Every fortnight Kevin writes a "Kev's Column" for the Torbay Weekly and you can read the latest edition (Published on Thursday 11th February 2021) below:
Jabs Army
The vaccination campaign here in our bay and across the South West has been motoring forward.
All eligible care homes have been visited, with those in their 70s and the clinically extremely vulnerable (Shielding Group) now being invited for their first vaccine dose at the Riviera Centre.
As the supply of vaccines is increasing the Government has confirmed its plan to complete the remaining priority groups, which includes all aged 50-69 and those aged 16-49 with listed underlying health conditions, by May.
The “Jabs Army” is on the march and each day is bringing us closer to the sunnier skies of summer in our bay.
Join The Queue
Over recent weeks I have had several residents get in touch asking when particular groups may be vaccinated and how the priority list was determined.
I have been happy to explain the core objective given to the experts who advised the government on the priority list was simple: The preservation of life and preventing serious illness. The result is the first 9 priority groups selected represent 99% of deaths and serious illness from Covid-19 since the pandemic began. Once these are completed the programme will then move onto those aged 16-49 with no underlying health conditions, with specific jobs potentially part of the next set of priorities.
I have though had a simple message for the very small number who have contacted my office asking me to lobby for their own jab to be “bumped up” the queue ahead of the more vulnerable, in some cases being rude to my staff whilst doing so: They can wait their turn like I and everyone else will be doing.
Inspiration
The last year has seen plenty of things which could discourage or demoralise anyone as we wonder what might happen next.
12 months ago a war veteran, who had served during our nation’s darkest hours was quietly enjoying his retirement and looking forward to his 100th birthday a few weeks later, expected to be a quiet family affair, like much of the last few years for him. His name? Captain Tom Moore.
A year later he had been Knighted, met the Queen, appeared on the front cover of GQ, raised over £32m for NHS Charities and topped the charts, becoming a global celebrity after inspiring our nation at a difficult time with a unique act of resilience as he walked 100 laps of his garden for his 100th birthday using his walking frame.
When he passed away last week the front pages of all national newspapers chronicled his life and achievements. Captain Tom was a reminder we are all never too late, too old or too frail to draw on our inner strength and inspire others.
Surgery Times
Due to the current restrictions I have had to cancel my regular face to face advice surgeries.
I hope to restart them as soon as possible, but in the meantime a telephone call appointment can be arranged. Please note these telephone surgeries are for urgent personal matters, such as welfare, immigration, housing, problems accessing support and benefits, rather than to discuss policy or the wider situation.
You can either email me at [email protected] or leave a message on 01803 214989 and we will get back to you as quickly as possible.
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