By Lincolnshire public health director warns of further covid waves amid a sharp increase
The public health director for Lincolnshire, including northern Lincolnshire, has warned of two potential waves of coronavirus infections in the coming months, reiterating previous advice and methods for staying safe.
Professor Derek Ward reiterated ‘hands, face, space, fresh air’.
Mr. Ward acknowledged Covid cases are on the rise and urged those who have not been vaccinated or are eligible for booster jabs to do so.
“We are seeing an increase in Covid-19 cases in the country,” Prof Ward said.
“In the limited data we have locally, we have an increase as well. We also have an increase in hospital numbers.” He said.
From the seven days to September 24, North Lincolnshire saw an increase of 80 cases it was reported, an increase of almost 97 percent.
North East Lincolnshire had 126 positive tests of coronavirus, and matching case rates per 100,000 people were 79.1 in North East Lincolnshire and 93.8 in North Lincolnshire.
“The national expectation is that we will see a wave of Covid in October and November. And then hopefully it will drop down, and then another wave in December and January.” He said.
Omicron BA5 variant is the coronavirus strain reported to be most prevalent in future increases.
“The likely risk is that for people who aren’t vaccinated. It’s really important that everybody gets their vaccination.” He added.
He stressed that the Covid vaccine offer from the NHS is evergreen and also advised those eligible for boosters to come forward as soon as they are asked.
People aged 50 years and older, residents in care homes for older people, those aged 5 years and over in a clinical risk group, and health and social care staff are to be offered a booster dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine between September and December.
Prof Ward acknowledged the current rules on covid but suggested a cautious approach to reduce the chances of passing it on. “It would be much better if you stay off or away from the work office until you’re no longer positive.
“If you’re positive, you’re likely to infect other people if you don’t stay away from them. Clearly, it’s a very good idea to protect your colleagues or vulnerable people.”
“The other risk we’ve got is the Southern Hemisphere got a lot of flu and it came early in New Zealand and Australia.” Public health is anticipating consequently a potentially busier flu season he added.
“Remember the basics – hands, face, space, fresh air – will work not just for Covid but also other diseases,” he added.
When asked about monkeypox, Prof Ward said: “Generally, the direction of travel for monkeypox infections is downwards, so that’s an improving position.” As of October 4, there had been fewer than five cases each of the disease in North and North East Lincolnshire, according to UK Health Security Agency data.
