Buckinghamshire Council Leader ends 'major incident' as Coronavirus pressure on Aylesbury and Bucks NHS eases

Writing to residents this week, he shared his thoughts on the Prime Ministers announcements and the 'road out of lockdown'.

Council Leader Martin Tett said:

"I’m pleased to be able to let you know that we’ve also been able to stand down the ‘Major Incident’ that we declared back in December when our local health services were under severe strain.

"This week’s decision reflects that we are no longer in a crisis situation although I must stress that we still have COVID-19 patients in our local hospitals.

"Also please do bear in mind that national infection rates are still far higher than when we began the last major unlocking process last year, and overall the number of people in hospital with COVID-19 nationally has very recently been around the same as at the height of the first wave last April."

He also added that he was pleased with Prime Minister Boris Johnson's roadmap out of lockdown.

He continued: "For some the Government’s ‘roadmap’ is too slow and cautious, for some too fast.

"I believe that on balance they have got it about right with cautious opening up, checked at each stage with the data.

"I for one am looking forward to seeing friends and relatives again this summer and doing some ‘real shopping’."

He went on to breakdown the Prime Ministers lockdown plan by date and what is planned.

Martin said:

"We are continuing to digest the information released by the government which details the step by step approach to cautiously easing the lockdown. The Prime Minister has explained that the dates given are the earliest by which the measures will start, and that a gap is being left between each ‘step’ so that the impact of each phase can be fully assessed.

"The steps will only progress if the government’s four tests are being met, namely that; i) the vaccination programme is continuing successfully, ii) there is evidence to show the vaccine programme is reducing hospitalisations and deaths, iii) the infection rates are such that there’s not a risk of a surge in demand on NHS services, iv) that no new variants cause enough concern to threaten this approach.

Step 1 March 8:

All schools and colleges fully reopen for face to face learning

Individuals can meet one other person outdoors including gardens for recreation eg a coffee and a chat, as well as for exercise

‘Stay at Home’ will continue to apply other than for essential reasons, which will include the above from this date

Maintain social distancing

March 29:

Stay at home lifted but minimise travel, no holidays

Rule of six or two households for outdoor meeting

Some outdoor sport and leisure can resume

Organised outdoor sport allowed

Work from home where possible

Clinically Extremely Vulnerable are advised not to attend work, school or education until 31 March

Step 2 No earlier than 12 April and subject to four tests still being met:

Indoor leisure including gyms to reopen

Libraries and community centres to reopen

All retail to reopen

Work from home where possible

Personal care such as nail bars and hairdressers to reopen

Wedding guest numbers can increase from to 15

Overnight stays/holidays allowed for single households only in self-contained accommodation

Hospitality including pubs, cafes etc, can reopen for outdoor service only

Minimise travel, no holidays abroad

Step 3 No earlier than 17 May and subject to four tests still being met:

Rule of six/two households can meet indoors (subject to review)

30 person limit outdoors

Hotels and other accommodation can reopen, overnight stays permitted

Work from home where possible

Indoor hospitality, entertainment and attractions can open

Weddings, funerals and other significant life events can take place for up to 30 guests

Some large events can recommence

International travel may resume, subject to review

Step 4 No earlier than 21 June and subject to four tests still being met:

No legal limits on social contact or life events

Nightclubs to reopen and large events to resume

He also revealed that a whopping 145,000 people had now been vaccinated accross Buckinghamshire.

Martin concluded:

"The vaccine roll out continues at pace here in Bucks and I remain extremely grateful to everyone involved in this magnificent effort.

"NHS staff and volunteers continue to work down the priority list here and 145,000 people in Buckinghamshire have now had a vaccination."

Please be aware that if you’re in one of the top five priority groups you can now book your vaccine online yourself – you do not have to wait to be contacted.

This means anyone in the following groups can book their vaccine online or call 119 to get an appointment:

anyone aged 64 or over

people who are clinically extremely vulnerable

people who are at moderate risk from COVID-19 (clinically vulnerable)

people who live or work in care homes

all health and social care workers

anyone who is eligible for Carer’s Allowance