Star date: 9th December 2020

AS VACCINATIONS BEGIN SALFORD MP BARBARA KEELEY CAMPAIGNS FOR UNPAID CARERS TO HAVE PRIORITY JAB

Salford has 37 new coronavirus cases, up from the previous day's 32, but the seven day rate per 100,000 population continues to fall, from 138.7 to132.9. There have been five new virus-related deaths at Salford Royal Hospital.

Meanwhile, as vaccinations begin, Worsley and Eccles South MP Barbara Keeley is calling for unpaid carers to have a priority jab once the most vulnerable have had theirs, while GM Mayor, Andy Burnham, yesterday applauded Health Secretary Matt Hancock for getting the programme started.

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Salford has 37 new coronavirus cases, up from the previous day's 32, bringing the cumulative total to 13,742, as the overall fall in infections continues. The seven day average of cases has now decreased from 359 to 344, as has the seven day rate per 100,000 population which fell from 138.7 to 132.9.

Elsewhere in Greater Manchester, all boroughs continue to see a slight drop in seven day totals, except for a slight rise in Bury. Cases in Manchester during the latest seven day data period were 919 (down from 953), with a rate of 166.2 (down from 172.4), followed by Bolton with 510 (down from 514), with a rate of 177.4 (down from 178.8), and Oldham 380 (down from 418), with a rate of 160.3 (down from 176.3).

Wigan has 617 (down from 637), with a rate of 187.7 (down from 193.8), Tameside 269 (down from 308), with a rate of 118.8 (down from 136), Rochdale 495 (down from 497), with a rate of 222.6 (down from 223.5), Stockport 336 (down from 343), with a rate of 114.5 (down from 116.9), Bury 427 (up from 417), with a rate of 223.6 (up from 218.3), and Trafford 221 (down from 228), with a rate of 93.1 (down from 96.1).

There have been five new virus-related deaths at Salford Royal Hospital. New data released by the Office for National Statistics reveals that one person died of COVID-19 related causes in a Salford care home and one at home registered during the week 27th November.

As vaccinations against COVID-19 began yesterday, Worsley and Eccles South MP Barbara Keeley called for unpaid carers to have a priority vaccination once the most vulnerable people have been vaccinated "to ensure they are kept safe and can continue caring"...

Thanking those who took part in vaccination trials and "all those who worked to make this happen", she raised a question in the House of Commons yesterday about the priority list for vaccinations, which is based on clinical vulnerability..."but this has made people who were on the front line of the crisis, including unpaid family carers, feel like they are being ignored" she said, asking the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Matt Hancock, whether, once the most vulnerable are vaccinated, unpaid carers will become a priority.

Matt Hancock replied that "I agree that clinical need must be the priority, and once we have reached all those with a significant clinical need, as set out by the JCVI, we will set the next stage of priorities in due course..."

Meanwhile, Hancock was applauded by Greater Manchester Mayor, Andy Burnham, who tweeted "Credit where it's due. Matt Hancock has clearly worked hard to get us to this point. Today is a day when he deserves recognition for that..."

See also previous Salford Star article: 86 Year Old Ted Becomes First Person In Salford To Be Vaccinated – click here