Author Topic: Covid 19  (Read 68722 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline SteveH

  • Management Board Member & Newsgroup Editor
  • *
  • Posts: 12989
Re: Covid 19
« Reply #285 on: August 08, 2020, 02:35:49 pm »
Latest Wales R number as levels plunge below many areas of England
The Welsh Government is using a list indicators which spot spikes and pinpoint if parts of Wales need to go back into lockdown..

https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/latest-wales-r-number-levels-18738216

Offline SteveH

  • Management Board Member & Newsgroup Editor
  • *
  • Posts: 12989
Re: Covid 19
« Reply #286 on: September 01, 2020, 11:54:04 am »
An interesting insight into one of our local GP practices...........

WHAT is life like as a GP during the current virus pandemic?

With video and telephone consultations, being armed with personal protective equipment and strict hygiene measures - a lot has changed since the start of the year.

Dr Paul Emmett, a GP from Craig y Don Medical Practice in Llandudno, and member of theBritish Medical Association’s (BMA) GP Committee, has shared with the Pioneer a typical working day from August 2020.

cont   https://www.northwalespioneer.co.uk/news/18684058.day-life-llandudno-gp-covid-19/


Offline SteveH

  • Management Board Member & Newsgroup Editor
  • *
  • Posts: 12989
Re: Covid 19
« Reply #287 on: September 02, 2020, 11:32:29 am »
There is still confusion over the wearing of masks, I think we should be using them, but looking around, very few masks on view, some say not compulsory, others say they do not work, I found this interesting link which I think is worth sharing for those who do not think wearing a mask is helpful...............


"I am an infectious disease doctor and a professor of medicine at the University of California, San Francisco. As governments and workplaces began to recommend or mandate mask-wearing, my colleagues and I noticed an interesting trend. In places where most people wore masks, those who did get infected seemed dramatically less likely to get severely ill compared to places with less mask-wearing.

It seems people get less sick if they wear a mask.

When you wear a mask – even a cloth mask – you typically are exposed to a lower dose of the coronavirus than if you didn’t. Both recent experiments in animal models using coronavirus and nearly a hundred years of viral research show that lower viral doses usually means less severe disease.

No mask is perfect, and wearing one might not prevent you from getting infected. But it might be the difference between a case of Covid-19 that sends you to the hospital and a case so mild you don’t even realize you’re infected."

EXPOSURE DOSE DETERMINES THE SEVERITY OF THE DISEASE               

cont    https://www.inverse.com/mind-body/masks-breathing-in-less-coronavirus-means-you-get-less-sick

For those who cannot see the link search      inverse.com masks   



Offline SteveH

  • Management Board Member & Newsgroup Editor
  • *
  • Posts: 12989
Re: Covid 19
« Reply #288 on: September 05, 2020, 03:45:42 pm »
Leading Welsh doctor fears Covid-19 in young people could hit 'tipping point' and cause second wave

Dr David Hepburn fears the virus will spread to older people


David Hepburn, a consultant in the intensive care unit at the Royal Gwent Hospital in Newport, said he was concerned that recent low levels of hospital admissions would not continue if the virus spreads back into older groups, he said: "What we can see nationally is that increased cases haven’t yet translated into hospital admissions

"I think the 'second wave' will start with widespread infection in the under-40s.
"We’ll reach a tipping point at some stage where it jumps back into the older population and we see another rise in deaths and hospital/critical care admissions.

"The behaviour in the under-40s and over-40s has been quite different in terms of lockdown.

In recent days, Public Health Wales has repeatedly blamed lack of social distancing among young people for mini clusters of coronavirus

Cont             https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/leading-welsh-doctor-fears-covid-18883757

Offline SteveH

  • Management Board Member & Newsgroup Editor
  • *
  • Posts: 12989
Re: Covid 19
« Reply #289 on: September 08, 2020, 03:49:49 pm »
Wales could face a "worst case scenario" second national lockdown, if coronavirus infection rates continue to rise.

