As always in politics, things have been moving very quickly recently. The Health Secretary has just announced that the self-isolation period for people with a confirmed covid infection has been reduced to 5 days. If you test negative on day 5 and then again on day 6, you no longer have to stay at home. Of course, like with any other illness, if you are still unwell you should not return to work, and if you have a temperature you should continue to stay at home. This decision to shorten the self-isolation period is good news has been made following extensive work by the UK Health Security Agency, which has looked at data on transmission and infectiousness very carefully.
I hope that that even more restrictions will be lifted in the coming days and that infections of covid will continue to decrease. It is clear that the rollout of vaccinations is still going very well in Dorset, with almost 70% of adults having had their boosters, and almost 70% of teenagers already having had 1 dose. There are still clinics running across Dorset and Poole, with over 30 sites, including around 10 sites offering walk in jabs. You can find out more details on the Dorset CCG website.
Since 2017 many constituents have contacted me with concerns about cladding on building following the tragic fire at Grenfell tower. I’m very pleased that the Government has taken further steps to protect homeowners, including those in building between 11 and 18 metres, meaning that homeowners and leaseholders will no longer have big bills to pay for remedial work.
We have had a period of colder weather, and I know this has raised concerns for many over the cost of fuel. Prices are rising due to the global price of gas rising significantly, and many energy companies have gone bust. If you are a customer of one of the failed companies, there is advice on my website about what to do next. There are also details of support available, including winter fuel payments, the warm home discount scheme, cold weather payments and other sources of help and advice. You can find this at www.michaeltomlinson.org.uk/energy-price-advice
During February we will have our usual spring recess, which I will be spending in the constituency. Please do get in touch if you would like me to visit your business or charity, or if you need help and support and would like to see me in a surgery. You can contact me via email [email protected] or call my office on 01202 624216.
