General Covid 19 news

[SteveH]

Second story today...see previous page......

Latest vaccine update from BCUHB: Significant delays to the UK’s Covid vaccine supply addressed

ABOUT 100,000 vaccinations have been administered in North Wales this week.

Ffion Johnstone, West area director at Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB), said: "This week, with a reduced supply, we will pass the milestones of providing 300,000 first doses and 400,000 total vaccinations.

"Because of significant delays to the UK’s Covid vaccine supply, from early April we will receive less vaccine than we had planned for.

"As a result, first dose appointment invitations for people in Priority Groups Six to Nine may arrive later than we had indicated in our update on March 16. Appointments for second doses are unaffected."

cont  https://www.northwalespioneer.co.uk/news/19183507.latest-vaccine-update-bcuhb-significant-delays-uks-covid-vaccine-supply-addressed/

[Hugo]

Just when you see a drop in Covid cases in Anglesy this happens.   Coronavirus warning issued to four close communities amid 'worrying' rise in cases
Gwynedd Council has urged people living in the Caernarfon area to take 'special care' due to the spike in cases

https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/coronavirus-warning-issued-four-close-20267472

[SteveH]

A simple family visit............................. ?

Nine infected with Covid after four Welsh households attend Mother's Day get-together
Three school year groups, a local business and child and adult care settings have all been affected following the event in Newport

t is understood that some of the people linked to the party in Newport have since been admitted to hospital.

The Welsh Government confirmed that the nine people infected were from four separate households.

A spokesperson said: "A cluster of cases associated with a family event on Mother’s Day has been identified by Environmental Health teams in Newport.

cont https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/nine-infected-covid-after-four-20266410


2nd story 

Medics at a North Wales hospital are continuing to treat Covid-19 patients weeks after an outbreak was declared.

Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board has confirmed there are currently 14 patients at Ysbyty Gwynedd in Bangor who have coronavirus, with a "small number" of these infections acquired in hospital.

There are also 29 further patients who have previously tested positive for the virus and are still in hospital recovering.

And people are now being reminded that patients are still being admitted to the hospital after catching Covid-19 as restrictions begin to ease.

Alyson Constantine, acute care director at Ysbyty Gwynedd, said: “As restrictions are relaxed further across Wales this weekend, we must remember that Covid-19 still remains a significant risk and we must continue to remain vigilant.

https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/ysbyty-gwynedd-issues-update-covid-20267236

[Ian]

Very interesting article in Scientific American, yesterday, which drew parallels between the 1918 'flu pandemic and the current one.

[SteveH]

Very interesting article in Scientific American, yesterday, which drew parallels between the 1918 'flu pandemic and the current one.

https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/people-gave-up-on-flu-pandemic-measures-a-century-ago-when-they-tired-of-them-and-paid-a-price/

Very interesting, a good case of learning by our mistakes, but as usual we choose to ignore them.

I think the ending needs to be shared..........

"And today’s Americans have significant advantages over those of a century ago. We have a much better understanding of virology and epidemiology. We know that social distancing and masking work to help save lives. Most critically, we have multiple safe and effective vaccines that are being deployed, with the pace of vaccinations increasingly weekly.

Sticking with all these coronavirus-fighting factors or easing off on them could mean the difference between a new disease surge and a quicker end to the pandemic. COVID-19 is much more transmissible than influenza, and several troubling SARS-CoV-2 variants are already spreading around the globe. The deadly third wave of influenza in 1919 shows what can happen when people prematurely relax their guard."

[SteveH]

It is peoples choice to accept or decline the invite for vaccination, but to fail to turn up without cancelling their appointments, is selfish and
completely wasteful.   

Hundreds fail to turn up for vaccine appointments on one day alone in part of Wales
A total of 1,750 appointments were scheduled but almost 500 people didn’t show up

 "Today, more than a quarter of those scheduled to have the Covid vaccine in our Mass Vaccination Centres failed to turn up.

"Out of 1,750 appointments, 492 were classed as DNA (did not attend). That’s 28%. The vaccination is safe, effective and one of the ways we will overcome this pandemic.

"We urge everyone invited to attend their appointment. If you can’t make it or don’t want the vaccine, PLEASE let us know.

cont  https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/hundreds-fail-turn-up-vaccine-20285427

[SteveH]

Continuation of above story....More waste

100 Covid-19 vaccine appointments missed at North Wales Rainbow Hospital over one weekend
People in their 40s are now being offered the coronavirus jab as a result of the spare capacity

Ysbyty Enfys Bangor, a temporary hospital set up in the Brailsford Centre at Bangor University, Gwynedd was forced to try to fill in vaccination slots at the last minute, with many going to waste as a result.

