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Symptom-free rapid-result testing being rolled out in west Norfolk
10 February 2021
For Immediate Release
Symptom-free rapid-result testing being rolled out in west Norfolk
Over the coming days and weeks, residents are being offered access to symptom-free rapid-result testing at sites across West Norfolk.
Taking part in this type of testing can help stop the spread early, which could help reduce the number of cases that are being seen in west Norfolk. One in every three people who have coronavirus, may show no symptoms. This is a quick-and-easy way to identify where there might be cases, ensuring that those who need to self-isolate do so and that they can access any support they may need if they are not able to work while they are isolating.
To find out if there is testing available in your area and to book an appointment, scan the QR Code or visit www.norfolk.gov.uk/rapidtesting. This will take you to a Norfolk County Council webpage where you can search for your nearest testing station, and book in for a test.
For the week commencing 15 February 2021 the test areas and testing sites are as follows:
Fairstead and Springwood area – Fairstead Community Centre (15-19 February)
Town, South and West Lynn – St James Swimming Pool (15-19 February)
Oasis Leisure Centre – Hunstanton (15-19 February)When attending for an appointment, residents should wear masks, observe social distancing and ensure they have a valid mobile phone number so that they can receive their results. Test results are usually provided within 30 minutes.
Anyone receiving a positive result will be advised to self-isolate immediately. They will be referred to test and trace and will need to ensure that anyone in their household also self-isolates.
The latest roll out of testing follows on from a pilot that has been running for a few weeks. This initially involved testing staff from the council and partners such as Freebridge, DWP, Kier and the police, before moving on to offer the testing to local businesses in the Town, South and West Lynn area and in the Gaywood area.
Cllr Stuart Dark MBE, Borough Council of King’s Lynn & West Norfolk Cabinet Member for Environmental Services and Public Protection, said: “Throughout this pandemic we have been doing everything we can to try to reduce the spread and prevent outbreaks. However the numbers are not decreasing as quickly as we would like. I would encourage everyone to take advantage of this opportunity to have a test, if they live or work in one of the above areas. Anyone of us could have the virus and could be spreading it unknowingly because we do not have any symptoms.
“This testing is an extra tool to help us reduce the opportunity for the virus to be transmitted. Even if the test result is negative, it is still vitally important that people follow the lockdown restrictions and that when they are out for shopping, work or other essential appointments, they adhere to social distancing, handwashing and they wear a face covering when required. It is important that we all do our bit to help protect ourselves, protect others and protect west Norfolk.”
Rapid-result testing (Lateral Flow) is a new kind of technology that can be used to test a higher proportion of symptom-free people, better enabling the identification of those who may be carrying the infection and need to isolate. This helps to break the chain of transmission.
Anyone testing positive for the virus in England will be contacted by NHS Test and Trace to help them track their contacts. This will help people to identify who they may have been in close contact with, protecting others from further transmission. Close contacts of those testing positive will also hear from NHS Test and Trace, asking them to stay at home for 10 days to prevent them from unknowingly spreading the virus. They will be advised to also book at test if they develop symptoms.
Symptom-free rapid-result testing is being rolled out across Norfolk through a partnership with the Department of Health and Social Care, Public Health Norfolk and district councils. Pilots have taken place in Great Yarmouth and King’s Lynn.
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Extra testing rolled out in Norfolk to help prevent spread of coronavirus
NEWS RELEASE
11 February 2021
Extra testing rolled out in Norfolk to help prevent spread of coronavirus Rapid symptom-free community Covid testing is being rolled out across Norfolk after successful pilots in the east and west of the county.
Mobile testing sites are planned in in King’s Lynn, Hunstanton, north Great Yarmouth, Caister, Hemsby and Scratby next week, with further sites expected to go live in parts of South Norfolk and Norwich towards the end of the week.
Symptom-free residents in these areas will be able to book a Covid 19 test online at: https://www.norfolk.gov.uk/rapidtesting
Residents can also visit the sites during their testing hours without an appointment to request a test.
Further symptom-free testing sites will then roll out across the county in the coming weeks and will be targeted at areas where the virus is spreading or where there is greater risk of transmission. When the future sites are announced, residents in their areas will be made aware and will be able to book via the above link.
