The Government has announced that Cornwall will receive enhanced measures to help combat COVID-19 rates in the Duchy.

The enhanced response area package will help Cornwall Council with support measures for education settings and increased national communications support, clearly outlining the continued risks of covid-19 and the need to take personal action, such as the wearing of face masks and social distancing.

Additionally, Cornwall will have prioritised access to Wastewater testing, sequencing, and national contact tracing capacity.

Falmouth's MP Cherilyn Mackrory said:

"I have been working with my Cornwall MP colleagues over the past few weeks to put the case to the Government for further support for Cornwall following the dramatic increase in COVID-19 cases in Cornwall and I am pleased to see these supporting measures coming forward.

"Cornwall's Public Health team have been doing an excellent job of dealing with the current situation and this is in no way a reflection on their work; this is further support to help with messaging, provide more walk-in vaccine clinics, and tracing work.

"What this is not is another lockdown and it is important to stress that this is not the case. Our excellent vaccine programme has broken the link between infection and hospitalisation and it is also important to note that the vast majority of hospitalisations are sadly for people who have not had the vaccine.

"I encourage everyone to continue to be cautious, get your vaccine, and practice good hygiene to stop the spread of COVID-19."

The enhanced response package is a short-term measure. Areas designated as enhanced response will automatically roll off after five weeks of receiving the enhanced support.

A review will be conducted at week four to determine whether the automatic roll-off at week five is appropriate, or if the measures should continue.

Cornwall Council will start implementing these extra measures from Monday 30th August.

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