Health chiefs issue warning as county Covid cases remain high
08 Nov 2021 ARCHIVED (over 3 months old) - view latest news
With cases of Covid remaining high across the region, Northumberland residents are being urged to remain cautious and do all they can to protect themselves.
Liz Morgan, Director of Public Health at Northumberland County Council, said: “Covid case rates in Northumberland remain high and have been increasing in some age groups other than school age children, which is a real cause of concern.
“Our NHS services are under significant pressure and have been for some weeks now. This is resulting in significant waiting times in Emergency Departments and limited bed availability in our local Trust, but is also reflected across our GP practices, ambulance services and NHS 111.
“What is most concerning is that this is occurring in early November, before we would normally expect winter pressures to have an impact.”
There are some simple things that everyone can do to help limit demand on NHS services and keep communities safe and well, by preventing the spread of winter bugs.
The Covid vaccine offers the best protection from Covid and reduces the risk of transmission to others. Some people may be eligible for both the flu and the COVID-19 booster vaccines. Those eligible for a flu vaccine who haven't previously taken up the offer, are encouraged to do so. You can read more about the Covid and flu vaccines, including who is eligible and how to access them here:
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations
Liz continued: “If you haven't yet had a first dose of the Covid vaccine, the door is always open. And if you have had a first dose, please take up the offer of the second dose and the booster if you are eligible. We know that immunity will drop off after a period of time, even if you're fully vaccinated so having that booster is crucial.”
Richard Hay, head of planning and operations at NHS Northumberland Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) said, “We are by no means out of the woods yet in our fight against Covid-19, infection rates remain high across the county and our region. However, Northumberland residents have shown incredible determination to beat the virus and great enthusiasm for the vaccine, demonstrated emphatically by the incredible number of doses given, and the best uptake rates in England.
“It's really important that this enthusiasm continues into the winter months to help alleviate significant pressures on our NHS services. The booster programme for over 50s and the clinically vulnerable is well underway and is a really important extra dose of protection for eligible individuals, as is the annual flu vaccination - please come forward to get yours when you are invited. The ‘evergreen’ offer of a first and second dose also remains for anybody who is yet to receive it. The programme has also been extended to 12-15 year olds.
“The vaccine works - it is safe and effective and will help drive down transmission of the virus in our county and protect our most vulnerable residents, families and loved ones against serious illness from Covid-19.”
Other simple things that can be done, to help prevent the spread of all winter bugs include:
- Regular hand washing and adopting the catch it, bin it, kill it to stop germs spreading.
- Choose to wear face coverings in crowded spaces and on public transport - although this is more to protect other people if you have the virus but don't know, it may also prevent the wearer from catching the virus from someone else.
- Let fresh air in, meet in well ventilated buildings or meet outdoors where possible.
- Take regular Lateral Flow Tests to spot if you have the virus without realising.
- If you have symptoms of any respiratory infection e.g., blocked up or runny nose, coughing sneezing or cough, prevent further spread of infection by staying at home and if you have symptoms of Covid, have a PCR test and self isolate.
Cllr Wendy Pattison, Cabinet member for Adult Wellbeing said: “Getting vaccinated is our best hope of reducing the serious health harms caused by Covid. The more of us who get jabbed, the more we will lower the rates of Covid infections in our communities.
“All doses of the vaccine offer a layer of protection and I would urge anyone who is eligible to be vaccinated, whether that is first, second or booster, get your jabs as soon as possible.
“The pandemic is far from over and the winter months ahead will be challenging. But we must all continue to work together to protect our communities, towns and villages, and support the NHS at this difficult time.”