Matters
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MINIMISING THE RISK Preparations have been underway in Fenland to help minimise the risk of coronavirus (COVID-19).
LOCAL EVENTS BECOME CORONAVIRUS CASUALTIES Fears over the coronavirus (COVID-19) epidemic have unfortunately led to a number of local events to be cancelled. St George’s Fayre, which was due to be held in March on Sunday, April 26th, is a notable casualty, as is the March Summer Festival, which was due to be held in June. Organised by Fenland District Council and a committee of volunteers, St George’s Fayre usually attracts thousands of people to the town every year. Cllr Peter Murphy, the council’s cabinet member responsible for events, said: “St George’s Fayre is a highlight in the calendar, so it is with deep regret that is has had to be cancelled. We realise this will be a great disappointment to the thousands who usually attend, and to our loyal stall holders, but it is necessary in these unprecedented circumstances. “I’d like to thank the events staff and the committee for all the hard work they have put into this year’s event, and we look forward to it returning next year.” Meanwhile MADAOS – a group which performs pantomimes, concerts and musicals in March – has had to cancel its performance of ‘9 to 5 the Musical’ which was due to be held at the MCC, Station Road, March, on April 15th-18th. The show has been called off because the venue is unable to allow the group to perform. Ticket Source, which arranges bookings for the shows, will contact people who have already bought tickets.
The Fenland District Council has undertaken a number of precautionary measures in response to guidance from Public Health England and the Government to ensure the authority is well prepared to respond to the outbreak and help prevent the spread of infection. The council has been working in close partnership with the health authorities, who are leading on the response to coronavirus at national level. It is also working with partners in the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Local Resilience Forum which is meeting regularly to discuss potential risks and impacts for Cambridgeshire and plan jointly. Health advice posters have been put on display in the council’s customer service centres, community hubs and staff offices, and additional hand sanitisers have been installed. The latest advice and links for further information and updates are also available through the council’s website at www.fenland.gov.uk/ coronavirus, and are being shared through the council’s Twitter and Facebook pages. Cllr Steve Tierney, Fenland District Council’s cabinet member responsible for emergency planning, said: “There are some really simple steps we can all take to protect ourselves and others to stop the spread of viruses and germs, including coronavirus. “These include covering your coughs and sneezes with a tissue and following good hygiene practices. For the latest updates, you can see the dedicated NHS coronavirus webpage at: www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19.”
Finally, the 6.5k Walk to Remember, which was due to return for a third year to raise vital funds for Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice in Peterborough and planned for Sunday, May 17th, has been postponed. For more information visit www.sueryder.org/walktoremember Further events are likely to become casualties of the coronavirus, so please contact the relevant organisations for the latest updates. 16
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