That was the stark warning from Welsh Government health minister Vaughan Gething at a weekly briefing on the Covid-19 outbreak.

Lockdown restrictions have eased as infection rates dropped across the country over summer.

Mr Gething said: "We have seen a marked rise in the number of positive cases since the end of August - the majority of these are in people under the age of 40.

"This is being driven by people bringing the virus back with them from holiday abroad, people socialising more, but not following social distancing advice.

"We have seen an increase in house parties and indoor gatherings, over the summer. The virus being transmitted within households.

"If cases continue to rise unchecked in this way, we will eventually see a return to the situation we saw in April - high numbers of people being admitted to hospital and intensive care for treatment.

"And sadly we will see a rise in the number of people dying from coronavirus again."
Mr Gething said coronavirus appears to be likely a "milder illness" for most people aged under 40, Covid-19 still remained a "highly infectious" virus, where there was still no vaccine.

A wake up call to the whole country, to realise how serious the position is.            ref DP


Offline SteveH

  • Management Board Member & Newsgroup Editor
  • *
  • Posts: 12989
Re: Covid 19
« Reply #290 on: September 11, 2020, 10:19:08 am »
Here's a good idea............

Face masks to be made compulsory in shops and indoor spaces in Wales.

Face masks will become compulsory in shops and indoor spaces in Wales from Monday, the First Minister has said.

Mark Drakeford said the country has reached a threshold where 20 people in 100,000 are suffering from coronavirus.

But if the rate falls and Covid-19 is "effectively suppressed", the Welsh Government will revisit the issue, he said.

Wales will make indoor meetings of more than six people illegal from Monday, though children under the age of 12 will not count towards that total.

"Today, for the first time, we will go to a point where 20 people in 100,000 in Wales are suffering from coronavirus.

"That's the threshold we use for people to have to quarantine coming back into the UK and, having reached that threshold, today we will be making the use of face coverings mandatory in shops and enclosed public spaces in Wales.

"But if the figure falls in the future and the virus is effectively suppressed below that 20 threshold, then once again we will be able to revisit that advice."

Full story   ref Pioneer  https://www.northwalespioneer.co.uk/news/18713641.face-masks-made-compulsory-shops-indoor-spaces-wales/

Offline SteveH

  • Management Board Member & Newsgroup Editor
  • *
  • Posts: 12989
Re: Covid 19 ................... local hospitals... case numbers
« Reply #291 on: September 12, 2020, 11:45:26 am »
Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board have issued a statement this afternoon 11thSep outlining the current situation at hospitals in North Wales in connection to coronavirus.

Interim Executive Director of Nursing and Midwifery at Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, said: “We have seen no new outbreak cases in the last 35 days among inpatients at Wrexham Maelor Hospital. As of this morning there are currently nine recovering COVID-19 cases at the hospital.”

“We have seen an increase in cases at Glan Clwyd Hospital over the last week. We are currently managing 14 confirmed COVID-19 cases there, as well as a small number at Colwyn Bay and Llandudno Hospitals.”

“A programme of staff and patient testing is underway. Universal screening is in place for all patients admitted to hospital. All patients who have tested positive are being appropriately isolated, in line with Public Health Wales’ policy on infection prevention and control measures.”

Offline SteveH

  • Management Board Member & Newsgroup Editor
  • *
  • Posts: 12989
Re: Covid 19
« Reply #292 on: September 18, 2020, 02:52:57 pm »
It is strange in situations like this, that they can still travel outside the affected area.                 

Coronavirus LIVE: Updates as Merseyside, parts of Cheshire and Lancashire to go into local lockdown
The UK government has confirmed the restrictions are being brought in.

New local lockdown restrictions have been confirmed for parts of North West England.

The measure for Merseyside, Warrington and Halton in Cheshire and Lancashire (excluding Blackpool and Greater Manchester), will come into forced on Tuesday, September 22.
The government decisions have been made in close collaboration with local council leaders.

