Trudy Harrison, the MP for Copeland has said that the aim of the Government is to vaccinate 13.9 million by mid February which means that the first four priority groups, as agreed by the JCVI, will have their initial jab.
She said: "Across Cumbria we are on course and with the addition of the Oxford Astra-Zeneca vaccine joining the existing Pfeizer BioNTech programme I am increasingly confident.
"I would like to commend the massive super-human efforts being made across our community by so many and I’m sure all of Copeland wil join me in doing so.
"On my local health call yesterday the most important message from those working at our hospitals was of course hands - face - space, to encourage, wherever possible, people to stay away from others, to follow the guidelines, to not travel to Cumbria for recreation or exercise from out of the area and to remember that until the vaccine is rolled out our personal behaviour remains the single greatest action any and every individual can take.
"The rates of infection across Copeland and Cumbria continue to rise, the new variant is rife within our communities. Our hospitals are now dealing with very full departments - but remain able to care for those who need it so far.
"Many people have suffered beyond my comprehension as a result of this pandemic. We are all absolutely fed up, help IS on the way but let’s please all support each other over this final hurdle and give our health teams the best chance of caring, testing and vaccinating.
"And if I can support you, my office will remain open throughout, though most staff wil be working from home."
You can contact Trudy by email, or call: 01229 718333.