Matthew has been visiting vaccination centres in his constituency to see the accelerated response to the new Covid variant Omicron. This variant is increasing the number of people suffering from Covid in the London Borough of Barnet and the response has been to increase vaccination rates through the use of pharmacies. 

Cases are rising relatively quickly, with a 25% increase in the last week compared to the previous week. Growth in Barnet is slightly slower than that seen in London according to the National data. The rate in Barnet (515) is now lower than the London Rate (575) per 100,000 population. 57% of the cases in the last week were in those aged 18-49 (1,282 cases). Around 30% of the cases were school age children (647 cases). In reality, cases have increased in those aged 18-49, while they have stabilised in those children of school age.

The North Central London programme (of which Barnet is part) is ramping up and re-prioritising COVID-19 vaccination, to increase capacity to 150,000 per week, and a significantly increased uptake across the board is already being seen. The current strategy is to increase capacity in local pharmacies and Primary Care Networks. 

Matthew said: “The Prime Minister has announced that the Government is reviewing data on an hourly basis and the country remains at risk. I am grateful for the work being undertaken in Barnet to address the rising spread of Covid. Pharmacies are really playing their part and demonstrating that they are willing and able to provide a clinical service - something I believe they will be able to continue after we have overcome the pandemic.

"The message is for everyone to be fully vaccinated, including the booster, and be cautious over the Christmas period. We have got to beat this virus and get life back to normal.”

Matthew is pictured at Mango Pharmacy, High Street, Edgware