13:31
Can people from lockdown regions travel elsewhere?
Residents in Merseyside, Warrington, Halton and Lancashire (excluding Blackpool and Greater Manchester) will have to follow new restrictions from Tuesday.

While the Government has advised avoiding public transport or any sporting venues with spectators.

The Liverpool Echo reported that the new restrictions do not prohibit travel.

https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/coronavirus-live-updates-merseyside-parts-18956824

Offline SteveH

  • Management Board Member & Newsgroup Editor
  • *
  • Posts: 12989
Re: Covid 19
« Reply #293 on: September 25, 2020, 03:17:25 pm »
Coronavirus outbreak at North Wales hospitals sees control team set-up to halt spread of virus
23 patients at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd, Colwyn Bay and Llandudno hospitals have been infected with Covid-19


Since August 31, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) have recorded 23 patients with Covid-19.

This includes Ysbyty Glan Clwyd, Colwyn Bay and Llandudno hospitals.

Health board is urging people to only visit hospital when “absolutely necessary” and are reminding people that all visitors and staff must wear a face mask.

https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/23-covid-cases-recorded-hospitals-18973940


Offline SteveH

  • Management Board Member & Newsgroup Editor
  • *
  • Posts: 12989
Re: Covid 19.............‘Protect the NHS’
« Reply #294 on: September 28, 2020, 10:36:58 am »
WALES’ Health Minister is urging the public to help ‘Protect the NHS’ and keep services clear for those who need them most.

Across Wales, health boards and the Welsh Ambulance Service are seeing a return of pre-lockdown behaviour and demand for services.

In anticipation of what will be a uniquely challenging winter with the added effects of COVID-19, people are being asked to help protect vital services for those in most need by accessing alternative services rather than their Emergency Department when their complaint is neither life-threatening nor serious.

Welsh health boards are reporting that around 20 to 30 per cent of patients who present at Emergency Departments could be better treated elsewhere or in a different way.

As part of the Protect the NHS drive, people are being advised to order prescriptions seven days before they’re due; use their local NHS pharmacy and GP service for minor illnesses or injuries, visit the 111 / NHS Direct Wales website or phone them for free health advice through online symptom checkers for minor ailments.

People should still attend hospitals when asked to do so to continue or review their treatment.

Hospitals have taken a range of appropriate measures to keep people safe, including treating people with COVID-19 or suspected COVID-19 in separate areas to those who do not have the virus to prevent the risk of it spreading.

People are also reminded that if they have COVID symptoms not go to their pharmacy, GP or local Emergency Department, but instead book a test through 119 and call 111 if symptoms persist or they can no longer cope at home.

Health Minister Vaughan Gething said: “It is imperative our Emergency Departments and emergency ambulances are kept for those who are in a life-threatening or serious condition.

"Even more so now our EDs have reduced space to ensure social distancing, not just for patients but for staff also.

“If someone has a health complaint that is worrying them and won’t go away, they can contact their pharmacy, opticians, contact the 111 website or phone service, local surgery or health centre to be assessed.

"Please save our Emergency Departments for those with serious complaints such as severe bleeding and burns, strokes or loss of consciousness.

“During the pandemic the people of Wales were exceptional at protecting these vital services by accessing 111 or NHS Direct Wales and we need to move back to this way of thinking.

“To say coronavirus has not gone away is an understatement. We all need to remember that our NHS staff and services are still under huge pressure. "That’s why it is even more important this year than ever that we can all do our bit by helping us to help you to access the right service, at the right time, to protect the NHS.”

Chief Executive of the Welsh Ambulance Service Jason Killens said: “With winter fast approaching and an apparent second wave of COVID-19 underway, it’s more important than ever that people make sensible decisions when accessing the NHS.

"As an ambulance service, we’ve seen a rapid return to pre-lockdown demand levels over the last couple of weeks, so we need the public to do their bit to reduce pressure on the emergency services.

"Our ambulance service exists to help people who are seriously ill or injured or whose life is in imminent danger.
“We need to reserve our precious resources for them, which one day might be you, your child, your parent, your spouse or your friend.