A further 90 appointments were missed on Monday (March 29), the Arfon (GP) cluster Facebook group posted.

cont   https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/100-covid-19-vaccine-appointments-20290477

[SteveH]

The Welsh Government has said everyone in the top nine vaccine priority groups should have been offered a jab by this weekend.

First Minister Mark Drakeford said they were on course to offer everyone in these groups a vaccine appointment by Saturday, April 3.

This means everyone over 50 and all "at risk" individuals aged 16 years to 64, including adult carers, will have been offered their jab within the next two days.

The Welsh Government has said these groups, including groups vaccinated earlier in the year, represent around 99% of preventable deaths from Covid-19.

Speaking to BBC Radio Wales, Mr Drakeford said: "I'll be able to say today that on Saturday we will complete the vaccination offer to everybody in the top nine priority groups - again the first country in the UK to get to that milestone.

cont  https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/welsh-government-announces-major-vaccine-20300702


What to do if you've missed your vaccine appointment or haven't been called up yet
Don't panic - all is not lost

There could be a number of reasons behind why these appointments were missed in the first place.
People may have had difficulty to travelling to their GP or closest vaccination centre, they may have mixed up the date or the appointment may have simply slipped their mind altogether.

cont  https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/what-youve-missed-your-vaccine-20299457

[SteveH]

AS THE Easter weekend approaches local authority leaders and healthcare staff are urging the public to continue to adhere to current restrictions to prevent further spread of Covid-19.

Following the relaxation of restrictions across Wales, the public are being urged to take extra care when enjoying the outdoors and remain vigilant by following the guidance in place.

The public are also reminded to use healthcare services wisely and to only visit the Emergency Department if absolutely necessary.

“If you are venturing out this weekend please take extra care and if you are injured and it’s not life-threatening, please consider your local Minor Injury Unit.

“If you begin to feel unwell and it’s not an emergency you can contact our GP Out of Hours service or visit your local Pharmacy, many are open over a Bank Holiday Weekend.

“While we all want to enjoy the outdoors now restrictions have been lifted we must remember to look after each other and our communities.

“It means we all need to continue to follow the basic steps to keep us all safe while we’re out and about – keeping our distance from others; avoiding crowds; washing hands regularly and wearing face coverings.”

cont  https://www.northwalespioneer.co.uk/news/19206515.public-urged-cautious-use-healthcare-services-wisely-easter-weekend/

[SteveH]

THE third Covid-19 vaccine is being rolled-out across Wales from today (Wednesday) with patients in Carmarthenshire becoming the first in the UK to receive it.

The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) authorised the Moderna vaccine as safe and effective in January 2021 following stringent clinical trials.

Supplies arrived in Wales yesterday with 5,000 doses being sent to vaccination centres in the Hywel Dda University Health Board area.
The first doses will be administered at the West Wales General Hospital in Carmarthen today.

The Moderna vaccine is a two dose vaccine given at an interval of between four and 12 weeks.

“If people cannot attend their appointment we ask them to let the health board know via the contact details provided in their invitation as this vaccination slot can be offered to someone else rather than be wasted.

“Once you have been vaccinated, you should continue to follow guidance, staying two metres apart, washing your hands and wearing a face covering to protect those around you.

"I also want to thank the 1.5 million people in Wales that have already come forward for their vaccine and done their bit in this national effort.”

ref Pioneer

[SteveH]

Coronavirus warning issued after spike in cases in Conwy county

Councils have sent out a coronavirus warning after a spike in covid cases in Conwy county.

Health officials are urging people in the area to be on the look-out for symptoms after an increase in cases in Abergele and surrounding areas.

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Abergele Town Council sent a letter to locals with "information regarding increase in coronavirus cases in the Abergele, Kinmel Bay, Towyn and Pensarn areas".

It reveals that NHS Wales Test, Trace and Protect staff have been informed about "a number of confirmed cases" in these towns.

It goes on: "Conwy Council, Public Health Wales and NHS Wales Test, Trace and Protect are working closely together to ensure that all the appropriate measures are in place to protect the communities in these areas and to ensure that all the appropriate measures are in place to protect learners and staff.