Rapid-turnaround lateral flow tests provide results within 30 minutes and are used to proactively test those without symptoms. This helps to identify those who unknowingly have the virus and enable those who test positive and their contacts to self-isolate, which can help drive down the R rate locally and save lives.
Dr Louise Smith, Director of Public Health for Norfolk, said: “One in three people with coronavirus have no symptoms, which means they can be spreading the virus without knowing. These rapid tests help us to find these people so that we can break the train of transmission.
“We have already piloted the testing in King’s Lynn and Great Yarmouth and are now rolling out sites to areas in each district where the virus is most prevalent. The aim is to identify those who might be carrying and spreading the virus without knowing it, so that we can help reduce the spread.
“Although a negative test might provide some reassurance to people, it is not a guarantee that you don’t have the virus, so if you do visit the test centre and the result is negative please do keep following the national restrictions, as well as following the hands, face and space guidelines. This will help further bring down rates of Covid in our county.”
Social distancing and face masks are required at testing sites, except when taking the test. Anyone with symptoms should not use the symptom-free test and should instead book a test via the NHS.
Tests on the site will be self-administered with trained staff from Norse observing to ensure that the correct process is followed. The results will be texted or emailed.
Those who test positive should isolate immediately and work with national or local contact tracers to identify their close contacts. People no longer need a second test to confirm a positive test from a lateral flow test.
A negative Covid test does not mean that someone does not have the virus and those who test negative should continue to follow all of the public health guidelines to protect themselves and others.
Those who have been vaccinated are still eligible for lateral flow testing – this will not affect the results.
Decisions on where community testing should take place are made by clinicians, who will analyse the latest case rates and risks of transmission.
Norfolk’s seven district councils are supporting the roll-out by providing venues and helping to promote the sites locally.
Vaccinations continue across the county
Vaccinations continue to be delivered to priority groups, with 31 sites across Norfolk and Waveney now offering vaccines.
Melanie Craig, Chief Executive, NHS Norfolk & Waveney Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “I am delighted that the vaccination programme across Norfolk & Waveney/North Suffolk continues to go from strength to strength.
“Based on the latest data available, Norfolk & Waveney is the top performing system in the East of England region in terms of the percentage of over 80s vaccinated and percentage of total adult population vaccinated to date; this is thanks to the hard work and dedication of health and care staff across Norfolk & Waveney and the vital support we have and continue to receive from volunteers, the Police, Fire Service, Councils and more.
“The weather this week has been very challenging but this hasn’t impacted the determination and focus of local teams and their drive to vaccinate our patients.
“Despite our continued focus on making sure that as many people as possible receive their first dose, it is vital that people continue to follow the latest Coronavirus guidance. Having the first and even second dose of the vaccine doesn’t mean that people can stop following the guidance.”
Background:
Latest Covid statistics:
Cases, as of the 6th of February:
- There have been 1,760 cases in the seven days to 6th of February – this is 718 fewer, compared to the same time last week Comparison to the 30th January
- the seven day incidence rate is 194 per 100,000 – this is a reduction of 79, compared to the week previously Comparison to the 30th January
District incidence levels per 100,000 as of the 6th of February (and comparison to the same time the previous week Comparison to the 30th January):
· Breckland: 195 (down from 315)
· Broadland: 179 (down from 241)
· Great Yarmouth: 231 (down from 357)
· King’s Lynn and West Norfolk: 248 (down from 310)
· North Norfolk: 109 (down from 137)
· Norwich: 263 (down from 327)
· South Norfolk: 116 (down from 209)
Hospital activity:
- Covid 19 occupied beds: 461 on 9th of February – a reduction of 115 compared to this time last week (2nd February)
- Intensive care: 34 on 9th of February – a reduction of 30, compared to last week
- Hospital deaths: 1,372 to February 9th – an increase of 77 compared to last week
Outbreaks as of the 10th of February (and comparison to the same time last week):
- 165 Open Outbreaks in care settings (down 3); 67 in businesses (down 2); 41 in education settings (up 6); and 35 in health & emergency settings (down 10)
Deaths (registered up to the 6th of February):
· Deaths that have occurred up to the 29th January that have been registered up to the 6th February: 1,544 COVID19 deaths in Norfolk so far, an increase of 153 deaths compared to last week at 22nd January
Vaccination programme update from NHS Norfolk & Waveney Clinical Commissioning Group:
· We now have 31 sites across Norfolk and Waveney offering the vaccines: five ‘hospital hubs’ (including NSFT and NCH&C), 21 PCN sites, four large vaccination centres and one pharmacy
· Despite the challenging weather, the Norfolk and Waveney vaccination programme has continued to make rapid progress this week. Thanks to the dedication of vaccination teams, coupled with the help of many people, including council colleagues, the Police and the Fire and Rescue Service, there has been very minimal disruption to the programme
· NHSE/I publishes weekly data at system level. This shows that up to Sunday, 31 January:
o 22% of our 16+ population had received a first dose of vaccine, putting us third out of the 42 health and care systems in England (the national average was 17.8%).
