Author Topic: General Covid 19 news  (Read 96113 times)

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Offline SteveH

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Re: General Covid 19 news
« Reply #570 on: October 18, 2021, 10:11:08 am »
Not my usual source of covid news, but some of this is informing.................

Highest daily infections in THREE MONTHS: Covid cases soar by 30% to 45,140 as winter draws in... but deaths drop 61% to 57 in space of a week
Officials at the Department for Health have confirmed there has been 45,140 new Covid cases recorded today
This marks increase of 30 % and there has also been 57 more deaths as of today bringing the total to 138,590

Britain's Covid outbreak grew again today as the number of daily cases soared by 30 per cent in the past seven days to 45,140 - the highest total since July - but deaths plummeted by nearly two-thirds from 148 to 57 in the space of a week. 

Official figures published by the Department for Health this afternoon also show that hospitalisations spiked by 12 per cent to 915 on Tuesday, the latest date data is available for. It was the highest daily admissions since September 15, when they reached 946.

cont / graphs  https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10100837/Highest-daily-infections-THREE-MONTHS-Covid-cases-soar-30-45-140-winter-draws-in.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490&IYA-mail=a05105fc-304d-4c50-9807-edab51f779a4

Offline SteveH

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Re: General Covid 19 news
« Reply #571 on: October 19, 2021, 10:33:15 am »
Soldiers, sailors and airmen start driving ambulances to ease 'extreme pressure' on Welsh NHS
It is the third time during the Covid-19 pandemic that the military has been called to support the Welsh Ambulance Service

https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/soldiers-sailors-airmen-start-driving-21896476


Offline Ian

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Re: General Covid 19 news
« Reply #572 on: October 20, 2021, 07:32:41 pm »
This is the most depressing news I think we've seen: 

"Nearly everyone in Iran has been infected by the coronavirus at some point during the covid-19 pandemic, and some have caught the virus more than once, but the country still hasn’t achieved herd immunity. Instead, Iran is seeing a punishing new wave of deaths driven by the delta variant.

Iran was one of the first countries after China to be hit by the pandemic, and it had a slow start to its vaccine roll-out. By July 2021, only about 3 per cent of the population was fully vaccinated against the coronavirus, according to Mahan Ghafari at the University of Oxford, although information from Johns Hopkins University in Maryland shows that proportion has now risen to about 23 per cent."

If herd immunity is proving difficult to achieve, the same could hold true for the vaccinated. And the news just gets worse.
Nothing is so firmly believed as that which we least know.  ― Michel de Montaigne

Si hoc legere scis, nimis eruditionis habes.

Offline SteveH

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Re: General Covid 19 news
« Reply #573 on: October 22, 2021, 10:22:13 am »
Health board bosses have issued an update on the flu and Covid vaccine booster roll out amid concerns over increasing pressures on the NHS.

While some people have had their flu and booster jabs, others have said they are still waiting.

Concerns have been raised nationally about the speed of the vaccine booster roll-out, as Covid cases continue to soar, but hospitalisations remain low compared to last year.


Health leaders have stressed the importance of getting the jabs, as the UK sees some of the highest coronavirus case rates in the world and fears of a tough winter ahead, for the NHS.

This week UK Government Health Secretary, Savid Javid, warned rates could go up to 100,000 a day, as he encouraged people to have the vaccine booster when offered.

In the meantime Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) has provided answers to queries over who is eligible for the jabs and when they can expect to get them.

Who is eligible for a flu jab?

The Chief Medical Officer for Wales has recommended the following priority groups for flu vaccination this winter:

• children aged two or three (age on August 31 2021)

• children in primary and secondary schools (reception to Year 11 inclusive)

• everyone aged 50 and over (age on March 31 2022)

• all people aged 16 to 49 years with underlying health conditions, including people with a learning disability or who are morbidly obese

• pregnant women

• health and care workers, and carers

• all adults resident in Welsh prisons

cont  https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/flu-covid-booster-jabs-available-21918811?IYA-reg=a05105fc-304d-4c50-9807-edab51f779a4

Offline SteveH

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Re: General Covid 19 news
« Reply #574 on: October 24, 2021, 04:39:01 pm »
Three things the Welsh Government is looking at to tackle Wales' rising Covid rates
Moving to a higher alert level is not currently under discussion, but other things are being considered, says the health minister

Wales is currently in the lowest level of restrictions, meaning all businesses are open.

That is now referred to as "Covid stable" by the Welsh Government, but the latest plan has a second stage called "Covid urgent".

That stage would mean a return to the alert level system and restrictions in Wales, but the First Minister is set to say that they would only be used "proportionately" and as a "last resort".

Mrs Morgan said a move to a higher level of restrictions was not being discussed at this time, but that other considerations would be looked at, including:

1. More people working from home.
2. How to get more people to wear face coverings indoors.
3. Covid Pass use being extended.

She said: "We will be looking to see how we can absolutely make the most out of the measures that we already have in place.

"Is there anything more we can do for example, around working from home, which we know makes a huge difference?

"Is there more we can do to make sure that people actually do wear their face coverings in public places indoors?

