Published: Monday, 1st February 2021
News that King's Lynn Corn Exchange will open as the 2nd large-scale vaccination centre in Norfolk has been met with delight by the Borough Council of King's Lynn and West Norfolk.
Leader of the borough council, Cllr Brian Long, has this to say about the opening:
Cllr Stuart Dark, MBE, Borough Council of King's Lynn & West Norfolk Cabinet Member for Environmental Services and Public Protection, said: "We have been working behind the scenes with the NHS for many months to help identify sites, ensure any venues we could offer met all the criteria, and have then gone through the operational planning process with them to ensure that once they open everything will run smoothly.
"Coming on the back of the news that our efforts to lobby for a venue in Downham Market have been acknowledged, we are delighted that after months of having to keep the information confidential, we are finally able to confirm that a large scale vaccination centre will be open today serving the central area of the borough of King's Lynn & West Norfolk.
Lorraine Gore, Chief Executive of the Borough Council of King's Lynn & West Norfolk, added: "Throughout this pandemic we have been working hard for our communities, and that has included ensuring that the area is well served when it comes to vaccination centres. I am pleased that this site is now open, in addition to the QEH vaccination hub and the four primary care network venues that are already up and running. This will help ensure the vaccination programme is rolled out quickly and effectively in this area.
"We have worked with the NHS team on operational matters to ensure that the large-scale vaccination site in King's Lynn could get up and running as soon as possible. We have also provided free parking permits to the teams delivering the vaccination programme at the venue, and we are providing free parking spaces for those attending for appointments. Our aim, in support of our NHS colleagues, is to make it as easy as possible for people to get in, get parked, get the vaccination and then leave again."
People will be invited to attend for vaccination and should not turn up at the centre without a pre-arranged appointment. When arriving at the venue, remember to wear a mask and to respect social distancing measures.
People who have received their first dose of the vaccine must remember to continue following the government guidance for the current National Lockdown and continue practicing the Hands, Face, Space advice.