COVID Response

28.02.2022

A free taxi service is to be launched in Hartlepool to make it easier for people to attend walk-in vaccination clinics and receive their Covid jabs. I have attached an image used to promote this service, please feel free to share this amongst your networks.

• Access to transport has been identified as a key barrier to vaccination for some people, and it is hoped the return taxi service will boost attendance at walk-in clinics organised by the Council in partnership with the NHS.
• Open to all residents of the town, taxis will pick up people, wait for a maximum of 15 minutes while they get their vaccinations and then return them home.
• It will begin operating on 1^st March, and bookings can only be made by calling the Council on (01429) 523330.
• The service will run throughout March, and at the end of this initial one-month period it will be reviewed to assess its impact.

28.02.2022

Just a reminder of vaccination clinics coming up this week;

• Tuesday 1^st March, Victoria Road Medical Centre, TS26 8DF, 5:30pm – 7pm. First & second doses 12+. Boosters 16+. Age 12-15 years must be accompanied by an adult with parental responsibility
• Friday 4th March, Car park at Tesco on Burn Road 10am-5pm. First and second doses and boosters will be available. The clinics are open to anyone aged 12 or over and no appointment is needed. There must be at least 12 weeks between first and second doses for ages 12-17, and at least eight weeks for ages 18 and over. There must be at least three months between a second dose and a booster.

More clinics within the Tees Valley area can be found at; Where and when you can you get a walk-in Covid-19 jab in Tees Valley? - NHS Tees Valley CCG

23.02.2022

• Delay’s to elective surgery by at least seven weeks if you have just had Omicron. This is the advice being issued to NHS hospitals, by surgery and anaesthesia experts. They have advised the first couple of months post infection is riskier and is linked to poor recovery, but acknowledged urgent surgery should go ahead.

• How will the vulnerable be protected from Covid? Some Q+A; How will the vulnerable be protected from Covid? And other questions - BBC News

What is England’s living with Covid plan?

From 21 February:

• Staff and students in most education and childcare settings without symptoms no longer have to test twice weekly
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From 24 February:

• People with Covid will no longer be legally required to self-isolate
• Guidance will remain in place for those who test positive to stay at home and avoid contact with others for at least five full days
• Self-isolation support payments of £500 for those on low incomes will no longer be available
• Routine contact tracing will end - people in contact with someone with Covid will no longer be advised to self-isolate or take daily tests
• Workers will no longer be required to tell their employer if they need to self-isolate

From 1 April:

• Covid tests will no longer be free for most people
• The use of Covid passports will no longer be recommended, except for international travel
• Employers will no longer have to consider Covid as a separate risk when working out how to keep employees safe

The UK will continue to do detailed checks and surveillance to look for resurgences of Covid and any concerning new variants which may emerge. It will be also possible to scale up testing and tracing operations again if needed.

Hannah & Julie.

21.02.2022

• From Thursday, the legal requirement to self-isolate after a positive Covid test will be removed in England. Self- isolation payments will also end from this date.
• Free Covid testing will end for the general public in England from the 1^st of April. The government will continue to provide tests for symptomatic people for the oldest age groups and those who are most vulnerable.

Vulnerable people and those aged 75 and over will be offered a fourth Covid jab this spring, this will cover;

• Adults aged 75 years and over
• Residents in a care home for older adults
• Individuals aged 12 years and over who are immunosuppressed, as defined in the Covid-19 healthcare guidance green book.

21.02.2022

Australia has reopened its international border for the first time in nearly two years.

Double-jabbed visitors do not need to quarantine, but unvaccinated travellers must do so in a hotel for up to 14 days at their own expense.

Travellers can enter all states except Western Australia, which remains closed until the 3^rd of March and will require three jabs.

16.02.2022

Children aged between five and 11 in England will be offered a low-dose Covid vaccine.

• The advice concludes the move would help protect the very small number of children who become seriously ill with Covid. Children, aged from 5-11, who have other medical conditions that put them at greater risk are already eligible for the vaccine.

• The rollout will be non-urgent with an emphasis on parental choice.

• The NHS will prepare to extend this non-urgent offer to all children during April so parents can, if they want, take up the offer to increase protection against potential future waves of Covid-19.

16.02.2022

Have you had your Covid-19 vaccination outside of the UK and need to have those details added to your NHS records?

You can now book a place and speak to someone face to face to show proof of your vaccination.

For more information and FAQ’s follow; COVID-19 Overseas Vaccination Resolution Service | Coronavirus-info | Hartlepool Borough Council

11.02.2022

Unvaccinated British teenagers will be allowed into Spain from Monday with a negative PCR test.

