Every eligible care home in Stoke-on-Trent has now been offered the COVID-19 vaccine, with 93 per cent of residents in care homes across the city receiving their first dose.
The remaining residents will be vaccinated over the coming days as they may have previously tested positive for COVID-19 or were in homes where there were small outbreaks.
Council leader Abi Brown said: “This is wonderful news for residents of care homes, those who work in care homes, and those who have loved ones in care homes across the city. This marks a crucial milestone in our ongoing race to vaccinate the most vulnerable against this deadly disease and pays testament to the hard work of care home staff and the NHS.”
This comes as Stoke-on-Trent currently has the lowest number of COVID-19 cases in care homes across the West Midlands.
The number of positive COVID-19 residents has fallen in the past two weeks which means only 5 per cent of care home residents in the West Midlands are reported to be positive for COVID-19.
Dr Paul Edmondson-Jones, director of adult social care, health integration and wellbeing, said: “The NHS – GPs in particular – and care homes in the city have worked incredibly hard together to ensure their residents are protected against the virus. We now have the lowest proportion of care homes (just 10 per cent) in the West Midlands that have residents with COVID-19 and we are seeing fewer and smaller outbreaks than we have seen previously.
“Whilst the vaccine programme is accelerating, please remember the vaccine does not replace the lockdown rules and remembering hands, face, space. Our care homes are still regularly testing staff and residents and continuing to wear protective equipment.”
For the latest information on council services and support during the coronavirus, and frequently asked questions, please visit www.stoke.gov.uk/coronavirus. For latest health advice on the coronavirus, please visit www.nhs.uk/coronavirus, and for further information on the virus visit www.gov.uk/coronavirus.
All residents are reminded about the critical importance of regular handwashing with soap and hot water for 20 seconds. The significance of this action cannot be underestimated. If residents have symptoms, please get tested. All residents must continue to follow the guidance of wash hands, cover face and make space.
For more information on digital services, visit www.stoke.gov.uk, download the MyStoke App, or follow the city council’s social media channels.
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