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GOOD AFTERNOON and welcome to my regular South West Surrey update No 134. Been forwarded this email and find it useful? Sign up to get your personal copy here! ([link removed]) You can of course unsubscribe at any time.

PANDEMIC STATS As of today, we had a total of 4,450,777 positive cases of COVID-19 with 127,679 confirmed deaths in the UK. There have been 5,891 confirmed cases in Waverley and sadly 246 confirmed deaths, with an estimated 32 active cases in Waverley, again a gentle ticking up although no data at this stage about whether it is the Indian variant B.1617.2. All data is accurate as of 11am this morning.

GOOD & BAD NEWS The excellent news is that 61,486 people in South West Surrey have now been vaccinated with at least one dose and over 29,000 have had the second (including your MP). Nationally, an incredible 20 million people have received two doses ([link removed]) of a COVID-19 vaccine which means broadly one-third of the population has had two doses and two-thirds both doses. The slightly less good news is that the R range in England has increased slightly to between 0.8-1.1 and in the last week: coronavirus cases ⬆️8.6%, hospital admissions ⬇️1.2%, and deaths ⬆️10.4%.

VACCINE ACCELERATION Last week the government revealed that second dose appointments will be brought forward from 12 to 8 weeks for people aged 50+ and the clinically vulnerable ([link removed]) due to Indian variant fears. Professor Whitty stated that the Indian mutation is soon expected to become the most prevalent in the UK ([link removed]) . Thankfully the existing vaccines seem to work against the strain - both in terms of reducing hospitalisation and transmissibility. If your appointment needs to be moved forward, please wait for the NHS to contact you.

RELAXED RULES Despite anxieties about the Indian variant, lockdown rules are easing from today. People can now meet in groups of up to 30 outdoors and six people (or two households) can now meet indoors. Overnight stays are also permitted. Importantly, care home residents can have up to five named visitors and there is more flexibility with visits which is very welcome. More information on the new rules here ([link removed]) . Ah, freedom! (sort of).

THE TOKYO OLYMPICS are around two months away and many uncertainties remain with only 1% of the Japanese population fully vaccinated against coronavirus ([link removed]) . The country has only approved the Pfizer vaccine to date but there is speculation that the Oxford and Moderna jabs may receive approval later in the week. The government insists that the games will go ahead, despite many polls indicating that most Japanese citizens would like the event cancelled. Having been responsible for the London 2012 Olympics all I can say is my heart goes out to the organisers after all the huge efforts necessary to put on such an event.

The key number to remember for anyone with pandemic-related difficulties remains 0300 200 1008 the Surrey Helpline run by Surrey County Council (Mon-Fri 9 am to 5 pm).

WHAT’S GOING ON IN WESTMINSTER

BREXIT BRITAIN Last week I took part in a Spectator podcast debate about Brexit and the pitfalls/opportunities for the British life sciences industry. Perhaps unsurprisingly there is still much anger in Brussels about Brexit but I argue it is in all our interests for the EU to get out of its anti-UK mindset. Watch the full Spectator podcast here ([link removed]) .

BUILD BACK GREENER The 26^th UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) in Glasgow is six months away and the UK is already showing leadership in tackling climate change with a ten-point plan ([link removed]) . As Foreign Secretary, I secured the summit and I’m totally on board with the Green Industrial Revolution. The ‘51bn to zero’ article ([link removed]) written by Bill Gates back in March should be a mandatory read for all. I am also speaking in a panel on World Environment Day (June 21) about how we hardwire sustainable consumption into a post-pandemic world - more details to follow.

WHAT’S GOING ON IN SOUTH WEST SURREY

THE FARNHAM HARDSHIP FUND assists individuals in Farnham that are struggling financially due to the coronavirus pandemic and up to £300 is available to residents that require urgent help. More details about the fund here ([link removed]) . If you’re feeling generous and would like to make a donation, click here ([link removed]) . Great initiative.

THE SURREY HEARTLANDS vaccination programme continues to exceed the national average overall, with everyone aged 38+ now able to receive the vaccine. Thank you to the healthcare workers and volunteers in the GP sites, hospital hubs, community pharmacies, and the vaccination centre at Epsom Racecourse for your extraordinary effort as well of course to the redoubtable Dr Phil Ridsdill-Smith. More information here ([link removed]) .

See my list of local groups working to support vulnerable residents here ([link removed]) .

THE ECONOMY AND JOBS

SORRY SANTANDER If you’re with Santander, you probably noticed that the bank's online banking and app stopped working on Saturday. Many customers also reported issues with cards and cash machines. The good news is that all services are now restored and the bank apologised for the technical faults, although clients were left furious and embarrassed.

WHAT ELSE IS GOING ON

IMPRESSIVE KENYA Check out this map ([link removed]) that shows the birth countries of the 100 fastest 1,500-metre runners on record. The UK is doing rather well but Kenya is miles or rather metres ahead - some good news for a country now bracing itself for a possible African Covid wave.

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Promoted by Sean Donovan-Smith on behalf of Jeremy Hunt MP and South West Surrey Conservatives, all at 2 Royal Parade, Tilford Road, Hindhead, Surrey GU26 6TD.

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South West Surrey Conservative Association . 2 Royal Parade, Tilford Road . Hindhead . Surrey, GU26 6TD . United Kingdom