Dear Resident,

I know it’s only a week since I last wrote to you but, unfortunately, we are seeing a situation of increasing urgency here in Buckinghamshire, so I wanted to update you again. The last week has shown another rapid rise in the number of cases across the county; we now have 87 cases per 100,000 people in Buckinghamshire compared with the 22 cases per 100,000 that I wrote to you about last week.

This means our rates have increased dramatically, quadrupling in a little over seven days. These numbers are changing rapidly so please go to our website for our latest data in detail. You can also see the number of cases in your postcode area at this link too.

I know that overall, the number of cases here in Buckinghamshire is still lower than in some other parts of the UK and this is relatively good news. However, it’s the fast rate at which cases are growing here that is the cause for concern. We do not want to follow in the footsteps of areas in the north of England. This would mean potentially the further curtailment of our personal freedoms, reduced ability to meet with friends and loved ones, and a damaging impact on the local economy and jobs.

At present the infection is still predominantly in young people but this is beginning to change and we are seeing it more prevalent in older age categories too. In the north of England, they are seeing hospital beds and intensive care units again filling with COVID patients and we do not want to follow suit. I am aware that this paints a very gloomy picture but I want to be sure that we communicate the very latest information to you all as often as possible so that you can continue to make informed choices about your activities.

So, I am writing again today with a clear message. Please do what it takes to keep yourselves and your friends, your family and your local community safe. This means following the current guidance in place for Buckinghamshire at all times. We still have a chance to get the virus back under control here in Buckinghamshire so let’s do all we can to reverse the current trend of this rise in infections.

Reducing the risk

I cannot stress this enough: we all need to play our part. We are at our most vulnerable as we enter the cold wet weather of late autumn and winter. The virus is most easily transmitted ‘person to person’ indoors. Our best defences against this virus at the moment are distancing and hygiene. The virus passes extremely easily between people so please avoid close contact with people you don’t live with. Follow the ‘hands, face, space’ guidance at all times and protect other people by self-isolating immediately if you, or someone you live with, has symptoms:

• Keep at least 2 metres/6 feet from anyone you don’t live with
• The fewer people we see, the less chance we have of catching and spreading coronavirus, so please think hard about how you prioritise meeting up with others
• Wash your hands regularly and thoroughly, for at least 20 seconds
• Wear a face covering where required unless you’re exempt
• Isolate if you or someone you live with develops coronavirus symptoms
• Book a test for anyone in the household with symptoms (call 119 if you can’t do it online)

READ THE REST OF MARTIN TETT’S MESSAGE HERE:

https://enews.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/5438-9SCO-AEB64353262F872430E0F6076B6295718710D1/cr.aspx

And find information on help and support available: https://www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/

The Volunteer Matching Service, which is run by Community Impact Bucks in partnership with Buckinghamshire Council and The Clare Foundation, matches registered volunteers to roles where they are most needed in the county.

In Spring 2020, more than 1,800 local residents signed up to volunteer via the Buckinghamshire Council’s website to support local communities during the height of the coronavirus pandemic, the recovery period and any local outbreaks that may arise. Since then, the Volunteer Matching Service has been placing volunteers with groups and organisations needing help to support our communities.

While many volunteers have stepped forward to help, a number have had a change in circumstances and are no longer available. We are now looking for more volunteers from across Buckinghamshire, and particularly in certain areas of the county to carry out a range of roles from short term or one-off tasks, to ongoing positions providing essential support.

As of Autumn 2020, we are particularly keen to receive volunteer registrations from the High Wycombe, Missendens and Chesham areas.

More information here: https://communityimpactbucks.org.uk/buckinghamshire-volunteer-matching-service/