Author Topic: General Covid 19 news  (Read 96069 times)

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Offline SteveH

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Re: General Covid 19 news
« Reply #630 on: January 25, 2022, 03:04:15 pm »
About a million children in England - one out of every eight pupils - were off school last Thursday, as Covid-related absences rose.

The official figures also show staffing problems worsening, with a quarter of schools seeing teachers and leaders' absence rates above 15%.
Across England as a whole, about 9% of teachers were absent.

The government is loosening Covid restrictions in schools by no longer requiring pupils to wear masks.   &shake&

Of the one million pupils (12.6%) absent, 415,000 were out of school for Covid-related reasons.

Also on 20 January, 47,000 teachers and school leaders were absent - 3,000 more than two weeks previously - half for Covid-related reasons.

National Association of Head Teachers general secretary Paul Whiteman said: "Covid absence figures for pupils are the worst they have been this academic year.

"Schools are struggling to keep things running, with nearly 10% of their staff off, on average - but for some, this is much higher.

"Our members are repeatedly telling us that they are having to drop everything to find cover and that just keeping things going is a challenge."

cpnt  https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-60126783

Offline SteveH

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Re: General Covid 19 news
« Reply #631 on: January 27, 2022, 10:25:26 am »
The number of Americans dying each day from Covid-19 now stands as high as it did during the Delta variant's peak, a grim figure that experts believe will rise.

Statistics show that an average of over 2,000 people are dying from the virus in the US every day, roughly on par with the deaths seen in late September.

A large portion of the dead are older than 65 years old or unvaccinated.
But there are many more people in hospital now due to the virus than there were back then, due to much higher case loads.

The average daily number of new confirmed cases in the US far surpasses previous waves.

Why the higher death toll?
Dr Abraar Karan, an infectious disease doctor at Stanford University, told the BBC that the high death toll is largely a factor of the high hospitalisation rate, even if the symptoms of the Omicron variant are generally less severe than those of Delta.

"When you have a more transmissible virus, it would exponentialise the number of severe cases and deaths. Even if you have a low percentage of severe cases, the absolute number can still be quite high. A small percentage of a very large number is still a large number."

Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that a vast majority - as much as 75% - of those dying are older than 65.

cont https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-60133618


Offline SteveH

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Re: General Covid 19 news
« Reply #632 on: January 27, 2022, 02:06:46 pm »
2nd story today...

NORTH Wales' Health Board has confirmed that it has now vaccinated the last of its housebound residents living in the region.

Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) provided its latest vaccination update on Thursday, January 27.

It announced that, this week, staff had managed to vaccinate the last of the housebound residents in North Wales, ensuring that '100% of those more vulnerable people' are protected against COVID-19.

The statement from Gill Harris, Executive Director of Nursing and Midwifery, added: "With more than 1.5 million vaccinations already delivered to people living or working in North Wales, and more than 81 per cent of those eligible now having their boosters, we have made significant progress to protect our communities.

Gill Harris added: "You are always welcome if you change your mind to come forwards and be vaccinated, we still have the staff in place and vaccines available for people who haven’t had their first, second, third or booster doses.

"It is important to make sure you protect yourself, your families and our NHS services from COVID-19 so we would urge to book their appointments as soon as possible."

If you’re eligible for your first, second or booster dose, you can attend one of the drop-in clinics based across North Wales. You can also book an appointment online for some clinics or call 03000 840004.

cont https://www.northwalespioneer.co.uk/news/19878939.betsi-cadwaladr-vaccinates-last-housebound-residents/

Offline SteveH

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Re: General Covid 19 news
« Reply #633 on: February 05, 2022, 10:19:52 am »
PEOPLE across North Wales with symptoms of ‘Long COVID’ are now able to access support through a new service.

Long COVID Syndrome is defined as COVID-19 symptoms which persist for more than 12 weeks and are not explained by an alternative diagnosis.

The condition usually presents as multiple symptoms, often overlapping, which may change in time and can affect any system within the body.
The most common Long COVID symptoms include fatigue, breathlessness, palpitations, pain, problems with concentration and memory, and resulting low mood and anxiety.

The Long COVID Service aims to support patients experiencing the effects of the condition, which can significantly affect their ability to function in day-to-day life.

If patients suspect they have Long COVID, they can self-refer through the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) website (bcuhb.nhs.wales/covid-19/long-covid/long-covid-service-self-referral).

