General Covid 19 news

[SteveH]

Pupils who are supposed to be self-isolating to reduce the risk of coronavirus spreading have been spotted waiting outside schools in a Delta variant-hit county.

It's understood the youngsters were waiting to meet siblings - when they should be at home.

Now officials at Conwy County Borough Council are urging anyone ordered to self-isolate to stick to the rules.

cont  https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/do-not-leave-house-warning-20856969?IYA-reg=49560bcd-5a9c-47f0-8fc5-ba2e71710589

[SteveH]

PEOPLE in North Wales are being advised to socially distance, take up the offer of a vaccine, and self-isolate and get a test if they get Coronavirus symptoms as areas show significant increases in cases of the virus.

In Flintshire, the seven-day case rate is now 99.9, Conwy is 88.7, Denbighshire at 72.1 and Wrexham 51.5 cases per 100,000.

Cases in North Wales are now almost entirely made up of Delta variant.
The total number of Delta variant cases in Wales is 788, an increase of 209 since the last update on Monday 21 June.

The increase in North Wales is thought to be linked to travel across the porous border with the North West of England.

Dr Eleri Davies, an Incident Director, said: “Today, our dashboard shows cases of Delta cases now stand at 788 in Wales.

“The Delta variant is known to be most common variant in all new cases in Wales and is shown to be more easily transmitted from person to person than the previously dominant Alpha variant. This means we all need to take steps to keep ourselves safe and reduce the risk of transmission.

“Our advice is particularly relevant to people travelling to areas where there are known clusters of Coronavirus as community transmission of the variant is evident.

“We are seeing cases increase all over Wales but particularly in North West Wales where travel to and from England for work and leisure purposes is commonplace.

“Please be Covid aware when you travel. We are all very familiar with social distancing by now, but, by remaining at least two metres away from everyone else, washing our hands regularly, and wearing a face covering we can keep ourselves and our friends and family safe.

“Take up your offer of a vaccination when you receive it as the latest evidence shows that Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccines are both effective against the Delta variant after two doses.

“Ventilating indoor spaces is another effective way to reduce spread of infection, so by opening windows and doors, we can protect ourselves further.

“If you develop any symptoms, you must self-isolate and get a test if you or anyone in your household develop symptoms.

There is a Q&A on the Delta Variant (VOC-21APR-02) on the Public Health Wales website (FAQs: the Delta (VOC-21APR-02) Coronavirus variant - Public Health Wales (nhs.wales))

Public Health Wales is not currently reporting variants by health board, but can confirm that all health boards in Wales have reported cases.

[SteveH]

Worst case scenario Welsh Delta Covid wave to peak at 7,700 cases and 70 deaths A DAY, say experts

Latest modelling by scientists suggests this summer’s third Covid-19 wave in Wales could produce a daily peak in cases that’s almost three times higher than that seen at the height of last December's second wave.

In the worst case scenario, daily figures are predicted to peak at 7,700 Covid cases, 220 hospital admissions and 70 deaths in late July into August.

In reality, experts at Swansea University expect the third wave impacts to be somewhat below this gloomy forecast.
A best case scenario shows 700 cases per day with just 10 hospital admissions – and few, if any, deaths.

However this outcome is also thought unlikely.
Covid projections issued by Swansea University have a good track record for accuracy, and are used by the Welsh Government to guide policy decisions.

cont  https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/worst-case-scenario-welsh-delta-20941449


photo........The top, red-dotted line shows the number of daily cases in a Worst Case scenario. At the peak of the outbreak, this is almost three times more than at the peak of the second wave (upper grey dotted line) (Image: Swansea University)

[SteveH]

Neighbour just told me, good sized queue (100) outside VC waiting for their jabs   

Wales vaccine centres to open for walk-ins without appointments in 'no one left behind' effort
“It’s a great opportunity to drop in this weekend, get your vaccine and be protected”

Vaccination centres across Wales are set to open for walk-in jabs without an appointment from July 3.

While all adults should have already been offered a vaccine appointment, anyone who hasn’t had their dose can now walk into one of the selected centres and get it.

In North Wales all Mass Vaccination Centres will accept walk-ins at all times, while elsewhere in Wales walk-ins may only be available at select centre

The Welsh Government says it comes as 75% of people aged under 50 in Wales have now had their first Covid-19 jab.

Anyone over the age of 18 who hasn’t had their first jab is particularly encouraged to attend, as reported by Wales Online.

Meanwhile, the lifting of restrictions in Wales is currently on pause so more people can be vaccinated.

But Health Minister Eluned Morgan said in some cases people may have had to cancel or missed their appointments, and the government is keen not to leave anyone behind.

cont  https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/wales-vaccine-centres-open-walk-20953503

[SteveH]

The 5 reasons why Welsh scientists are still afraid of Covid as England heads to 'freedom day'
Despite vaccine rates improving, experts say the public should still be wary of the virus

cont  https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/5-reasons-welsh-scientists-still-20989448


The four main Covid symptoms reported by people who have been vaccinated, according to new research
The ZOE COVID Symptom Study shared new research at the end of last month which outlined the symptoms seen in vaccinated individuals who caught coronavirus

https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/uk-world-news/four-main-covid-symptoms-reported-20988166

[SteveH]

Coronavirus cases on Anglesey have soared in the last week due to social gatherings and workplace transmission.  ref DP

Anglesey’s Test, Trace & Protect team is currently responding to a hike in the Amlwch area.