From Monday 14^th February 12-17 year-olds who have not been vaccinated against Covid will be allowed into Spain. A negative PCR test must be taken within 72 hours of arrival.

All other UK travellers, excluding children under 12, will need to present a Covid certificate showing proof of being fully vaccinated at least 14 days before arriving in Spain. If more than 270 days have passed since vaccination, proof of a booster jab is also required.

08.02.2022

We are looking to recruit volunteer marshals to help ensure the smooth running of the Covid vaccination clinics taking place regularly at locations around hartlepool.

To find out more click here; Could you be a volunteer vaccination clinic marshal? | Hartlepool Borough Council

07.02.2022

Australia has announced the reopening of its borders to vaccinated tourists and other visa holders for the first time in almost two years. The reopening will be on 21^st of Feb.

Unvaccinated travellers who have a medical reason for not being jabbed will still need to apply for a travel exemption and, if successful, will be required to quarantine at a hotel.

Please follow this link for more guidance Coronavirus - Australia travel advice - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

02.02.2022

01.02.2022

Walk – In Vaccine Clinic

Saturday 5^th February, 10am – 4pm, Community Hub South, Wynyard Road, Hartlepool, TS25 3LQ

Open to ages 12 & over

First & second doses are available & boosters

31.01.2022

Covid vaccines offered to vulnerable 5-11 year olds.

27.01.2022

25.01.2022

From Friday 11^th of Feb, double jabbed travellers to England will not be required to take a Covid test.

Passengers who count as fully vaccinated will still have to fill out a passenger locator form but the government has said these will be simpler.

Arrivals who are not recognised as fully vaccinated will need to take a pre-departure test and a PCR test on or before day 2 after they arrive in the UK.

Children aged 12-15 in England will be able to prove their vaccination status or proof or prior infection via a digital NHS Covid pass from 3^rd Feb.

19.01.2022

Boris Johnson has announced Covid Plan B measures in England will finish on Thursday next week.

• Facemasks in classrooms will be no longer needed from tomorrow
• Face coverings will not legally be required in any setting
• No more need to work from home
• No more compulsory Covid passes

Mr Johnson said England is reverting back to Plan A due to boosters and how people had followed Plan B measures.

However, the government will continue to advise that people wear face coverings in enclosed or crowded spaces, particularly when meeting strangers.

19.01.2022

A new walk-through testing site has opened for people to book appointments at West View Road, Hartlepool, TS24 0BE (close to the junction with Cleveland Road).

This site is available for those WITH SYMPTOMS (high temperature, a new continuous cough, or a loss or change to sense of smell or taste).

Anyone with one or more of these symptoms should book a test at Coronavirus (COVID-19) - NHS (www.nhs.uk) or by calling 119.

Find out more information; New local testing site opened in Hartlepool | Hartlepool Borough Council

17.01.2022

The first 16 and 17 year old’s will be able to book their booster jabs or attend walk-in vaccination Centres from today. Invitations will be initially sent to the 40,000 teens who had a second vaccine dose at least 3 months ago.

You can pre-book your booster dose online if you are aged 16 or over and it’s been two months (61 days) since your second dose.

Following recommendations from the JCVI the NHS will not give a booster jab to 16-17 year olds within 12 weeks of a positive COVID-19 test. For the clinically vulnerable people aged 16-17 the waiting period is four weeks from a positive Covid-19 test.

17.01.2022

People with Covid in England can now end Self-isolation after five full days.

What are the new self-isolation rules for people with Covid in England?

• Anyone who develops symptoms or has a positive test result must immediately self-isolate
• The day your symptoms begin or the day you receive your positive test is day 0. The next day is day 1 of your isolation
• Take your first test on day five, if this is negative, you can take another test 24 hours apart on day 6. If this test is negative and you do not have a temperature you can immediately leave self-isolation

What about self-isolation rules for contacts of people with Covid?

• If you are fully vaccinated you do not have to self-isolation instead take daily lateral flow tests for 7 days.
• If any of these LFT’s are positive, you will need to self-isolate from the date of the test but you no longer need to take a PCR test to confirm
• Close contacts and cases who are not fully vaccinated still have to self-isolate for the full 10 days

What does Self-isolation mean?

• Stay at home and don’t go out
• Adults should not go to work and children should not go to school
• You should order online groceries or ask family friends to deliver shopping but not step inside your home
• No one from outside your home should come inside, unless to deliver essential care

If you have symptoms and test positive you should;

• Keep distance from other members of your household
• Leave windows open to improve ventilation

If you do not follow the rules on self-isolation you can be fined

13.01.2022

The self-isolation period for people who test positive for Covid is being cut to five full days in England.

