Cambridgeshire labelled as a coronavirus “Enhanced Response Area”

As of Monday (01/11)  Cambridgeshire has become a coronavirus “Enhanced Response Area.” The announcement comes in response to the rising number of COVID-19 infections in Cambridgeshire, which totalled 491.5 cases per 100,000 people in the seven days to October 25. With Halloween celebrations underway, there were concerns that the infection rate will rise further. 

Cambridgeshire has been granted “Enhanced Response Area” status for at least five weeks due to concerns over the rising number of cases in the elderly population and the pressure this exerts on the NHS, which is already burdened with an increase in winter admittances. The move hopes to reduce the number of potential COVID-related hospitalisations and therefore keep the NHS within its functioning limits. 

Local officials aim to use the new status in order to push for more resources, including vaccines, masks and personnel. It entitles Cambridgeshire to additional support in vaccinating 12-15 year olds, particularly in schools with high infection rates, and administering booster vaccinations to eligible groups, particularly those deemed most vulnerable.

A significant effort will also be made to vaccinate in areas where the uptake has so far been slow. 

This announcement comes with a plea from the Chair of the Cambridgeshire County Council’s Health Committee to keep getting tested regularly. This is even more important if you are in contact with the elderly or you work in schools that have been infection hotspots since resuming in September. 

The message from the Chair is also reflected by Cambridge University’s Vice-Chancellor Stephen J. Toope, who called for students to continue taking part in Cambridge’s asymptomatic testing programme.  The push for students to take part in asymptomatic testing is echoed by the Student Union and college JCRs. 

However, participation in the programme has decreased dramatically compared to last year, with only 5,200 students taking part from 18 October to 24 October. 

When students were asked the “Enhanced Response Area” status, the response was overwhelmingly positive. Although a few were initially anxious to hear about a new government COVID scheme, fearing another lockdown or other impositions on their student lives, the majority of these concerns were quelled upon hearing that the status is essentially a vaccination push. 

One medical student spoke about how important the vaccination programme was in “creating herd immunity” and “keeping us on track as we head into winter.” 

Another student echoed this sentiment, saying they “weren’t too bothered” by the status change as it”would not really affect [them] in [their] day-to-day lives,” as they could still do everything they valued – sports, seeing their friends and going to Wednesday Revs. 

There were concerns that the additional resources associated with becoming an Enhanced Response Area would be squandered. Students urged local leaders to use the resources in an initiative manner, as opposed to pursuing established methods of vaccine encouragement, which have had limited success in persuading low-uptake areas and communities. 

Although living in an area with high COVID infection rates is cause for concern, the Chair of the Cambridgeshire County Council’s Health Association urged people to behave responsibly, stay safe and get vaccinated. 

Feature image credit: Maddie Angwin