"As restrictions are relaxed, it is vital that we continue to follow the guidance and stay safe.

Please remember to keep:
• social distancing (2m)
• washing your hands regularly
• wearing a mask when required
• ensuring your home or place of work is well ventilated."

[SteveH]

LIVE: Welsh Government host coronavirus press conference  Last updated: 1 min ago

Latest WG covid news  https://www.northwalespioneer.co.uk/news/19436231.live-welsh-government-host-coronavirus-press-conference/

[SteveH]

Major Covid-19 rule changes announced with plans to end most restrictions in August
Most rules are set to be lifted on August 7

Face coverings will continue to be required by law in most indoor public places and on public transport at alert level zero from 7 August, with the exception of hospitality settings.

cont  https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/major-covid-19-rule-changes-21050637

[Ian]

From Scientific American: "The worldwide covid-19 death toll has passed 4.05 million. The number of confirmed cases is more than 187.9 million, according to Johns Hopkins University, though the true number of cases will be much higher. According to Our World In Data, more than 2 billion people globally have received at least one dose of a covid-19 vaccine."

[SteveH]

I am getting the impression that a lot of people will continue with the three basic safety measures (masks/social dist. and washing hands), despite the rules being relaxed, nice to see some common sense.


EDUCATION staff have criticised the Welsh Government announcement that face coverings and contact groups or bubbles will not be necessary in schools from September.
cont  https://www.northwalespioneer.co.uk/news/19445283.school-staff-not-listened-to-face-coverings-set-scrapped-welsh-schools/

The National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC) has said that police will continue to wear face masks after Monday.
All forces have been advised that existing infection control measures should continue despite changes to restrictions coming in to place on Monday, July 19.

Delays as 'system error’ saw vaccine appointments double-booked by North Wales health board
Health chiefs said the error has been rectified and people should not be put off attending appointments
cont https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/delays-system-error-saw-vaccine-21062463?IYA-reg=49560bcd-5a9c-47f0-8fc5-ba2e71710589

[SteveH]

Government announces which Welsh children will get Covid jab - and why it won't be offered to all

Children over the age of 12 with underlying health conditions are to be offered a Covid-19 vaccine in Wales.

But there will be no universal vaccination of all young people aged under 18 - despite calls for children to be jabbed to prevent them getting Long Covid.

cont https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/government-announces-welsh-children-covid-21093930

[SteveH]

Ninety-one per cent of eligible adults in North Wales have now had their first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine, the health board has confirmed.

Almost 75% have also been fully vaccinated with both doses.

However, in spite of more and more people being vaccinated, concern remains that the number of visitors to the region over the summer holidays means it is "highly likely" to lead to a marked increase in cases of the Delta variant.

Gill Harris, Executive Director of Nursing and Midwifery said: "Despite the very warm weather, our vaccination clinics are continuing to welcome hundreds of people through their doors each day.

"It has taken a huge team effort to get to this point, and we are extremely grateful for the dedication and hard work of our vaccination staff, primary care contractors, volunteers, and staff in partner organisations.

"This week marks the start of the summer holidays and with news that North Wales is the UK’s most popular destination for holidaymakers, we expect the number of visitors to the region to be far in excess of that seen in previous years.

"This is already placing significant additional pressure on our services and it is highly likely to lead to a marked increase in cases of the Delta variant.

"The best way to protect yourself, your loved ones, NHS services and local businesses is to have both doses of the vaccine and continue to follow the latest public health advice."

This week the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has advised that children at increased risk of becoming seriously unwell with COVID-19 are offered the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine.                              ref DP

[SteveH]

Asda shopper at Welsh store says 'I’m from England, I don’t need to wear a mask'                   ref Walesonline
Coronavirus rules in Wales and England are different and has seemingly led to confrontations as a result — meanwhile Tesco insist they are still enforcing mask and social distancing rules after complaint

It's one example of face mask flashpoints reportedly taking place at supermarkets and other stores due to ignorance and confusion over the difference in rules in Wales and England — or shoppers blatantly ignoring the rules around face coverings in Wales.

The UK Government stopped making face masks mandatory in England on Monday, and dropped other rules on social distancing and capacity on the so called 'freedom day'. But mask laws remain in place in Wales for shops, healthcare, transport and hospitality, although they will be dropped for restaurants, pubs and cafes from August 7 under the current roadmap.

Cases in parts of Wales are high at the moment, with cases in north Wales especially high, with close links to the badly affected north-west of England a possible cause.

Conwy's seven day infection rate is over 350 per 100,000 while it is nearly 500 in Denbighshire, but vaccines have weakened the link between cases and serious illness and death. Concerns over mask use, or lack of it, has seen shoppers and stores criticised.

[SteveH]

Tourists 'already putting extra pressure on North Wales health services and boosting Delta spread'
Betsi Cadwaladr University Health board expect the number of visitors to the region in 2021 "to be far in excess of that seen in previous years"

The move has prompted calls for assurances that North Wales public services are being offered adequate support to deal with such an influx described as "far in excess" of previous years.

cont  https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/tourists-already-putting-extra-pressure-21125429

[Hugo]

Just when the country needs to be united certain idiots come out of the woodwork         
Hundreds of lockdown protesters chanting 'arrest Mark Drakeford' gather near First Minister's home
The protest follows several anti-lockdown and anti-vaccine protests across the UK

https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/hundreds-lockdown-protesters-chanting-arrest-21137285