From Monday, people will be able to leave isolation after negative lateral flows test on days five and six 24 hours apart.

The day symptoms begin or you test positive is day zero. The next day is day one of your isolation period.

If an individual is still positive on day 5, then two negative tests are instead required on day 6 and day 7 to release from isolation. If people do not test negative they must isolate for the full 10 days.

Those who leave self-isolation on Day 6 are strongly advised to wear face coverings, limit close contact with other people in crowded spaces.

13.01.2022

France will relax its current restrictions for those travelling from the UK from Friday, the government has announced.

Vaccinated travellers will no longer need a compelling reason to enter France or self-isolate when they arrive.

A negative Covid-19 test, taken 24 hours before arriving in France, will be required.

11.01.2022

The government has set us the Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grant scheme to support COVID-hit businesses in the hospitality, leisure and accommodation sectors.

For more information, to check whether your business is eligible for financial assistance and apply follow this link; COVID business grants - Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grant | Coronavirus-info | Hartlepool Borough Council-

Please be reminded the following walk-in vaccination clinic is taking place today;

• Tuesday 11^th Jan, 2pm-7pm, Victoria Rd Medical Centre

10.01.2022

Four walk-in vaccinations clinics have been announced for Hartlepool this week;

• Tuesday 11^th Jan; 2pm-7pm, Victoria Rd Medical Centre
• Wednesday 12^th Jan; 8.30am-1.30pm, Hartlepool Town Hall Theatre
• Wednesday 12^th Jan; 10am-5pm, Mill House Leisure Centre
• Saturday 15^th Jan; 10am-5pm, Mill House Leisure Centre

These clinics are open to anyone aged 16+ and no appointment is needed. First, second and booster doses will be available. There must be at least 12 weeks between first and second doses for those aged 16-17. There must be at least eight weeks for aged 18 and over. There must be at least three months between a second dose and a booster.

07.01.2022

Please find attached information on vaccination sites in Hartlepool. Please feel free to share amongst your networks;

Friday 7^th January; 9.30am- 5.30pm, Asda Marina Way

Saturday 8^th January; 10am-5pm, Mill House Leisure Centre sports hall

06.01.2022

The rules on testing are to be eased for people travelling to England, the government has announced.

• From 04:00 on Friday 7^th January, people who are fully vaccinated and those aged under-18 will no longer need to take a test two days before travelling to England. On arrival, they will have to take a PCR test but they will no longer have to self-isolate while awaiting the result
• From 04:00 on Sunday 9^th January travellers will only have to take a lateral flow test instead of a PCR test on day two. But this test must be bought from a private test provider - free NHS tests are not allowed
• Unvaccinated passengers will need to continue to take a pre-departure test, PCR tests on day two and day eight, and self-isolate for 10 days

05.01.2022

Daily Covid tests will be made available to critical workers in England, to help keep essential services running.

From Monday 10^th of January, the government says it will provide 100,000 critical workers in England with free lateral flow tests for every work day. They will initially be made available for five weeks.

Critical workers are those who work in essential services and cannot work from home.

The tests will be a separate scheme to those already provided to care workers or education staff, or delivered to pharmacies and homes.

Here is a useful web link advising how you get a lateral flow test. Omicron: How do I get a lateral flow or PCR Covid test? - BBC News

Want to become a Covid Community Champion? Please email CovidChampions@hartlepool.gov.uk

04.01.2022

just a reminder of a few vaccine clinics coming up in Hartlepool.

These will take place in the Mill House Leisure Centre sports hall at the following times;

• Wednesday 5^th January 2022, 10am-6pm
• Saturday 8^th January 2022, 10am-5pm

First and second doses of the AstraZeneca, Pfizer and Moderna vaccines will be available along with booster jabs.

All of the clinics are open to anyone aged 16 or over and no appointment is needed.

There must be at least 12 weeks between first and second doses for ages 16 and 17, and at least eight weeks for ages 18 and over. There must be at least three months between a second dose and a booster.

22.12.2021

People infected with Covid in England can stop self-isolating up to three days early if they test negative twice, it has been announced

- They will now be able to end quarantine after seven days instead of 10 by providing negative lateral flow results on day six and day seven

- The new guidance can be used by people who are isolating after testing positive for Covid, regardless of their vaccination status

- But those who are not double-jabbed will still have to isolate for the full 10 days if they are a close contact of a positive case, as is currently the case

- People should not end their isolation early if they are still experiencing symptoms

- People ending isolation on day seven are strongly advised to limit contact with vulnerable people, not visit crowded or poorly ventilated spaces, and work from home

20.12.2021

Germany has become the latest European country to ban most travellers from Britain.

