Don't call us, we'll call you, says Doncaster health boss over vaccine as Covid rates drop

In his weekly update on the coronavirus situation in Doncaster, Dr Rupert Suckling, the town’s Director of Public Health, has said that people will be contacted by surgeries when the vaccine is available.

He also said that the town’s infection rate now stands at just over 200 per 100,000 people – with a further drop expected in the coming days.

He said: “The Government has announced the Pfizer vaccine should be ready to be used in early December but this will initially be focused on vaccinating residents in care homes, older people and their carers, for those aged over 80 years and potentially front line healthcare staff. The guidance is changing on a daily basis and as I get more information I will let you know about this.

“I would ask you to not call your local GP practice about access to the vaccine as you will be contacted by them directly when it’s time for you to be vaccinated.

“More good news is that our infection rate in the borough continues to fall – from 21st to 27th November, our rate was 203.6 infections per 100,000 people and I expect that to continue to fall further over the next few days.

“Thank you for helping to reduce the rate; we all must continue to follow the face, space and hands guidance and if you have symptoms, self-isolate and arrange for a test.

A new local Test and Trace service is now in place across Doncaster to help people in the local community if they receive a positive Covid-19 test result. The service is operated by Doncaster Council’s Public Health team.

He said: “If the national NHS Test and Trace team is unable to contact you within 24 hours, your details will be passed to our Doncaster Test and Trace team who will contact you by text or by phone. Please remember that text messages will come from Doncaster Council and calls will come from 01302 734581 – it will never be a private number.

“If we are unable to reach you by telephone or text message, our team may visit your home address.”