o 91% of our over 80s had been vaccinated by Sunday, compared to 88% nationally.
o In the last week alone we have given a further 50,200 doses (across all ages and cohorts)
· This makes Norfolk and Waveney the top performing health system in the East of England region in terms of percentage of over 80s vaccinated and percentage of total adult population vaccinated to date
· This is despite having the second highest proportion of over 80s in the country (8.4% compared to the national average of 6.2%.)
· The next data release is due to be published later today
· Norfolk and Waveney has offered all of its over 80s, registered with a GP practice, the opportunity to have booked and received their vaccination by 31 January, which was the target set by the Government
· The NHS, councils and the voluntary sector have worked closely together to identify, invite and vaccinate health and care workers. We have offered all eligible workers the opportunity to be vaccinated
· We are confident that we have offered everyone in the top four JCVI priority groups the opportunity to have received their first dose of vaccine, where it has been safe to do so
· On Monday, 8 February, the Government announced:
o People aged 70 and over, and those on the Shielded Patients List, who have not yet been vaccinated against COVID-19 and who would like to be should contact the NHS to arrange a jab
o Until now the NHS has asked people to wait until they are contacted to help ensure that those who are most vulnerable are protected first – and that remains the case for most people. However, to ensure absolutely everyone is offered the vaccine, people aged 70 and over can now contact the NHS so they can be vaccinated by the middle of this month
o The easiest way to arrange a vaccination is through the national booking service which can be accessed at www.nhs.uk/covid-vaccination. The system allows patients to choose a time slot and location that suits them. Anyone unable to book online can call 119 free of charge
o If a suitable and convenient slot is not available people can also call their GP practice
o Many who have not yet booked an appointment are already receiving follow up letters and phone calls this week to encourage them to take up the offer of a jab
· More information about the COVID-19 vaccination programme is available on the NHS Norfolk and Waveney CCG website: www.norfolkandwaveneyccg.nhs.uk/covid-19-vaccination-programme.
ENDS
Symptom-free Testing Locations for Next Week – 15/02/2021 to 19/02/2021
Kings Lynn: all site operating 10am to 4pm
· St James Swimming Pool – Town, South & West Lynn – Monday to Friday
· Oasis Leisure Centre – Hunstanton – Monday to Friday
· Fairstead Community Centre – Monday to Friday
Great Yarmouth:
· Hawkins Close Community Room – Yarmouth North – Wednesday to Friday
o Opening times: Wednesday 17th 12 noon to 7pm, Thursday 18th 7am to 2pm, Friday 19th 8am to 4pm
· The Old Hall – Caister on Sea – Monday to Tuesday
o Opening times: 8am to 4pm, Monday and Tuesday
· Village Hall – Hemsby – Tuesday to Wednesday
o Opening times: 8am to 4pm, Tuesday and Wednesday
· All Saints Village Hall – Scratby – Thursday to Friday
o Opening times: 8am to 4pm, Thursday and Friday
For political comment
For details of cabinet members, committee chairs and agendas, please see: www.norfolk.gov.uk/cabinetandchairs
Group leaders’ and councillors’ contact details are available at: www.norfolk.gov.uk/countycouncillorsFor further information please contact:
Communications Team at Norfolk County Council
Tel: 01603 228888
Email: pressoffice@norfolk.gov.uk
Unsubscribe Norfolk County Council, County Hall, Norfolk, Norfolk, NR1 2DH, United Kingdom
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Voting safely at elections in May
09 February 2021
Voting safely at elections in May
On Thursday 6 May 2021 residents in King’s Lynn & West Norfolk will go to the polls to have their say on who represents them at both Police Crime & Commissioner and Norfolk County Council elections.