• German nationals and residents will still be allowed to enter from the UK. They must have a negative test and quarantine for two weeks regardless of whether they have been vaccinated
• These measures took effect on Sunday evening, France has already introduced similar curbs as coronavirus infections surge in Britain

16.12.2021

Pregnant women have been put on the UK’s priority Covid vaccine list,

Pregnant women are at heightened risk from Covid and should get vaccinated to protect themselves and their child, say UK experts.

• The advisory group on vaccines, the JCVI, has put them on the priority list for jabs, similar to people with underlying health conditions.
• Some mums-to-be have died from Covid and research shows higher rates of premature births link to infection.
• Vaccines are safe to give in pregnancy and cut the risk of severe Covid.
• The NHS says mums-to-be can book jab appointments for first, second or third doses.
• Pregnant women are advised to book their booster dose three months after their second.

Wednesday 22nd December, 9am-6pm (This clinic will include a dedicated midwife-led session for pregnant women from 10am-2pm) Mill House Leisure Centre sports hall (access through the sports hall doors near the car park)

New midwife-led vaccination clinics to offer Covid-19 jabs to Pregnant Women on Teesside - NHS Tees Valley CCG

16.12.2021

Another four walk-in vaccination and booster clinics have been announced. These are to be held at the Victoria Road Medical Centre in Hartlepool starting today.

• Thursday 16^th December- 8.30am-7pm
• Monday 20^th December- 8am-8pm
• Tuesday 21^st December- 8.30am-7pm
• Wednesday 22^nd December- 8am-8pm

• First and second doses and booster jabs available.
• For ages 16-17 there must be a minimum of 12 weeks for first and second doses, whilst for ages 18 and over there must be at least eight weeks between doses. There must be at least three months `between a second dose and a booster.
• First doses also available for some 12-15 year olds (only applicable to patients registered with certain GP practices, -Mckenzie House surgery – Mckenzie Group Practice – Headland Medical Centre –Gladstone House Surgery)

I have attached the information please feel free to share amongst your networks,

15.12.2021

Walk-in vaccination clinics have been announced where no appointments are needed. These clinics are to take place at the Mill House Leisure Centre.

• Saturday 18^th December, 9am-5pm
• Wednesday 22^nd December, 9am-6pm
• Wednesday 29^th December, 9am-6pm

These clinics are open to anyone aged 16 or over. First and second doses of Pfizer, AstraZeneca and Moderna vaccines will be available. Please note the second dose must be at least eight weeks after the same first dose. Booster jabs are available for people aged 30 and over (must be at least three months after second dose).

I have attached the information on this email, please feel free to share amongst your contacts!

15.12.2021

Here are the latest updates;

• Adults in England must now show a Covid pass to enter nightclubs, big sport matches and over large events. The new rules which kick in today, will require proof of double vaccination or a recent negative test to enter certain venues.

• All countries have been removed from the Government’s international travel list from 4am this morning because Omicron is already running rampant in the UK. The Health Secretary told the House of Commons that the change has been made because there is domestic community transmission of the variant and it is also spreading widely across the world.

15.12.2021

From Tuesday, fully vaccinated contacts of a COVID-19 case should take daily lateral flow tests for seven days whether Omicron or not.

• Those who test positive of develop symptoms will need to self-isolate
• Unvaccinated adults must continue to self-isolate for 10 days if they are a contact of someone with COVID-19
• It follows a significant rise in Omicron cases in the UK, this new variant is expected to become the dominant strain by mid-December

What if you get a positive test?

• Anyone who gets a positive rapid test or develops COVID-19 symptoms should self-isolate and take a confirmatory PCE test to verify the result.
• If the PCR comes back positive, they must self-isolate for 10 days from the day they took the positive rapid test or developed symptoms. They do not need to continue taking rapid tests during the 10 day isolation period.
• If the PCR comes back negative, contacts can leave self-isolation but continue to take rapid tests for the remainder of the 7 days.
• Anyone identifies as a contact who receives a negative lateral flow is strongly advised to limit close contact with other people outside their household i.e. crowded and enclosed spaces.

How will I be notified?

• If you have been in contact of someone who tested positive the NHS test and trace will contact you by phone, email or text, or notification from the NHS COVID-19 app. They will be able to tell you what action you will need to take.
• You will be advised to get a box of seven lateral flow tests free of charge. The tests should be taken the day they are notified as being a contact and report the result to the NHS test and Trace on GOV.UK or calling 119.

