6th July 2021

'Common sense' or 'complacency'? - Norfolk MPs on mask scrapping

• Norwich’s 2 MPs have given their opinion on the Prime Minister's decision to scrap the mandatory wearing of face masks from 19th July  

• Clive Lewis, the Labour MP for Norwich South, said there isn't yet a clear scientific consensus about the extent to which it’s safe to 'unlock' now, especially as the rate of infection in Norfolk is climbing rapidly – he said he’s concerned that the government may be jumping the gun 

• Conservative MP for Norwich North, Chloe Smith, said that because the vaccination programme had been so successful, it is the right time to make the shift from face masks being the law to being a matter of common sense 

• Although it’s expected that the legal requirement to wear a face covering will be lifted, government guidance will say that people might choose to do so in "enclosed and crowded places" 

More than 500 students disciplined by UEA over Covid breaches

• More than 500 students at the University of East Anglia have faced disciplinary action for breaching Covid regulations since the start of the pandemic & have been fined more than £53,000  

• Data obtained under the Freedom of Information Act shows that students at the UEA have been disciplined 563 times for breaches of coronavirus restrictions, since March 2020 – the vast majority being for students ignoring social distancing measures 

• But the university is keen to point out that with more than 17,000 students enrolled there, the vast majority have been compliant 

Volunteers needed at Norwich vaccination sites in crucial period

• Volunteers are urgently needed at?Norwich’s vaccination sites – requests for NHS volunteer responders have soared in recent weeks & there’s is a shortage of steward volunteers in places like Norwich’s Castle Quarter 

• Steward volunteers help with the efficient & safe movement of patients through vaccination centres, make sure that social distancing measures are observed & help people who require additional support 

• If you can help, you can find more information at nhsvolunteerresponders.org.uk 

Harrods-bought centenarian among tortoises needing new homes

• A tortoise bought from Harrods which is believed to be 100 years old?is one of the reptiles at the Norfolk Tortoise Club searching for a new home 

• The club in Mulbarton just outside Norwich, has seen a post-lockdown surge in people giving up the pets - it currently has around 25 tortoises looking for?new homes 

• As well as Elsie, the 100-year-old tortoise, there’s Pickle who’s a mere 70 years old – he’s lived in Norfolk his entire life 

• The club offers full tuition to people wanting to take on a tortoise but they did say that if you want a pet to pick up & cuddle or come and sit on your lap, they probably aren’t for you 

'Fat staffies' from Norwich to feature on Channel 5 programme

• Staying in the animal kingdom, 2 Staffordshire Bull Terriers from Norwich will make their debut on TV tonight! 

• Honey & Spotty a pair of?overweight Staffies?will star in the Channel 5 programme The Dog Rescuers at 7 o’clock this evening 

• The show follows the dogs battle with weight loss after the RSPCA were called in because of concerns over the dogs’ health  

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