"As well as being alert for any standard symptoms of COVID-19 we are asking people to be vigilant for the following symptoms:

cont  https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/coronavirus-warning-issued-after-spike-20340048?IYA-reg=49560bcd-5a9c-47f0-8fc5-ba2e71710589

[SteveH]

A "significant" cluster of the South African Covid-19 variant has been found in two areas of south London where surge testing has been implemented.

Wandsworth and Lambeth will see additional testing after 44 confirmed and 30 probable cases were identified.

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) called it the "largest surge testing operation to date".

All identified cases are isolating or have completed their isolation and their contacts have been traced.

Dr Susan Hopkins, chief medical adviser for NHS Test and Trace, said the number of cases was "significant" and stressed it was "really important people in the local area play their part in stopping any further spread within the local community".

cont  https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-56726553

[SteveH]

New testing advice for people who can't work from home - what you need to know         ref DP
Lateral flow tests will be offered to people who need to be in the workplace

Anyone who cannot work from home is being advised to use lateral flow self-testing kits as they are rolled out across Wales.

The rapid coronavirus testing kits will be available to collect from local test sites across Wales from Friday this week, with other sites in the country also being looked at as pick-up places.

The Welsh Government is also looking at delivering them directly to people's homes.
Health minister Vaughan Gething said: "It is important that testing is made as convenient and accessible as possible.

"We are especially keen for self-test kits to be used by people who cannot work from home so they can undertake regular testing.
"This will help to keep them and their families safe.

“We know that up to one in three people who have coronavirus have no symptoms at all and can therefore spread it unknowingly.

"As we continue to ease restrictions, the routine testing of asymptomatic people will be imperative in our battle against the virus.”

The Welsh Government said it was hoped that improving the availability of lateral flow tests will make regular asymptomatic testing for coronavirus more convenient and accessible for people not covered under existing schemes at workplaces, childcare settings, schools, colleges and universities.

At each testing site people will be able to collect the rapid lateral flow tests between 8am and 1pm.
They will not need to make an appointment before collection.

Sites will close for a deep clean and re-open for symptomatic PCR testing between 2pm and 8pm each day.

Each person will routinely be able to collect two packs of seven lateral flow self-test kits for home use.

It is recommended that tests are undertaken twice a week with the results recorded on the UK Government portal.



BBC report  https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-56746340

[SteveH]

Update on above story......

BCUHB https://bcuhb.nhs.wales/covid-19/lateral-flow-self-test-kits/   Lateral Flow Self-test Kits information and video


It would appear Conwy county does not have a pick up point at the moment .......... https://www.northwalespioneer.co.uk/news/19232880.rollout-rapid-covid-19-test-kits-north-wales-testing-site-locations/

[SteveH]

The difference between LFD and PCR Covid tests - as lateral flow testing becomes more widely available
Rapid lateral flow tests are now available widely in England and to those working from home in Wales

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests have been widely used by the NHS during the Covid-19 pandemic.
They involve taking a swab of the inside of the nose and the back of the throat using a long cotton bud.
This allows a sample of ribonucleic acid (RNA) to be collected, which can carry the virus' generic code.
It's then sent to a laboratory for analysis which includes heating and cooling the RNA so that it multiples.
Scientists are then able to detect whether the virus is present in the sample of the person being tested.
The results of PCR tests are usually issued the following day though it can sometimes take up to 3 days.

Rapid lateral flow tests aren't sent to a laboratory for analysis, considered a "fast and simple" method.
They can detect proteins - often referred to as antigens - that are present when a person has Covid-19.
A lateral flow device (LFD) is used, similar to a pregnancy test, which can be done in the person's home.
A sample is taken from the nose and the back of the throat using a swab, similar to a PCR test, but the swab is then dipped into extraction solution and this is then dripped onto the device's absorbent pad.

This produces the reaction that gives the result, evident by the pad changing colour if Covid-19 proteins are present - with a result visible on the device 30 minutes after the sample is applied.

A line at the top of the testing strip - by 'C' - indicates a negative result. Two lines, one by 'C' and one by 'T,' refers to a positive result. A single line by 'T' indicates a void reading.

Although this form of testing is quicker than PCR testing, there have been concerns over its accuracy, with Sky News reporting that initial tests of LFDs only detected 77% of positive cases.


Full article  https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/uk-world-news/difference-between-lfd-pcr-covid-20417030