"And we'll be seeing if it may be necessary for us to roll out the vaccine passports to other situations.

cont  https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/three-things-welsh-government-looking-21955218

Offline SteveH

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Re: General Covid 19 news
« Reply #575 on: October 26, 2021, 01:39:31 pm »
THE director of the Welsh NHS Confederation has warned that Covid-19 is continuing to have a 'monumental impact' on the delivery of health and care services across Wales.

The Welsh NHS Confederation is the national membership body representing all the organisations that make up the NHS in Wales: the seven Local Health Boards, the three NHS Trusts, Digital Health and Care Wales, and Health Education and Improvement Wales.

Mr Hughes added that there are 'many factors at play' and that everyone must do 'all they can' to care for themselves and their families ahead of what looks like being a very difficult winter in Wales.

He added: "Covid-19 continues to have a monumental impact on the delivery of health and care services across Wales – as the prevalence of Coronavirus in our communities rises, this greatly reduces the NHS’ capacity to treat people. We need everyone to do all they can to care for themselves and their families.

"There are many factors at play; from staff absences because of Covid, or suspected Covid, more people on wards and in intensive care units needing treatment for Covid and so on. The social care system is also under unprecedented pressure, meaning the NHS is unable to discharge patients and therefore has much lower capacity to treat others, including those who may have been waiting for treatment for a long time.

"It’s important everyone does what they can to help this winter by looking after themselves, their friends and family, getting the flu jab and Covid booster when offered and using pharmacies and the NHS 111 online service for non-urgent healthcare.


"We also urge the public to take precautions where possible, such as wearing a face covering indoors in public places as well as staying at home and getting a test if you have Covid-19 symptoms.”

Offline Dave

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Re: General Covid 19 news
« Reply #576 on: October 27, 2021, 03:16:14 pm »
I'd like to see a faster roll out of booster jabs for covid, and as for flu jabs,we booked ours at a local pharmacy but when we got there we were told that they still hadn't had the go ahead to give them on behalf of the NHS so if we wanted one we'd have to pay. Not a problem for us and protection for £26 for both myself and my wife is well worth it but not everyone has a spare £26 and time is moving on and winter is with us now. We seem to have forgotten that on an average winter in the past around 10,000 die of flu!

Offline Ian

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Re: General Covid 19 news
« Reply #577 on: October 27, 2021, 07:17:25 pm »
It's tricky to get the precise figures for 'flu on its own, but in a particularly bad 'flu year on average around 30,000 people in the UK die from 'flu and pneumonia;  on average it's around 25,000 of which not quite 2000 die in Wales.

'Flu kills through Pneumonia, so the mechanism is akin to the SARS group of nasties.
Nothing is so firmly believed as that which we least know.  ― Michel de Montaigne

Si hoc legere scis, nimis eruditionis habes.

Offline SteveH

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Re: General Covid 19 news
« Reply #578 on: October 29, 2021, 10:19:42 am »
Mark Drakeford puts Wales on 'final warning' before Covid-19 curbs are reintroduced
Even now the First Minister is to extend the Covid Pass to cover theatres, cinemas and concert halls

Coronavirus rates in Wales are currently the highest in the UK and Mark Drakeford said the country is facing a “serious situation”.

In the meantime, “extra measures” will be introduced over the coming days and weeks.

Some self-isolation rules are changing, twice-weekly testing will be encouraged in schools and, from November 15, the Welsh Government’s Covid Pass scheme will be extended to include theatres, cinemas and concert halls (see below).

There will also be a renewed drive to encourage people to wear face coverings in shops.

Mr Drakeford said that, as far as a return to stricter restrictions were concerned, Wales was now in the last chance saloon.

He said: “Over the past three weeks, coronavirus cases have risen sharply to the highest rates we have seen since the pandemic began and more people are falling so seriously ill that they need hospital treatment.

“All this means that the pandemic is far from over.

“None of us wants to see a return to restrictions but if rates continue to rise, the Cabinet will have no choice but to consider raising the alert level at the next review.

“Let’s all work together as a team to reduce the spread of coronavirus and keep Wales open and keep Wales safe.”

cont  https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/mark-drakeford-puts-wales-final-22002471#comments-wrapper

there are 76 comments on this article ... here are the first two.........

1. I think that horse has bolted. No use shutting the stable door now. We’re not going back in!

2. Quicker the lockdown comes the better -
i note the number of people not following the wearing of masks indoor in rising - sainsburys in RHYl has now removed the one way entrance and exit - all fooor marking are being removed where are the local health authories checking these premisis in the area - not one cares any more -- public need to be locked down - PLEASE FOLLOW THE RULES - I WANT TO LIVE A BIT LONGER _ thank you

Offline llandudnotrust

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Re: General Covid 19 news
« Reply #579 on: October 29, 2021, 11:07:19 am »
How do you get one of these pass's in Wales. I've heard its a near impossible task.

Offline SteveH

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Re: General Covid 19 news
« Reply #580 on: October 29, 2021, 12:52:22 pm »
How do you get one of these pass's in Wales. I've heard its a near impossible task.

