Local COVID alert level update for Carlisle

After discussions with local leaders, Carlisle will move from local COVID alert level medium to local COVID alert level high from 00.01 Saturday 31 October.

This means that for these areas, the following measures will be in place:

  • people must not meet with anybody outside their household or support bubble in any indoor setting, whether at home or in a public place
  • people must not meet in a group of more than 6 outside, including in a garden or other space
  • people should aim to reduce the number of journeys they make where possible; if they need to travel, they should walk or cycle where possible, or plan ahead and avoid busy times and routes on public transport

These measures will be reviewed every 14 days to consider whether they are still appropriate.

The rate of COVID-19 infections is rising rapidly across the UK. The weekly case rate in England stood at 226 people per 100,000 from 18 October to 24 October, up from 100 people per 100,000 for the week 25 September to 1 October. Cases are not evenly spread, with infection rates rising more rapidly in some areas than others.

In Carlisle, weekly case rates stand at 233 people per 100,000. This increases to 244 per 100,000 in those aged 17 to 21 and is 206 per 100,000 in the over 60s.

All available data has been assessed by the government, including the Health and Social Care Secretary, NHS Test and Trace, the Joint Biosecurity Centre (JBC), Public Health England (PHE), the Chief Medical Officer and the Cabinet Office. Data assessed includes incidence, test positivity and the growth rate of the virus.

It is essential that outbreaks are contained to protect lives and our NHS, and prevent greater economic damage in the future. The country faces a new challenge as winter approaches, and even mild cases of COVID-19 can have devastating consequences for people in all age groups, along with the risk of long COVID.

The government’s strategy is to suppress the virus while supporting the economy, education and the NHS, until an effective vaccine is widely available.

Local action is at the centre of the government’s response, and engagement with local authorities is, and will continue to be, a key part of this process.

More information on what local COVID alert level high means for your area can be found on GOV.UK.

On 12 October, the government introduced a new, simplified framework for local interventions based around 3 new local COVID alert levels.

The postcode checker shows which alert level applies in each area.

The NHS COVID-19 app will also direct people to this information.

We have provided £3.7 billion of funding to local authorities in England to respond to pressures in all their services.

The Prime Minister also announced on Monday 12 October additional COVID funding of around £1 billion which will provide local authorities with additional money to protect vital services. The government will set out further information in due course on how this new funding will be allocated.



UK statement ahead of the Presidential Elections in Côte d’Ivoire on 31 October 2020

Press release

Statement from Minister for Africa, James Duddridge ahead of the Presidential Elections in Côte d’Ivoire on 31 October 2020

Minister for Africa, James Duddridge said:

As Côte d’Ivoire goes to the polls on Saturday 31 October, we urge all parties to ensure that the presidential elections are conducted in a peaceful and credible manner. The UK is a friend of Côte d’Ivoire. Côte d’Ivoire emerged from conflict in 2011, and is now contributing to peace and stability in the West Africa region. We want to support Côte d’Ivoire to maintain these hard-won gains, protect democracy, and promote good governance.

We are concerned by the violence and loss of life in Côte d’Ivoire in the run up to elections this year. Further violence in recent weeks has exacerbated these concerns. We urge the Ivoirian authorities to ensure that all deaths and election-related violent incidents are properly investigated.

We call on all parties to reduce tension, call for calm amongst their supporters, and refrain from violence. Doing so will allow the people of Côte d’Ivoire who wish to do so to express themselves and their choice at the ballot box.

Published 30 October 2020



UK flu vaccination supply protected with new restrictions on exports

Press release

Government announces restrictions on the export of supplies of flu vaccines to protect supplies for UK patients.

The government has today announced restrictions on the export of supplies of flu vaccines to protect supplies for UK patients, following a global spike in demand.

The restrictions, which will apply to the flu vaccines being used in the UK this winter, will stop the exporting of medicines placed on the market to be used in the UK, which could cause future supply issues. There is sufficient national supply of flu vaccine, with deliveries to providers continuing over the coming months.

The Department of Health and Social Care has taken this action in response to high demand for the flu vaccine from other countries to mitigate against the risk of these products being exported.

Secretary of State of Health and Social Care, Matt Hancock said:

We will always act to ensure that the medicines and vaccines destined for UK patients are protected and get to those who need them.

This action will protect our supply of flu vaccinations, as part of our plans to give 30 million the flu vaccine ahead of this unprecedented winter.

The NHS flu vaccination programme is well underway and it’s vital that if you are eligible for a free NHS flu vaccine you get one from your GP or pharmacy.

Alongside the flu vaccines, further updates have been made to the existing list of medicines restricted for export and hoarding, including the removal of some products.

Companies that export a medicine that is on the export restrictions list may face regulatory action from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).

Published 30 October 2020



Foreign Secretary statement following earthquake in the Aegean Sea

Press release

Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab’s statement following the earthquake in the Agean Sea

Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said:

I am deeply distressed by the scenes of destruction we have seen following the earthquake in the Aegean Sea today. We stand ready to support our Turkish and Greek friends in any way they need.

Published 30 October 2020



UK-Ghana Business Council supports Ghana’s Pharmaceutical Sector

World news story

UK government has pledged a £450,000 support package to help Ghana’s Pharmaceutical Sector to adapt and build back better in the wake of COVID-19

Since its inception in 2018, the Ghana-UK Business Council (UKGBC) has overseen millions of pounds of new UK investment in Ghana, supported a targeted development assistance programme and built and strengthened partnerships between UK and Ghanaian institutions. The pharmaceutical sector is one of the key areas of focus for the UKGBC.

That is why this week the UK government (Monday 26th October) has pledged a package of support to Ghana’s pharmaceutical sector, pledging a £450,000 support package that will help the sector to adapt and build back better in the wake of COVID-19.

This new support will

  1. Strengthen vaccine production and delivery by building private sector capacity and creating new partnerships;
  2. help firms to address vulnerabilities in their supply chains and undertake R&D for new medicines but in support of COVID-19 and other common diseases.
  3. improve manufacturing practises making sure they are in line with global requirements for the industry.
  4. Support and improve pharmaceutical policy and regulations.

This funding will also support pharmaceutical companies to put in place COVID-19 prevention measures to prevent C-19 transmissions.

Speaking at an event to launch the project, Philip Smith Development Director for the British High Commission to Ghana said:

I sincerely believe that this new support will help Ghana to increase manufacturing capacity for essential drugs, achieve its aim of becoming a regional hub for pharmaceuticals as well as fostering strong links with UK pharmaceutical companies.

Through collaboration, innovation and the UK-Ghana partnership, we are committed to seeing a prosperous and healthy Ghana, able to build back better in the wake of COVID-19.

The UK remains at the forefront of the global response to the pandemic – pledging £764 million of UK aid to stop the spread of COVID-19, develop vaccines and save lives. As one of the leading donors to the WHO led Global Access to Covid-19 tools programme (ACT-accelerator), the UK government is supporting the development of diagnostics, treatments and a vaccine.

Published 30 October 2020