Council services under strain due to high Covid-19 rates
We are currently delivering our services as best we can. However, we are facing increasing pressure due to Covid-19 and staff absence.
We recognise that disruption to public services is frustrating, but like all parts of the country, we are being hit by the infectious nature of Omicron and how quickly the variant is spreading through our communities.
It is important and necessary for anyone who tests positive, and unvaccinated close contacts, to self-isolate - regardless of whether they feel unwell. Along with vaccination, this is our best way out of the pandemic.
A number of Council areas, including public-facing services such as social care, a service which supports our most vulnerable residents, are currently being heavily impacted by staff absences.
The position is changing daily, which will likely result in a change to the services we can offer. We're doing all we can to minimise disruption to local services, but the situation is fluid.
Cases are rising at an unprecedented rate in Gateshead. In the seven days up to and including 3 January there have been 4278 new cases. On 29 December 2020, we saw the highest number of cases in Gateshead so far during the entire pandemic, with 708 new cases identified on that day alone.
Please help us to keep our services running by taking whatever steps you can to reduce your risk of catching and spreading Covid-19. Get your vaccinations and boosters as soon as possible, take regular lateral flow tests, wear a face covering where required and stay at home if you feel unwell, only leaving the house to take a PCR test if you cannot take one at home.
You can also help us to work more efficiently by using our online services wherever possible. We're working hard to ensure that everyone gets the help they need as quickly as we can, but unfortunately some delays are inevitable. Please be patient and respectful to our staff.
As always, the health and wellbeing of our residents and employees remains our first priority. Thank you for your support and understanding.
For more information, advice and support visit our hub.
Councillor Martin Gannon - Leader of Gateshead Council.
We are currently delivering our services as best we can. However, we are facing increasing pressure due to Covid-19 and staff absence.
We recognise that disruption to public services is frustrating, but like all parts of the country, we are being hit by the infectious nature of Omicron and how quickly the variant is spreading through our communities.
It is important and necessary for anyone who tests positive, and unvaccinated close contacts, to self-isolate - regardless of whether they feel unwell. Along with vaccination, this is our best way out of the pandemic.
A number of Council areas, including public-facing services such as social care, a service which supports our most vulnerable residents, are currently being heavily impacted by staff absences.
The position is changing daily, which will likely result in a change to the services we can offer. We're doing all we can to minimise disruption to local services, but the situation is fluid.
Cases are rising at an unprecedented rate in Gateshead. In the seven days up to and including 3 January there have been 4278 new cases. On 29 December 2020, we saw the highest number of cases in Gateshead so far during the entire pandemic, with 708 new cases identified on that day alone.
Please help us to keep our services running by taking whatever steps you can to reduce your risk of catching and spreading Covid-19. Get your vaccinations and boosters as soon as possible, take regular lateral flow tests, wear a face covering where required and stay at home if you feel unwell, only leaving the house to take a PCR test if you cannot take one at home.
You can also help us to work more efficiently by using our online services wherever possible. We're working hard to ensure that everyone gets the help they need as quickly as we can, but unfortunately some delays are inevitable. Please be patient and respectful to our staff.
As always, the health and wellbeing of our residents and employees remains our first priority. Thank you for your support and understanding.
For more information, advice and support visit our hub.
Councillor Martin Gannon - Leader of Gateshead Council.
