Author Topic: General Covid 19 news  (Read 96117 times)

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Offline SteveH

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Re: General Covid 19 news
« Reply #615 on: December 27, 2021, 10:05:28 am »
To date 1,490,668 people have been given their booster jab in Wales. On Tuesday, December 21 a record 50,524 jabs were given in a single day.

Uptake of booster vaccines (according to PHW):

Care home residents: 86.9%
Care home workers: 71.5%
80 years and older: 85.9%
Healthcare workers: 81.6%
Social care workers: 37,888
75-79 years: 88.2%
70-74 years: 88%

Clinically extremely vulnerable 16-69 years: 52.3%
65-69 years: 85.5%

Clinical risk groups 12-64 years: 65.7%
60-64 years: 79%
55-59 years: 72.6%
50-54 years: 65.8%
40-49 years: 49.9%
30-39 years: 30.8%
18-29 years: 20.9%
16-17 years: 6.2%

Offline SteveH

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Re: General Covid 19 news
« Reply #616 on: December 29, 2021, 10:28:38 am »
Wales’ leading doctor has urged everyone to take steps to protect themselves from Covid-19 as case rates are surging to their highest levels in the pandemic.

Dr Chris Jones, Wales’ deputy chief medical officer, encouraged people across Wales to get their booster vaccine and follow measures to curb the spread of the virus.

The latest figures show case rates have risen sharply to more than 910 cases per 100,000 people – the highest levels since the start of the pandemic.

Some 6,000 new infections are being confirmed daily, the majority of which will be caused by the new Omicron variant.

More than 54% of adults in Wales have had their booster vaccine.

Dr Jones said: “We are seeing a rapid rise in Covid-19 cases caused by Omicron all over Wales. The majority of these are in younger people and we believe they would have been contracted before Christmas.

“This new variant is very transmissible – it spreads very quickly wherever people come together.

“Please take steps to protect yourself and your loved ones. This means wearing a face covering in indoor public places; keeping your distance from other people wherever possible and, if you can, reducing the number of people you meet regularly.


cont https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/majority-6000-new-daily-covid-22591087


Offline SteveH

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Re: General Covid 19 news
« Reply #617 on: January 04, 2022, 09:21:07 am »
Israel's top health adviser says the surge of Omicron cases could see the country reach Covid herd immunity.

Nachmann Ash said the country would pay a price for this and he wanted to see herd immunity achieved via vaccinations instead.

Modellers have warned that up to four million people could be infected by the end of January.

Prime Minister Naftali Bennett has admitted his current policy will not prevent a big rise in infections.

On Sunday, he said a fourth Covid-19 vaccine would be offered to people over 60 as well as medical staff.

The prime minister has previously insisted the aim is to prevent a spike in serious illness while keeping the economy open, even though he has not ruled out another lockdown.

Confirmed daily infections in Israel have quadrupled to more than 3,500 in 10 days, but the number of deaths has not seen a similar rise.

Herd immunity is a scientific term describing the point at which a population is protected from a disease, either by enough people being vaccinated or by people having developed antibodies by having the disease.

cont  https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-59853772

Offline SteveH

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Re: General Covid 19 news
« Reply #618 on: January 05, 2022, 02:50:34 pm »
THE Executive Medical Director of North Wales' health board is urging under 40's in the region to get their booster vaccines as Omicron cases continue to rise.

To date, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) has administered more than 374,000 booster jabs across North Wales.

This has provided important additional protection to 76 per cent of the eligible population.

However, they are now urging others under the age of 40 to come forward and get vaccinated. BCUHB say it is 'vital' they get many more people vaccinated in the coming days ahead of an anticipated peak in the number of Omicron cases towards the end of this month.

Executive Medical Director Dr Nick Lyons added: "In common with the rest of the country, take up booster jabs in North Wales is much lower than we would like among those aged under 40. I urge those in this age group to come forward without delay.

"Remember, two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine do not offer strong protection against symptomatic infection from the Omicron variant. A booster jab will build your antibodies – providing up to 70 per cent protection.

