Yesterday the Government’s Plan B measures were phased out, meaning face coverings and COVID passes are no longer legally required in England. The easing of restrictions also means that from Monday there will be no limit on the number of visitors allowed into care homes.

While it’s welcome news that these restrictions are being eased, we should be mindful that our local infection levels are on the rise again this week increasing from 939.9 to 1,206.3 cases per 100,000 people. So, during these last critically important weeks of winter, let’s continue to protect the vulnerable and reduce the pressure on local NHS and health providers by hand washing, ventilating rooms and self-isolating, should we test positive.

Getting vaccinated remains our best defence against serious illness. Thanks to the NHS and scores of volunteers, our local vaccination role out remains agile and robust, with appointments available to 12- to 15-year-olds, and anyone who has not yet been vaccinated or had their booster jab.

This week we:

• Marked Holocaust Memorial Day, the international day of remembrance for the victims of the Holocaust murdered under Nazi persecution and the millions lost in genocides in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur. Holocaust Memorial Day shows how the lessons of the past can inform our lives today and is a stark reminder of why it is so important we all continue to fight against any form of discrimination.
   
• Distributed Omicron hospitality & leisure grants to eligible businesses. Less than a week into the latest government scheme almost 300 businesses have applied, and our amazing finance team has already distributed almost £200k in support to successful applicants. Further details, including the application form, are available here. Applications close at 5pm, 21 February.
   
• Launched discretionary Omicron scheme, with one-off grant payments now available to non-rated businesses in the hospitality or leisure sectors or those providing services or products to these sectors.  This includes personal care providers, such as hair and beauty, holistic therapies, osteopaths, acupuncturists (where treatment cannot be provided virtually or digitally). Applications close at 4pm, 11 February.

We’ve got just six months until the Games begin! To mark this exciting milestone, we’re sharing updates on the preparations underway and further details of the activities taking place, as we countdown to the Games this July. Visit our website to learn more about the progress being made plus further information about how we can all get involved and play our part. In addition you may already have noticed the progress made on the colourful transformation of the Princes’ Drive railway bridge.

And finally… it was great to learn that people living in Warwick District are amongst the fittest in the country? The most recent ‘Active Lives’ survey, which provides an overview of sport and physical activity levels, reported that we have the highest ‘Active’ population across the sub region at 70.9%; 10% higher than the national average. These statistics are encouraging, reflecting in part the significant investment that’s been made in our local leisure centres. They also demonstrate the impact of the wide range of opportunities we all have to take part in physical activities, thanks to a variety of inclusive clubs and groups in our community, the majority of which are run by superstar volunteers.

Keep smiling and stay safe.

Cllr Andrew Day
Leader, Warwick District Council

Chris Elliott
Chief Executive, Warwick District Council