The latest data shows that the covid-19 virus is spreading much faster than expected in our area. In the seven days to 23rd December, cases across the whole of Oxfordshire have increased by 86 per cent with rises seen across all districts. Among the over 60s, cases have more than doubled in the space of a week. Hospital admissions are rising rapidly as a result. The increased spread is being attributed to a new variant of COVID-19, which is passed on far more easily.
As a result, we are now under Tier 4 restrictions.
The official rules about what we can and can’t do can be found here: Local restrictions – What you need to know
Briefly, if you live in Tier 4 you must not leave or be outside of your home or garden except where you have a ‘reasonable excuse’. A reasonable excuse includes:
Work (if it cannot be done from home)
Shopping for essentials
Child care and education
Exercise
You can only meet one other person from another household outdoors.
You can continue to receive informal care at home from your support bubble.
There are a number of potentially vulnerable people in Dorchester, by virtue of age, potential isolation or underlying health issues. Our local community has always been welcoming, supportive and neighbourly. It is particularly important, now that we are back to close to lockdown, that we look out for each other, check that people are OK, and that everyone gets help and support if they need it.
The Village Support Group, the Dorchester Volunteers is still available and ready. Whether it’s with prescriptions, a friendly chat, shopping, help with technical issues and making online connections, dog walking, bins, we are here for you.
Just email: anne.morrowandrew@gmail.com – or phone 01865 340007
The SODC South Oxfordshire Community Hub will be open for calls between Christmas and New Year from 9-5 on Tuesday 29 December to Thursday 31 December – the number on these days for anybody who needs support is 01235 422600.
The light at the end of the tunnel! Covid Vaccinations
A number of local GP practices, including Berinsfield and Clifton Hampden, are working together to deliver the coronavirus vaccination at Clifton Hamden Village Hall from the beginning of January. People will be notified about when to come in for the jab.