"Don’t be complacent at news that Omicron is a milder form of the COVID-19 virus. Getting your booster will reduce your risk of spreading the virus to those with weakened immune systems, for whom catching COVID-19 could have very serious consequences.

cont  https://www.northwalespioneer.co.uk/news/19824960.betsi-cadwaladr-urge-north-wales-residents-get-vaccinated/

Offline Hugo

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Re: General Covid 19 news
« Reply #619 on: January 06, 2022, 09:46:32 am »
Doctor's surgery in Rhyl targeted with anti-vaccination graffiti as patients waited for boosters
Graffiti has been daubed on several areas outside the building

https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/doctors-surgery-targeted-anti-vaccination-22658116

Offline SteveH

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Re: General Covid 19 news
« Reply #620 on: January 07, 2022, 10:07:33 am »
New figures show dramatic slump in Covid booster jabbing rates in North Wales
Experts are now concerned there is a booster deficit in the under 40s as the Omicron wave continues to rise

It is thought rising infection rates, and worries about possible side-effects during festive celebrations, contributed to the sharp decline.

NHS staff working over the Christmas week reported empty venues, prompting one jabbing chief to say the take-up was “quite disappointing”.

In the seven days to January 2, just 22,178 jabs were delivered in the region – less than half the weekly rate of the preceding fortnight.

In the two weeks leading up to Christmas Day, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Trust administered more than 105,000 vaccines.

“We know that many people weren’t able to have their vaccine because they currently have Covid-19 or they have tested positive within the last 28 days.

“Others may have delayed coming forward because of concerns about experiencing side effects over the Christmas period.

“Remember, side effects from the Covid-19 vaccine are usually very mild and not everyone gets them.”

This age group is now being asked to come forward “without delay”.

https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/new-figures-show-dramatic-slump-22670222

Offline SteveH

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Re: General Covid 19 news
« Reply #621 on: January 07, 2022, 02:04:22 pm »
CONWY County Borough Council has asked residents to look out for their neighbours and family during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.  ref pioneer

With COVID-19 cases increasing nationwide due to the Omicron variant, councils across North Wales are asking the public to keep an eye on elderly and vulnerable friends, neighbours and relatives, who may be ill themselves or their usual visitors are self-isolating.

Councillor Cheryl Carlisle, Conwy’s cabinet member for social care and safeguarding, said: “If people have neighbours, friends or relatives who are unwell or are left isolated, they are encouraged to contact them safely and see if they need help with shopping or other support.

“You may be the only person contacting them, so they will appreciate your kindness and consideration.

“The impact of self-isolation on those living alone or on vulnerable people can be very difficult.

“We want to make sure people do not feel vulnerable or isolated and encourage them to accept help from family, friends or those who are known to them.

“However, it is vital to ensure that, if someone is self-isolating due to COVID-19, not to come into close contact with them, so deliveries of food or medicines should be left on the doorstep.

“Contacting friends or relatives by phone or online is a good way to check on them without risking the virus spreading further.”

People are urged to help support the vaccination effort and can book online or attend designated drop in clinics to get their first, second or booster jabs.

The online booking service can be found at: www.bcuhb.nhs.wales/covid-19/covid-19-vaccinations/covid-19-booster-programme-online-booking.

Offline SteveH

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Re: General Covid 19 news
« Reply #622 on: January 11, 2022, 09:57:48 am »
Here's where you can get your first, second or booster jabs this week in Conwy.

The Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board has announced some of its local drop-in clinics for this week. These clinics do not require bookings.

You can attend any of these drop-in clinics to get your first, second or booster dose of the vaccine.

Here are the Covid-19 vaccination clinics this week:

Coed Pella, Colwyn Bay are offering the first and second dose for aged 12+, and the first dose, second dose and the booster to those aged 18+.This clinic will run on Tuesday 11 January from 9:30am-6:30pm and Wednesday 12 January from 9:30am-6:30pm.

Craig Y Don Medical Practice, Conwy, is offering the first dose, second dose and booster aged 18+ only. This clinic will run Wednesday 12 January from 10:30am-12pm.

Craig y don pharmacy, llandudno will offer the booster jab only for those aged 18 on Tuesday 11 January to Friday 14 January 9am-6pm.