Even though elections are not until May, we’re already making plans to help you stay safe while casting your vote.
There are a number of ways to have your say – you can vote in a polling station, by post, or by appointing someone you trust to vote on your behalf, which is known as a proxy vote.
Lorraine Gore, Local Returning Officer for King’s Lynn & West Norfolk said: “Elections are very important – they are an opportunity to make your voice heard and have a say on who represents you on issues that directly affect day-to-day life here in King’s Lynn & West Norfolk.
“Preparing for an election at any time is resource intensive, preparing for an election during a pandemic is a whole different challenge. The elections scheduled for 6 May 2021 are still scheduled to go ahead. We are planning for these elections now so that, however you choose to cast your vote in May, you can do so safely. We will be putting arrangements in place to help you stay safe at the polling station but you also have the option to apply to vote by post or by proxy.”
Ailsa Irvine, Director of Electoral Administration and Guidance at the Electoral Commission said: “The choice on how to vote at May’s elections is yours – you can have your say in person, by post or by proxy.
“If you’re thinking about voting by post, you can apply now. This will make sure your application is processed early, and your postal vote can be sent to you more quickly. It’s easy to apply and you can find out how by visiting the Electoral Commission website.
“You need to be registered to vote in order to have a say at the elections – the easiest way to register is online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote”
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A148 Nar Ouse Way – Road Closure
In accordance with the provisions of Section 14(2) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act, 1984, the Norfolk County Council HEREBY GIVE NOTICE that to facilitate emergency flooding relief the use by vehicles of the A148 Nar Ouse Way from a point 390m south of its junction with A148 Out South Gates (Southgates Roundabout) in a southerly direction for a distance of 100m in the BOROUGH OF KING’S LYNN will be temporarily prohibited from 8th to 12th February 2021 for the duration of the works, expected to be about 5 days within the period. If necessary the restriction could run for a maximum period of 21 days.
Alternative route is via:- A148 Nar Ouse Way, A47 Trunk Road From The Pullover Roundabout To The Hardwick Roundabout, A47 J A148 Join E, A47 Through J A148 E, A47 From J A148 To J A10/a149 Larger Roundabout E, A47 J A10/a149 Overbridge E, A47 J A10/a149 Larger Of Two Roundabouts, A149 Hardwick Road, and vice-versa (North Runcton/ Kings Lynn/ Saddlebow).
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Flooding Information and Reporting
Residents, in the midst of one of the wettest winters for a long time we face another heavy downpour and the land and drainage system is already saturated and at capacity.
It is important that you take your own preventative precautions to protect your property, covering airbricks, house drains creating barriers at susceptible doorways, raising perishable items from floor level and consider moving valuables upstairs etc. Sandbags are pretty poor and authorities no longer issue them, they advise instead that you consider buying modern solutions that are relatively cheap, easier to deploy in a hurry and easy to recovery and dispose of afterwards, for eg https://www.homestratosphere.com/alternatives-sandbags-flooding/
You might also consider ensuring you have adequate supplies of food, prescriptions and bottled water should you be cut off for a couple of days. We are not suggesting hoarding or adopting a Cold War shelter mentality nor seeking to over react but a few simple precautions and proactive measures could save much heartache.
Land owners also have responsibilities known as Riparian Rights, this often comes a surprise to landowners and keeping drains and pipes clear of debris and silt to ensure that water can flow freely is key to being a good neighbour.
Whilst Shouldham sits outside of the major flood risk areas in the region there is a real risk of surface water flooding in low lying areas of the village. Contrary to a lot of peoples belief there is no real immediate help at hand and the authorities will be prioritising situations where there is risk to life, followed by flooding of properties. Roads, ditches and gardens will not be attended to but nevertheless reporting remains crucial to ensure they are tended to when the situation permits and to build a picture to provide the Parish Council with information to base any future plans for local initiatives that may be required or to escalate to higher authorities. Climate Change or just a weather cycle, the situation doesn’t look like getting better any time soon.
