Observer column: 10 December 2021

We are saddened to see that once again COVID-19 cases have reached more than 800 cases per 100,000 in our town. At last, the government has announced that Plan B is being implemented to help stop the spread of the virus and help the NHS to look after all those who need treatment.

Everyone who can do so must work from home again from Monday and face coverings will be mandatory in shops, many other indoor locations and on public transport and in taxis. There are also new rules for anyone attending events and proof of vaccination or a negative lateral flow test will be needed in some cases. Full information of these rules will be on the government website.

Those who are vaccinated are less likely to need hospital treatment and do not become as seriously ill as those who are not vaccinated. The virus is particularly dangerous for unvaccinated pregnant women and many who catch the virus are in hospital.

If you haven't had your first or second jab you don't need an appointment you can just turn up at the Town Hall or Hastings Centre vaccination centres.

We continue to work closely with the NHS and the voluntary sector and council officers, the deputy leader and I meet with senior NHS staff on a regular basis to help to ensure that all local people can get their vaccinations. Many people in our town are finding it hard to book appointments locally and the wait times are often several weeks, and we are doing all we can to improve this.

We need more vaccination appointments, and the NHS needs more vaccinators to make this happen. If you are interested in being trained as a vaccinator, please get in touch with ifh.recruitment@nhs.net. They are keen to hear from people with a medical background but even if you don't have one please contact them as anyone can be trained.

Currently booster appointments must be booked and are only available for people in certain groups: aged 40 and over, 16 and over with additional health concerns and frontline health and social care workers. If you receive a letter or text from the NHS about your booster, you will book through the national system.

If your GP sends out reminders you may be able to book using an alternative system which is managed by the Hastings provider which can give you access to an appointment at the Town Hall and Hastings Centre services.

Three pharmacies in our town are also taking bookings for boosters and all the details are on our website.

Everyone over the age of 18 will be offered a booster vaccine by the end of January, but you can't book an appointment yet so for now you must wait to be contacted.

So many people in our town and across our country have been following the rules since the start of the pandemic and have put the needs of others before their own. There have been many very sad times and people have lost loved ones and not been able to be with them. Our thoughts are with everyone who has had a bereavement during this time.

Lots of us are hoping that we will be able to spend time over Christmas with family and friends. If we take lateral flow tests before we mix with others from now, we can help to keep each other safe and ensure those Christmas gatherings happen. The tests are free, and you can order them online to collect or have delivered.

If you have any symptoms or have been with someone who has tested positive, then you should book a PCR test through the government website.  There is a permanent testing site in our town at the Falaise Road car park.

And finally remember to shop local to support our local businesses and wear a face mask and take a lateral flow test before you go! There's late night shopping in Hastings town centre on Thursday 16 and 23 and parking is free after 4pm in council car parks on those days.