Old Colwyn pharmacy are offering the booster jab only for those aged 18+ from Tuesday 11 January – Thursday 13 January 9am-6pm.

Gwynan Edwards Pharmacy Penmaenmawr, are offering the booster jab only for those aged 18+. The clinic is open Tuesday 11 January- Friday 14 January from 9am-6pm.

Kinmel Bay Community Centre are offering the first and second dose for those aged 12+, and the first, second and booster jabs for those ages 18+ on Tuesday 11 January from 9am-7pm.

Sector House, Llandudno, are offering the first and second dose for those aged 12+, and the first, second and booster jabs for those aged 18+ on Tuesday 11 January from 9am-7pm

Further information about COVID-19 vaccination eligibility for your first, second and booster dose can be found at: https://bcuhb.nhs.wales/covid-19/covid-19-vaccinations/covid-19-vaccination-eligibility/

Offline SteveH

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Re: General Covid 19 news
« Reply #623 on: January 12, 2022, 10:42:40 am »
Gill Harris, of Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB), said they were reducing the minimum second dose interval for those aged 12 to 17 from 12 to eight weeks.

"This is consistent with advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) and has been agreed at a national level," said Ms Harris.

"If you are aged 12-17 and it has been eight weeks since your first dose of the Covid vaccine, please don’t wait for an appointment invitation for your second dose.

"Please visit our webpage to find details of drop in clinics that are offering vaccination to this age group and come forward as soon as you are eligible."

In addition, she issued an update on vaccinating 5-11 year olds in clinical risk groups, or who are a household contact of someone who is immunosuppressed

"On 22nd December 2021, the JCVI recommended offering two doses of the Covid-19 vaccine to 5-11 year olds in clinical risk groups and those who are a household contact of someone who is immunosuppressed," Ms Harris said.

100,000 people eligible for a booster who have yet to come forward.

cont https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/important-changes-covid-vaccines-young-22720992?IYA-reg=a05105fc-304d-4c50-9807-edab51f779a4

Offline SteveH

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Re: General Covid 19 news
« Reply #624 on: January 13, 2022, 10:12:06 am »
A new type of lateral flow test is being sent out in Wales, the Welsh Government has confirmed.

The tests, which require only the nose to be swabbed -rather than the nose and throat- have been sent out for the first time in Wales over recent weeks.

With cases of the Omicron coronavirus variant at an all time high in Wales, people are being urged lateral flow tests (LFTs) before mixing with others.

But the new type of test has caused confusion for some

The nose-only testing kits work similarly to the nose and throat kits used in the past, but the newer tests contain a shorter swabbing stick, as a throat swab is not required.

cont  https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/new-lateral-flow-test-being-22713133

Offline SteveH

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Re: General Covid 19 news
« Reply #625 on: January 16, 2022, 11:49:47 am »
Experts have identified the 20 main symptoms of the Omicron variant of coronavirus, along with how long you’re likely to experience them.
The ZOE Covid Symptom Study  https://covid.joinzoe.com/data  has revealed its findings based on data submitted by more than 4.7 million people.

The study encompasses the largest reporting community on Covid globally and allows the gathering of precise information about the variants.
Users submit information about their experience with the virus, from symptoms to the person's location.

This doesn’t mean there aren’t other symptoms, but these were the most widely reported, according to the study.
On top of that, the symptoms seem to have come on faster, with a shorter incubation period too.

People with the Omicron variant are likely to get them within two to five days after exposure.

Professor Tim Spector, who’s worked on the study, said: "Over 50 per cent of people with a cold-like symptom have PCR proven Covid.
"It will be interesting to see if this changes when schools go back.

"It shows that the restrictions, social distancing, mask-wearing has had a greater effect on colds and flu than Omicron, which is even better at infecting us.

"It does suggest that these symptoms are of shorter duration than they are of Delta.
"People are having symptoms for a shorter amount of time, especially in that first week.

