising that booster vaccines be offered to those more at risk from serious disease, and who were vaccinated during phase one of the vaccine programme (priority groups 1 to 9).
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, and adult carers
- adult household contacts of immunosuppressed individuals
The JCVI advises that the booster vaccine programme should begin as soon as operationally practical.
The JCVI advises that the Pfizer vaccine be used for the booster programme, regardless of which vaccine brand someone received for their primary doses. This follows data from the COV-BOOST trial that indicates the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine works well as a third dose, and provides a strong booster response.
As an alternative, a half dose of the Moderna vaccine may be offered. Where mRNA vaccines (Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna) cannot be offered, for example due to allergies, the AstraZeneca vaccine may be considered for those who received it previously.
See also case numbers and rates, health advice - including tests and vaccines, Council service updates, financial and other support for residents, business support, how you can help and COVID scams and misinformation.
Visit the GOV.UK and NHS websites for more help and support.
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