By Locals urged to get jabs ‘as soon as you can’ as England enters Plan B
North East Lincolnshire’s Health Chief has urged people to “get your jabs as soon as you can” following the launch of the government’s Plan B.
Local cases of coronavirus in the over 60s have dropped by up to 40% in the last two weeks.
According to Geoff Barnes, these figures demonstrate the effectiveness of the booster jabs.
“We would urge everyone who is currently eligible to have or book their COVID booster as soon as possible,” said Mr Barnes.
“The figures show the boosters are working with cases in people aged over 60 in our area having reduced by as much as 42 per cent over the last two weeks.”
However, cases overall remain worryingly high locally.
As of December 8th, the North East Lincolnshire infection rate stood at 636 per 100,000 of the population, well above the regional and national average.
“The rises we are still seeing are in people aged 25-50, and there is a large proportion of cases in school children, especially in primary schools,” added Mr Barnes.
The news comes following the announcement of the Government’s ‘Plan B’, which is being introduced from today in a bid slow the spread of the Omicron variant.
Although the variant has yet to be identified in North East Lincolnshire it is causing national and international concern.
Mr Barnes added that people should also remain vigilant and be willing to test themselves ahead of planned get-togethers and be willing to stay at home should they test positive.
He said: “Covid is still a real risk to vulnerable people who can find themselves in hospital. It can also cause an unpleasant, long-lasting illness for some fit and healthy people too.
“We know this is the time of year when people like to meet up indoors with friends and families, especially with the weather being unpleasant.
“However, please reduce the risk by testing yourself beforehand and being willing to sit this one out at home should the test be positive.
“Also be aware of symptoms. Doctors in North East Lincolnshire are recommending you get a PCR test for respiratory (typical cold and flu) symptoms as well as the classic signs of COVID – change to sense of smell/taste, high temperature and a cough.”