Top 20 Omicron symptoms:
Headache
Runny nose
Fatigue
Sneezing
Sore throat
Persistent cough
Hoarse voice
Other
Chills or shivers
Fever
Dizzy
Brain fog
Altered smell
Eye soreness
Unusual muscle pains
Skipped meals
Loss of smell
Chest pain
Swollen glands
Feeling down

Offline SteveH

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Re: General Covid 19 news
« Reply #626 on: January 19, 2022, 01:07:00 pm »
BETSI Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) has announced that it has now administered more than 1.5 million vaccinations to people living or working in North Wales.

In its latest vaccination update, BCUHB Executive Director of Integrated Clinical Delivery Gill Harris revealed that the significant milestone was reached this week.

She said: "This is a testament to the continued hard work and dedication of our staff and volunteers who have made the vaccination programme a success. We would like to once again thank everyone for their support on behalf of the people of North Wales.

"We have now administered a booster jab to more than 80 per cent of those eligible. All of this has been critical in our response to the pandemic so far to protect our communities and NHS services against COVID-19."

cont https://www.northwalespioneer.co.uk/news/19858310.1-5-million-vaccine-milestone-hit-north-wales/

Offline SteveH

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Re: General Covid 19 news
« Reply #627 on: January 21, 2022, 03:41:19 pm »
Experts explain why people should not try to catch Covid-19 on purpose
People have been warned the risk is much higher than any benefits they think they will get

Whilst most people have spent the past two years desperately trying to avoid Covid-19, there are now some that are actively attempting the opposite.

There is a growing belief that Covid is less and less of a threat, a mild illness that you can get over in a couple of days - but for some this is still not the case.

It was announced yesterday that Czech singer Hana Horka died from Covid after intentionally contracting the virus.
Her son told the BBC that she was unvaccinated and hoped to catch the virus so she could later get a recovery pass to access certain venues.

The truth is that Covid still presents a danger to people, particularly those that are unvaccinated.

Many refer to the so-called "chickenpox theory", believing that catching the virus will protect you in the long run.
Not only is this dangerous, but experts warn this will lead to many more unnecessary deaths.

Akiko Iwasaki, is a immunobiologist at the Yale University School of Medicine who studies viral immunity. She spoke to TIME and discussed why purposely catching Covid is a big risk.

She believes firstly there’s no way to predict how serious a case of Covid will be, secondly, vaccines and boosters already provide strong enough protection, and thirdly, every infection can set off a domino effect, affecting other people in potentially devastating ways.

“The risk-to-benefit calculation here is very clear to me. The risk is so much higher than whatever benefit you might reap.
“We know that the booster induces quite robust antibodies, even against Omicron. Why not get your immunity that way?”

Dr. Laolu Fayanju, a regional medical director in Ohio, says the idea of people catching Covid purposely puts "a chill up my spine".
Although Omicron on the whole is milder than other variants, it can still prove fatal.

cont https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/experts-explain-people-should-not-22827345

Offline Ian

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Re: General Covid 19 news
« Reply #628 on: January 22, 2022, 11:33:17 am »
Insanity, I'm afraid. The reason we've got Omicron is because viruses evolve all the time to improve their infectivity. Viruses that kill their hosts rapidly tend not to last too long, but one reason why the original Covid-19 was so lethal was because it combined extreme infectivity with a symptom-free early period.

There's an argument that the successful vaccination program has accelerated these evolutionary moves, but it's still too early to know whether it's on the wane or not. It's worth remembering that both the Spanish 'Flu and the Black Death died out because both ran out of hosts. Death is a very effective vaccination.
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 #629 on: January 24, 2022, 09:45:02 am »
Health Minister hints at what could happen with face mask rule in Wales
Eluned Morgan said the Welsh Government is assessing whether to keep the rule in place

On the BBC’ s Sunday Politics programme, Baroness Morgan was asked if that date would be too early to get rid of masks rules and end the need for Covid passes.........she hinted it might well be.

“We have got thinking to do before then and we will continue to be driven by the data and the science,” said Baroness Morgan.

“It is interesting to hear the World Health Organization say that wearing masks are something that people should consider for the longer term.

“We have got to assess how people feel about this, we have got to assess if the science supports it.”

cont https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/health-minister-hints-what-could-22847112?IYA-mail=a05105fc-304d-4c50-9807-edab51f779a4