So please report to the appropriate agencies, registering to receive updates and a registration number, which you can forward to the Clerk to collate and follow up.
Reporting:
Surface Flooding of property Norfolk County Council https://www.norfolk.gov.uk/safety/floods/report-a-flood Blocked Road Gullies and surface flooding Norfolk County Council 0344 800 8020
https://www.norfolk.gov.uk/roads-and-transport/roads/report-a-problem
Sewage Problems Anglian Water 08457 145145 Help with a Flooded Property Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service 999 if an emergency* Help with Evacuation Police 101 or 999 if an emergency* Pollution Environment Agency 0800 807060 Checking Electricity Supply UK Network Power 105 Suspect Gas supplies National Grid 0800 111999 Checking suspect water supplies Anglian Water 03457 145145 Clearing Up Assistance Borough Council 01553 616200 or 616601 out of hours # * During the COVID-19 pandemic the emergency services are being utilised to assist the NHS and due to the restrictions will only respond if there is a risk to life.
#The Borough Council have many staff diverted to assisting the NHS for COVID-19 in non-clinical roles and track and trace and so are unable to respond as quickly as they might ordinarily.
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Shouldham Sincks change of access
Shouldham Sincks
Signage will be installed on the 19th January at the Shouldham Sincks site to prohibit parking and to ensure clear access for residents and Stow Estates.
Key messages
Why has Shouldham Sincks been closed to public vehicle access?
Shouldham Sincks is owned by Stow Estates who had initially given permission for public access on site, however, following an increase in complaints and limited resources a decision has been made to withdraw public vehicle access to the site and encourage access to the woods through Shouldham Warren.
Why was public vehicle access permission withdrawn?
There are a few reasons why, the site has seen an increase in antisocial behaviour, such as fly tipping and loose dogs which have now escalated to an unacceptable level. Increasing vehicle access has led to road maintenance costs which has increased pressure onto Forestry England resourcing.
Vehicle access is still maintained from Shouldham Warren, with ample parking.
Where can I walk now?
Vehicle access is still maintained through Shouldham woods through the car park at Shouldham Warren.
Why is the site still open but no vehicles allowed?
Access is still required for Stow Estates and residents.
Enquiries: enquiries.eastfd@forestryengland.uk
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Shouldham Thorpe Road Closure
NORFOLK COUNTY COUNCIL
(shouldham thorpe) (EMERGENCY NOTICE)
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC RESTRICTION 2021
Road Traffic Regulation Act, 1984 – Section 14(2)
In accordance with the provisions of Section 14(2) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act, 1984, the Norfolk County Council HEREBY GIVE NOTICE that owing to a burst water main the use by vehicles of the Shouldham Road from 300m north of its junction with Middle Road for 20 metres northwards in the PARISH OF SHOULDHAM THORPE will be temporarily prohibited from 8th January 2021 to 14th January 2021 for the duration of the works, expected to be about 7 days within the period. If necessary the restriction could run for a maximum period of 21 days.
Alternative route is via: Shouldham Road, Mill Road, Lynn Road, Church Lane, Middle Road (Shouldham/ Shouldham Thorpe).
(If necessary the restriction could run for a maximum period of 18 months from the date of the Order)
Penalty: £1000 maximum fine on conviction and/or endorsement for contravention.
The person dealing with enquiries at Norfolk County Council is Adrian Stout (Community and Environmental Services Department) Telephone 0344 800 8020.
Dated this 8th day of January 2021
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COVID-19 Vaccination Latest
Thank you to everyone who has been helping us gather local queries and concerns about the roll out of the Covid Vaccination programme in Norfolk and Waveney. The latest version of the myth buster is now available on our website https://www.norfolkandwaveneyccg.nhs.uk/covid-19-vaccination-programme. Please promote this on your networks and with people you support.
As the situation is currently changing so rapidly, we will aim to keep updating the myth buster and other information on our webpage, so please check back for regular updates and continue to let us know of any concerns and issues that you think should be included.
We are also working on easy read and different language versions which we will upload to the webpage as soon as they are ready, and our website uses Browsealoud software to help make our information more accessible.
Thank you once again for all your help and support.
Best wishes
Rebecca Champion and Oliver Cruickshank
Engagement Managers | Norfolk and Waveney CCG