This is the government site, might be of help

Get your NHS COVID Pass...........  https://gov.wales/get-your-nhs-covid-pass

Offline SteveH

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Re: General Covid 19 news
« Reply #581 on: November 01, 2021, 10:29:32 am »
Concerns have been raised about a new Covid variant in Wales, which appears more transmissible and dangerous.

At a Welsh Governmentpress conference today, First Minister Mark Drakeford, said more than 2,000 people have already been identified, as infected with a new variant of the Delta strain.

It appears to be about 10% more transmissible and dangerous than the current Delta variant, which is the dominant strain in Wales.

Read more: Mark Drakeford on what could be behind 'serious' levels of covid in Wales

Mr Drakeford said: "We have identified around 2,000 cases of a new and possibly more transmissible form of the Delta variant, already here in Wales."

Later the First Minister was asked about the evidence showing whether it was more dangerous.

He said "preliminary" evidence showed it was more transmissible and did make people more seriously ill.

Although he stressed it was not at "hugely" increased levels - about 10% more than the current dominant Delta variant, compared to a 70% increase in transmissibility displayed by the Kent variant, when it emerged.

The First Minister said there would be more research conducted to support the findings.

cont https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/concerns-over-new-covid-19-22009247?IYA-mail=a05105fc-304d-4c50-9807-edab51f779a4#comments-wrapper

Offline SteveH

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Re: General Covid 19 news
« Reply #582 on: November 06, 2021, 09:54:22 am »
BETSI Cadwaladr University Health Board is recruiting additional vaccination staff to help get booster jabs into the arms of North Wales residents as quickly as possible this winter.

Permanent and temporary positions are available for registered vaccinators, vaccinator assistants, and vaccinator administrators with full time, part time, and bank (as and when) hours available in clinics across North Wales.

People from non-clinical backgrounds are being encouraged to apply – as training will be provided.

Those interested are invited to join the health board’s e-recruitment events, which are being held on November 15 via Microsoft Teams from 10am -12pm and 1pm - 3pm. The virtual event will provide an opportunity to speak to staff involved in the programme and find out more about the rewarding nature of working in the health board’s vaccination centres.

Following the events, attendees will be invited to apply online, with interviews held the following week. A fast-track recruitment process will ensure new staff can be introduced quickly.

Those who are interested in finding out more, but are unable to attend the virtual sessions are encouraged to register online using the same link – so details on how to apply can be emailed to them.

A reminder and a link to access the event on Microsoft Teams will be emailed closer to the time.

For further information on the Covid-19 Vaccination Programme, visit: https://bcuhb.nhs.wales/covid-19/covid-19-vaccinations

cont  https://www.northwalespioneer.co.uk/news/19698381.we-need-additional-staff-get-booster-jabs-quickly--says-bcuhbs-vaccination-lead/
 

Offline SteveH

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Re: General Covid 19 news
« Reply #583 on: November 07, 2021, 10:43:29 am »
Looks like the money spinning Anti Viral race is well under way, with another being announced, last week there was one for $4 dollars a course, then another for $700 dollars, now another for £500 pounds, great news for covid patients, and I appreciate research costs, but they do seem to be taking advantage excessively............

A pill to treat Covid developed by the US company Pfizer cuts the risk of hospitalisation or death by 89% in vulnerable adults, clinical trial results suggest.

The drug - Paxlovid - is intended for use soon after symptoms develop in people at high risk of severe disease.

It comes a day after the UK medicines regulator approved a similar treatment from Merck Sharp and Dohme (MSD).

Pfizer says it stopped trials early as the initial results were so positive.

The UK has already ordered 250,000 courses of the new Pfizer treatment, which has not yet been approved, along with another 480,000 courses of MSD's molnupiravir pill.

Health and Social Care Secretary Sajid Javid called the results "incredible", and said the UK's medicines regulator would now assess its safety and effectiveness.

"If approved, this could be another significant weapon in our armoury to fight the virus alongside our vaccines and other treatments," he said.

The Pfizer drug, known as a protease inhibitor, is designed to block an enzyme the virus needs in order to multiply. When taken alongside a low dose of another antiviral pill called ritonavir, it stays in the body for longer.

cont  https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-59178291

Offline SteveH

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Re: General Covid 19 news
« Reply #584 on: November 09, 2021, 02:23:10 pm »
Health minister gives update on coronavirus situation in Wales
By Matt Warner
Last updated: 1 hr ago

12:31pm
The Minister days the NHS in Wales is under 'amazing pressure'.
When asked if additional winter restrictions might be brought in, Ms Morgan said that "the public has a responsibility to take the pressure off the NHS".

There are currently 72 people in intensive care with Covid in Wales.

She said: "We'll be keeping an eye on the situation. It all comes down to whether the NHS will be overwhelmed.

"It is under amazing pressure at the moment, and the winter hasn't properly started."

12:32pm
Ms Morgan revealed some disappointment in the take-up of the flu jab in Wales.

She said: "The flu vaccination program is really important.

"We're slightly disappointed that not more people have taken up the opportunity, as a percentage compared to last year.

"We have extended that opportunity to a wider range of people this year as well."

cont  https://www.northwalespioneer.co.uk/news/19703806.health-minister-gives-update-coronavirus-situation-wales/