Fylde Council leader's lockdown message as Covid vaccinations stepped up

That’s the message to residents from Fylde Council leader Coun Karen Buckley as the light at the end of the tunnel towards a brighter future continues to shine ever more hopefully with the Covid vaccination programme being swiftly stepped up.

Over-70s have followed the over-80s, care home residents and other priority groups in being invited to have the jab against the virus which has changed all our lives for almost a year - and the vital vaccination schedule is set to shift into a higher gear next week with the opening of hubs in Blackpool and Wesham.

Coun Buckley told the Express: “We have now completed two weeks of National Lockdown 3 and are just starting to see the beginnings of a downturn in the infection rates across the country.

“Here in Fylde we have consistently seen the lowest rates in comparison to our neighbours in Lancashire, so thank you to everyone who is adhering to the guidelines to keep themselves and others safe. Please keep it up.

“We are working together with the NHS and other partners to maximise our joint resources and accelerate the roll-out of the Covid-19 vaccines. The sooner we can vaccinate as many people as possible against this debilitating virus the sooner we can look forward to a return to normal life.

“I really feel for the businesses and organisations affected by this latest lockdown. There’s support available through the furlough and self-employed scheme from central government as well as a variety of grants which can be accessed through Fylde Council. Check out the Fylde website for further information and how to apply. It is our aim to get this funding out of the door as quickly as possible.

“I thank our residents for helping keep the district’s infection rates amongst the lowest in the country. We must continue to do our bit to bring them down further. Our hospitals are extremely stretched and the suffering caused by Covid-19 has touched most of us in one way or another. I ask everyone to stick to the new rules, stay at home, and continue to follow the ‘hands, face, space’ instruction.

“We will get to the other side of this and there will be a brighter tomorrow. Stay safe.”

Fylde MP Mark Menzies took a first-hand look at the vaccination programme in action at Lytham Primary Care Centre – and was thoroughly impressed.

He said: “This incredible vaccination programme is moving fast.

“The vaccination hub at Lytham Medical Centre is being run with military precision and I want to thank, once again, the doctors, nurses, pharmacists, admin staff and volunteers who have all pulled together so well for us, and for all of us here in Fylde for being so understanding and so patient in incredibly difficult times.

“Everyone is eager to get the vaccine and rest assured – you will get a call from your doctor’s surgery inviting you for an appointment.

“The dedicated people running the vaccine scheme are working so hard for us all – I’m delighted to see the end of this pandemic in sight.”

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