"Enhanced support" for Birmingham as coronavirus cases rise
The government has also issued new advice on travel and socialising
With Covid cases rising in Birmingham, the government has today announced enhanced support for the city, focused on increasing vaccination take-up, testing and support for those self-isolating.
Over the next few weeks there will be surge vaccination in 15 wards with the lowest take-up and highest Covid rates, along with greater walk-in capacity at vaccination sites.
The 15 wards will also be offered doorstep lateral flow testing, and PCR testing will be offered for schools and universities.
Vaccine uptake is low is in some wards that have observed the highest case rates since the start of the pandemic.
The following wards have low vaccine uptake and high case rates:
Newtown
Soho and Jewellery Quarter
Alum Rock
Birchfield
Bordesley Green
Aston
Sparkbrook and Balsall Heath East
Lozells
Small Heath
Balsall Heath West
Sparkhill
Heartlands
Ward End
Bromford and Hodge Hill
Handsworth Wood
There will also be further support for those who have to isolate.
The government has also issued new advice on travel and socialising, including minimising travel into and out of the area and not taking unnecessary journeys.
In Birmingham 61,000 people who are over 50yrs old are yet to take up the offer of the first dose of the vaccine, despite the NHS making offers and lots of different ways of getting the jab.
They are extremely vulnerable to the Delta variant and there is a real risk that given the number of people not vaccinated this will turn into hospitalisation.
Cllr Ian Ward, leader of Birmingham City Council, said:
“The rise in cases, linked to the Delta variant of the virus which spreads more easily, means that once again we all have a role to play to keep our families, friends and communities safe. While today's announcement is not another lockdown, we must all do everything we can to avoid further restrictions.
“If you test positive it is really important you self-isolate. However, I understand that people have concerns about this which is why there is financial support available. You may be eligible if you are on a low income, cannot work from home or face financial hardship.
“Over the last 15 months we've worked together as a city to keep people safe. It's been tough but we've supported each other and I want to thank everyone for following the guidance.
“Now, together, let's do everything we can to reverse this rise in cases, so that life can finally get back to normal."
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