Who does daily rapid testing apply to?

• Fully vaccinated- people who have had two jabs
• All children aged 5-18 years and 6 months, regardless of their vaccination status.
• People who can prove they are unable to be vaccinated for clinical reasons
• People taking part, or have taken part, in an approved clinical trial for a COVID-19 vaccine
• Under 5s are exempt from self-isolation and do not need to take part in daily rapid lateral flow testing
• Unvaccinated adults ARE NOT eligible for this new daily testing policy.

13.12.2021

Mr Johnson addressed the nation last night, hours after the UK’s Covid alert was raised to four due to the spread of the new variant, Omicron. Level four means a high or rising level of transmission. The last time the UK was at this level was back in May. The Prime Minster said the following;

• Anyone aged 18 or over in England will be able to get the booster from this week, provided it has been 3 months since their second jab. Bookings will open on Wednesday, some walk-ins will offer this from Monday.
• Military planning teams will assist with the rollout and clinics and more volunteers will be trained.
• Extra vaccine sites/ opening hours extended
• Some medical appointments may be postponed as a result of this.

From today- As part of the government’s Plan B measures, it is advised to work from home if you can.

09.12.2021

The government have changed the length of time between second doses of Covid 19 jabs & boosters – this will now be 3 months

You can now pre- book your booster dose online if it has been 2 months since your 2^nd dose.

You’ll be offered appointments from 3 months after the date of your second dose.

You can pre-book if you are;

Aged 40 & over

Aged 16 & over with a health condition that puts you at high risk from Covid 19

A frontline health or social care worker

You will be contacted by your GP surgery, or NHS provider, when the bookings move down the age groups.

09.12.2021

Just a quick summary of the Plan B measures for England which were released last night,

• From Friday 10^th Dec – Face masks compulsory in most public venues, including theatres and cinemas
• From Monday 13^th Dec- Guidance to work from home reintroduced
• From next week- NHS Covid pass mandatory for entry into nightclubs and venues
• Self-isolation to be replaced by the daily testing for contacts of Covid Positive people

08.12.2021

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has just led a Downing Street news conference addressing the nation. Johnson was joined by the Chief Medical Officer Prof Chris Whitty and Scientific Advisor Patrick Vallance. Boris Johnson says it is now "proportionate and responsible" to move to Plan B measures in England to tackle the Omicron variant.

Among the measures being introduced, the prime minister says, are:

• Guidance to work from home will be reintroduced for those who can do so from Monday.
• From Friday the legal requirement to wear a face mask will be extended in England to most indoor public venues, such as cinemas and theatres - although there will be exemptions for things such as eating, the PM says.
• From next week, the NHS Covid pass will be mandatory for entry into nightclubs and venues where larger crowds gather. This will include unseated indoor venues with more than 500 people, unseated outdoor venues with more than 5,000 people and any venue with more than 10,000 people. He says two doses will be sufficient for a Covid pass, but this will be kept under review as boosters are rolled out. A negative lateral flow will also be accepted.

People are encouraged to come forward for their boosters when called. "But the single biggest thing that everyone of us can do is to get our jabs and crucially to get that booster as soon as our turn arrives," he says. He says NHS staff and volunteers have already done almost 21 million boosters but says "we need to go further and faster still" because scientists are confident immune response will be stronger with a booster.

08.12.2021

Covid booster jab booking system opens to over-40s in England

People aged 40 and over in England can now book their booster jabs for three months after their second dose. The booking system will open to people a month in advance- two months (61 days) after their second dose. People in high risk groups in England are also now able to book.

The latest expansion means another seven million people can book their top-up jab amid continuing concerns over the new Omicron variant.

The announcement comes exactly a year after Coventry grandmother Margaret Keenan became the first person in the world to be given a Covid jab.

07.12.2021

The opening hours of tomorrow’s walk-in vaccination clinic in the Mill House Leisure centre sports centre has been extended until 6pm.

The clinic includes a dedicated session for pregnant women from 10am-2pm.

06.12.2021

Travellers aged 12 and over coming into the UK will have to have a negative pre-departure test in order to enter the country, tests taken no earlier than 48 hours before departure. This change will come into effect at 4am on Tuesday. This rule applies to people vaccinated in the UK, the EU, the US and dozens of other recognised countries.

As well as the lateral flow or PCR test before departure, they will also need to take a PCR test before the end of their second day in the UK and have to self- isolate until their negative result comes back. The PCR test must be booked before you travel, and bought privately from a government-approved list of providers The new rules follows concerns about the Omicron variant of Covid.