"If it’s not urgent or life-threatening, there are many, many alternatives to 999 that you can access.
"By doing this, you’re protecting yourselves, others and the NHS.”

Welsh residents are also urged to continue to keep Wales safe and prevent the spread of COVID-19 by:

• Always keeping a distance

 Washing hands regularly

• Working from home wherever possible

• Following local restrictions

• Following the rules about meeting people

• Staying at home if you or anyone in your extended household has symptoms

Offline SteveH

  • Management Board Member & Newsgroup Editor
  • *
  • Posts: 12989
Re: Covid 19
« Reply #295 on: October 01, 2020, 10:28:06 am »
A covid related point to ponder, I am not sure I understand what is being said in this statement from Robin Millar MP any thoughts ?


"Vaughan Gething said: “Unfortunately, we have seen a rise in coronavirus cases in four north Wales local authority areas – in Denbighshire, Flintshire, Wrexham and Conwy."

Robin Millar.... I agree. Local data shows a rise in Conwy.

However, "infections" (or positive tests) are not the same as "cases" (which in clinical terms means someone who tests positive AND displays symptoms). And "cases" are not the same as "hospitalizations" which are much more serious.

This is a really, really important point.

We now know that a lot more people have been INFECTED by the virus (about 7% of the total UK population since February, or less than one in ten). It affects some much, much more than others. Many will shield to take extra precautions."

Offline Blongb

  • Management board member
  • *
  • Posts: 1077
  • I love living in Llandudno.
Re: Covid 19
« Reply #296 on: October 01, 2020, 11:29:43 am »
A covid related point to ponder, I am not sure I understand what is being said in this statement from Robin Millar MP any thoughts ?

Our Politicians really ought to leave statements and predictions about Covid-19 to the Health Care professionals who after all are best qualified to advise us on what's going on. Or on the other hand we could always ask Donald Trump to let us know, after all he really understands what's what. :P 
Quot homines tot sententiae: suus cuique mos.
(There are as many opinions as there are people: each has his own view.)

Offline Ian

  • Administrator
  • Posts: 8949
Re: Covid 19
« Reply #297 on: October 01, 2020, 04:04:35 pm »
 _))* _))* _))* _))*
Nothing is so firmly believed as that which we least know.  ― Michel de Montaigne

Si hoc legere scis, nimis eruditionis habes.

Offline SteveH

  • Management Board Member & Newsgroup Editor
  • *
  • Posts: 12989
Re: Covid 19
« Reply #298 on: October 03, 2020, 11:00:51 am »
PEOPLE seeking treatment at Minor Injuries Units in Holywell, Llandudno and Denbigh are now being asked to telephone the unit before attending.

By calling ahead, staff at the MIUs can prevent unnecessary indoor waits, direct some patients to the fastest source of care, and prepare for patients who need treatment.

Units will continue to treat people in need of urgent treatment who are unable to call in advance.

Llandudno General Hospital
Hospital Road
Llandudno
LL30 1LB

Tel: 03000 850013

Disabled Access: Yes

Website: http://bcuhb.nhs.wales/health-services/health-services1/hospitals-and-health-centres/llandudno-general-hospital/

Summary
MIU is now operating on an appointment only basis.  Patients need to contact 03000 850 013 prior to attending to get an appointment.  Typically appointments will not be provided after 7.00pm. 

Offline SteveH

  • Management Board Member & Newsgroup Editor
  • *
  • Posts: 12989
Re: Covid 19
« Reply #299 on: October 08, 2020, 02:15:49 pm »
A member of staff at a Covid-19 drive-through testing centre has tested positive for the virus.

Staff at the Builder Street centre in Llandudno, Conwy county, have been told to self-isolate and the site was closed for "deep cleaning" on Tuesday.

A reserve team was deployed and the site reopened as normal, the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) said.

The number of staff who have been told to self-isolate has not yet been confirmed.

The DHSC said: "A member of staff reported having symptoms and has since tested positive.

"The positive test has been reported in the appropriate way."         ref BBC