RED LIST- As of 4am today Nigeria will be added to the travel red list of countries, which means UK or Irish nationals, or UK residents returning from the country must quarantine in a hotel for 10 days.

01.12.2021

• Yesterday, the Commons voted in favour of new legislation being brought in to tackle the Omicron variant - including mandatory face masks in shops in England and PCR tests for fully vaccinated arrivals into the UK.
• The regulations also include forcing people to isolate for 10 days if they come into contact with a case of the Omicron variant.
• Those who do not comply face a fine of up to £10,000, even if they are fully vaccinated. The temporary new rules are due to be reviewed by the 20^th of December, three weeks after being introduced, but the law underpinning isolation rules will not expire until 24^th of March.

It is feared that the new variant, first detected in South Africa, could be more transmissible than other strains and can spread between people who are fully vaccinated.

The government is now extending the booster vaccination rollout to all UK adults to help boost immunity this winter, following new guidance from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI). Mr Johnson has promised that everyone eligible will be offered a booster dose by the end of January.

01.12.2021

Two more walk-in Covid vaccination and booster clinics have been announced. Booster jabs are currently available to ages 40 and over, further info is awaited on timescales for their roll-out to other age groups. 9am-3.45pm- Millhouse leisure centre (access through the sports hall doors near the carpark)

Saturday 4^th December 2021

Wednesday 8^th December 2021 (This clinic includes a dedicated session for pregnant women from 10am-2pm).

These clinics are open to anyone 16 or over. First and second doses of Pfizer, AstraZeneca and Moderna vaccines available (second doses must be at least 8 weeks after same first dose).

Booster jabs are available for ages 40 and over. Further government guidance on booster programme roll-out awaited).

Please feel free to share amongst your contacts.

30.11.2021

Please find the latest update on mask wearing from the government:

The public and staff in public facing areas will be required to wear face coverings in these settings from 4am on 30 November 2021:

• shops and supermarkets (places that offer goods or services for retail sale or hire)
• shopping centres (malls and indoor markets)
• auction houses
• post offices, banks, building societies, credit unions, short-term loan providers, savings clubs and money service businesses
• estate and letting agents
• premises providing personal care and beauty treatments (barbers, hair salons, tattoo and piercing studios, nail salons and massage centres)
• pharmacies
• premises providing veterinary services
• retail galleries
• retail travel agents
• takeaways without space for consumption of food or drink on premises
• public transport (aeroplanes, trains, trams, buses, coaches and ferries), taxis and private hire vehicles
• transport hubs (airports, rail and tram stations and terminals, maritime ports and terminals, bus and coach stations and terminals)
• any car or small van during a professionally delivered driving lesson and practical driving test
• during all HGV lessons and tests, during all professional driving lessons and formal driving tests, and during any practical test for giving driving instruction

30.11.2021

Key updates from the Government around COVID-19

Face masks are mandatory, as from today, Tuesday, 30^th November, in all shops & on public transport.

The booster vaccination programme is to be expanded.

Anyone entering the UK must take a PCR test within 48 hours of arrival & self- isolate until they get a negative result.

All contacts of those who test positive with the Omicron variant must self- isolate regardless of vaccination status.

The Department of Education has told schools in England that pupils in Year 7 & above should wear masks in communal areas

The JCVI have recommended that booster jabs should be available for all aged 18+, with the minimum gap shortened to 3 months after the second jab.

They also say that 12-15 year olds should get their second jab three months after the first.

The NHS are still awaiting final guidance around the vaccinations, and people are advised to wait to be contacted, rather than calling their GP surgery.

26.11.2021

Countries added to the Red List 26^th November 2021

As of 12 noon on Friday 26^th November 2021, six South African countries will be added to England’s Red Travel List. They are,

South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Lesotho & Eswatini.

Flights are temporarily suspended from these countries & when they restart all arrivals will be required to undertake 10 days mandatory quarantine in government approved hotels, at their own expense.

Grant Shapps, the Transport Secretary, has sad the situation will be reviewed in 3 weeks time

23.11.2021

The Government issue new advice on risk-based Covid testing

People in England are being advised to take a rapid lateral flow test before going to high risk settings, according to new government advice.

The updated guidance on Covid testing suggests people may want to test themselves before going to crowded and enclosed spaces or visiting people at higher risk of severe illness from Covid 19.

Previous guidance urged people to take rapid tests twice a week or before visiting the medically vunerable.

Although the latest advice does not mention specific examples, it comes in the run-up to Christmas when people may be picking up presents from busy shopping areas.

Lateral flow tests are available free online, from pharmacies and from the Test Centre in Middleton Grange Shopping Centre.

08.11.2021

US reopens border to UK travellers after almost two years!

The border reopened at 05.01 GMT and the first flights took off from Heathrow at 08.50. All UK visitors over 18 have to provide proof of vaccination to enter the US. American travellers have been able to travel to the UK since 28 July. As well as being double vaccinated, travellers will have to provide proof of either a negative Covid test result (taken no more than three days before travelling). Or show that they have recovered from the virus in the previous three months.

Children are exempt from the vaccination requirement, but all those aged between two and 17 will have to take a Covid-19 test three to five days after arrival.

To celebrate the end of the travel ban, British Airways and Virgin Atlantic had a synchronised departure at 08.50 GMT from London Heathrow.

Booster bookings to be opened a month early.

• From today, the National Booking System will allow someone to pre-nook their booster appointment a month before they are eligible.
• The government and the NHS have changed the booster booking system to make it even easier for people to get their jab. From today, they will be able to book their appointment after five months. This means that someone could pre-book their jab for the day they reach the six month milestone, rather than waiting days or weeks for a convenient appointment,
• More than 9.3 million people have already received their top-up vaccine, ensuring the vital protection they have secured from their first two doses is maintained over the winter months. This change to the booking system will further speed up the booster rollout, getting more jabs in arms and protecting our loved ones.
• People can also book by calling 119 or get vaccinated at hundreds or walk-in sites across the country six months after their second dose (182 days) without an appointment. Those eligible can use the NHS online walk-in finder to locate the most convenient site.

04.11.2021

Two more walk-in clinics have been announced in Hartlepool.

• Saturday 6^th November, 10am-5pm, Middleton Grange Shopping centre car park (Next to TJ Hughes).
• Tuesday 9^th November, 9am-3.45pm, Mill House Leisure Centre ( access through the sports hall doors near the car park)

First and second doses of Pfizer, AstraZeneca and Moderna vaccines will be available. (The second dose must be at least eight weeks after the same first dose)

Booster jabs will also be on offer (182 days/6 months after the second dose). Please be reminded that the booster cannot be given early.

The clinics are open to anyone aged 16 or over.

24.10.2021

Travellers returning to England are now able to take the cheaper lateral flow tests instead of the more expensive PCR tests. This means that those who are fully vaccinated and arriving from a non-red list country can now use the lateral flow test on, or before, day two of their return.

• Please note that the lateral flow tests must be bought from private providers and not the lateral flow’s issued by the NHS.
• Passengers need to book the test before travelling to the UK. They must send a picture of their lateral flow test to verify the result, failure to do this may result in a fine of £1,000.
• Travellers will still need to complete a passenger locator form before they return.

15.10.2021

The UK will ease testing requirements for fully vaccinated travellers from 24 October. The government says the changes will take effect in time for families returning from half term breaks. Fully vaccinated passengers will be told to upload photos of their COVID-19 tests for verification. Under the existing, PCR tests taken on day two after returning to England can cost about £75 per person.

When the changes come into effect, anyone who receives a positive result from their lateral flow test will be required to self-isolate and to take a free PCR test to confirm it. Travellers will be able to order their lateral flow tests from 22^nd of October, when a list of approved providers will be published on the gov.uk website.

NHS Test and Trace tests- which can be ordered for free- cannot be used for international travel.

11.10.2021

The number of countries on the UK Covid travel red list is cut from 54 to seven from today.

The countries on the red list are;

• Colombia
• Dominican republic
• Ecuador
• Haiti
• Panama
• Peru
• Venezuela

The risk posed by individual countries and territories is monitored continuously and the red list is reviewed every 3 weeks. Countries and territories can be added to the list or taken off it more frequently if conditions change.

08.10.2021

From 04.00 BST Monday 11^th October, the number of red-list destinations will be cut to seven;

• Colombia
• Dominican republic
• Ecuador
• Haiti
• Panama
• Peru
• Venezuela

The government says red-list countries should not be visited "except in the most extreme of circumstances". The next update is expected on Thursday 28^th of October.

04.10.2021

New simplified travel rules have come into force in the UK, with the traffic light system being replaced by a simple red list today from 4am.

If you are fully vaccinated and jabbed in the UK, EU, US or 18 other recognized countries you will need;

- To complete a passenger locator form

- To book and pay for day 2 PCR before you go. This will change again in October to a lateral flow test however this date has not yet been confirmed

- To take the test on or before day 2 after you arrive in the UK.

If you are not fully vaccinated, partially vaccinated or don't qualify under the fully vaccinated rules you will need;

- To complete a passenger locator form

- A pre-departure test and PCR tests on day 2 and day 8 after you return

- Self isolate for 10 days at home.

The following countries are on the red list;

- Afghanistan - Costa Rica - Haiti - Nepal - Suriname

- Angola - Cuba -Indonesia - Panama - Tanzania

- Argentina -Dominican republic - Lesotho - Paraguay - Thailand

- Bolivia - Ecuador - Malawi - Peru - Trinidad + Tobago

- Botswana - Eritrea - Mayotte - Philippines - Tunisia

- Brazil - Eswatini - Mexico - Reunion - Uganda

- Burundi - Ethiopia - Mongolia - Seychelles - Uruguay

- Cape Verde - French Guiana - Montenegro - Sierra Leone

- Chile - Georgia - Mozambique - Somalia

- Colombia - Guyana -Myanmar - South Africa

- Congo (democratic republic) - Namibia - Sudan

The risk posed by individual countries and territories is monitored continuously and the red list is reviewed every three weeks. Countries and territories can be added to the red list or taken off more frequently if conditions change.

30.09.2021

Introduced in March 2020 to protect jobs during the pandemic, furlough ends today. Government figures show at least 11.6m jobs were furloughed for at least part of the scheme. Numbers on furlough have been falling steadily, though some sectors still aren't operating at full capacity.

20.09.2021

The US is easing its COVID travel restrictions, re-opening to passengers from the UK, EU and other nations. From November foreign travellers will be allowed to fly into the US if they are fully vaccinated and undergo testing and contact tracing.

Under the new rules passengers will need to demonstrate;

• Proof of vaccination before flying
• Obtain a negative COVID test within three days of travelling
• Provide their contact information
• Passengers will not be required to quarantine

Officials have said there would be some exemptions to the new policy, including children who are not yet eligible for the vaccine. The policy is said to come into effect early November but an exact date has not yet been given.

17.09.2021

The government has made the following changes to the current travel system;

From 22nd September;

- Turkey, Pakistan, The Maldives, Egypt, Sri Lanka, Oman, Bangladesh and Kenya removed from the red list.

From 4th October;

- Traffic light system scrapped- replaced with one red list. Anywhere not on that is clear for travel

- Fully vaccinated travelers won't need a pre-departure test before arrival in England from a non-red country.

From the end of October;

- Fully vaccinated travelers from non-red list countries will be able to replace day-two PCR tests with cheaper lateral flow ones.

14.09.2021

A plan for tackling Covid during autumn and winter in England has been revealed with Boris Johnson warning the disease “remains at risk”.

Plan A- this plan is designed to prevent the NHS being overwhelmed, it promotes vaccines and testing

Plan B- this plan is to be used if the NHS is coming under unsustainable pressure, it includes measures such as face masks.

Under Plan A-

• Encourage the unvaccinated to be jabbed
• Offer vaccines to 12-15 year olds
• Begin the booster jab programme which will see millions vaccinated
• Continuing testing, tracing of cases and self-isolation for those who catch the virus

Under plan B- (this will only be used if further measures are needed to protect the NHS)

• The public would be urged to act more cautiously
• Mandatory vaccine passports could be used for mass events and other settings
• Face coverings would be legally mandated in some places
• Guidance regarding working from home may also be issued in this plan

13.09.2021

All children aged 12-15 will be offered one dose of the Pfizer Covid jab, vaccines minister has said. Invitations for the jabs will begin next week and parental consent will be sought for the schools-based vaccination programme. The Uk’s chief medical officer has advised the jab will help reduce disruption to education.

13.09.2021

Another walk-in vaccination clinic has been announced, no appointment is needed. It will take place on Saturday 18^th September 2021; 10am-6pm, Middleton Grange Shopping centre car park (near TJ Hughes). This clinic is open to anyone 16 and over, first and second doses of Pfizer and AstraZeneca will be available. Please note your second vaccine must be at least 8 weeks after same first dose.

02.09.2021

Anyone aged 12 and over who is immunosuppressed will be offered a third vaccine dose. This is not all of the people who are in the at risk-groups for COVID 19, or all the people who are considered particularly extremely vulnerable. It is a very selective subgroup of people with severely suppressed immune systems. This list would include someone with HIV, has blood cancer or those who are on treatment or have underlying health conditions and the treatment they are receiving is itself supressing the immune system. An example would be people who’ve had an organ transplant because they need to take drugs to suppress their immune system. Those eligible will be contacted by the NHS.

26.08.2021

The government have announced the latest travel update; From 4am on Monday. Turning RED; Montenegro and Thailand. Turning GREEN; The Azores, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Liechtenstein, Lithuania and Switzerland