Alternatively, they can contact their GP practice to discuss their symptoms

“We have had a very large number of referrals in the short period since we launched our service, and we appreciate people’s patience at this time.”

Dr Rachel Skippon, consultant clinical psychologist and psychology lead for the Long COVID Service, added: “The Long COVID Service provides a range of support and clinical interventions individually tailored to patient needs.

"These include a pacing programme for fatigue management, support for better sleep, exercises and strategies for managing breathlessness, intervention for ‘brain fog’ issues such as memory and concentration difficulties, medication review and monitoring, pain management, help for low mood and anxiety; and support for the ways in which Long COVID is affecting people’s roles and responsibilities in their wider life at home and at work.”

cont https://www.northwalespioneer.co.uk/news/19900224.dedicated-long-covid-service-launches-across-north-wales/

Offline SteveH

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Re: General Covid 19 news
« Reply #634 on: February 07, 2022, 02:08:11 pm »
The UK has approved a fifth Covid-19 vaccine, developed by US company Novavax, which offers up to 89% protection against Covid illness.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency has said it is safe as a first and second dose in adults.

Millions of doses are being manufactured at a plant on Teesside.

Health Secretary Sajid Javid says independent scientists on the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation will now consider its use.

cont https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-60245736

Offline SteveH

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Re: General Covid 19 news
« Reply #635 on: February 15, 2022, 09:44:33 am »
Thousands of people in Wales are to be given access to a new antiviral medicine that can greatly reduce their risk of being hospitalised with Covid-19.

Clinical trials have shown that if Pfizer’s Paxlovid treatment is taken within five days of Covid symptoms developing, it cuts the risk of hospitalisation by 88%.

The medicine is initially being targeted at people who are at the greatest risk of becoming seriously ill if they test positive for the virus.

By the end of February, the treatment will also become available to people over the age of 50, and anyone aged between 18 and 49 with certain underlying health conditions.

Principal pharmacist at the National Antiviral Service, said: “Paxlovid has been shown to have a greater effect on reducing hospitalisation than the antiviral medicines we use already, and unlike antibody treatments it can be taken at home.”

cont https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/pfizers-new-pink-pill-rolled-23092840?IYA-mail=a05105fc-304d-4c50-9807-edab51f779a4

Offline SteveH

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Re: General Covid 19 news
« Reply #636 on: February 22, 2022, 09:55:20 am »
Over 75s and the most vulnerable people in society are being offered a fourth Covid-19 jab this spring.

The Welsh Government made the announcement today based on expert advice.

It comes as a virologist from the University of Cambridge suggested boosters are welcome but more research is needed to see how long they extend immunity to coronavirus.

Eluned Morgan MS, minister for health and social services, said the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has recommended, as a precautionary strategy, a second booster dose in the spring for:

Adults aged 75 years and over
Residents in a care home for older adults
Individuals aged 12 years and over who are immunosuppressed

She said: "As we know, getting vaccinated is the best course of action people can take to protect themselves from Covid-19 and it is pleasing to note that 70% of those eligible have now received a Covid-19 booster dose in Wales.

"Every vaccine given helps to keep Wales safe.

The health minister pointed out that it is not too late for anyone who needs a first, second or booster dose to be vaccinated.

cont https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/fourth-covid-jab-offered-over-23171305

Offline SteveH

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Re: General Covid 19 news
« Reply #637 on: February 24, 2022, 09:22:24 am »
WORK is in progress to integrate Wales’ Covid-19 vaccination rollout with existing immunisation programmes, the Health Minister has announced.

A National Immunisation Framework is part of the Welsh Government’s updated coronavirus vaccination strategy, published today (FEB24), which sets out its plans for 2022.

The framework is being designed and developed at pace, with the ambition of delivering world leading outcomes in vaccine preventable diseases.

It will cover all of Wales’ vaccination programmes including Covid-19 and flu and aims to encourage high levels of uptake, reduce mortality, ensure equity of access and opportunity, effective deployment and provide value for money.

cont https://www.northwalespioneer.co.uk/news/19946960.covid-vaccine-rollout-integrated-existing-vaccine-programmes-wales/

Offline Hugo

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Re: General Covid 19 news
« Reply #638 on: February 27, 2022, 04:11:00 pm »
John Toshack: Former Real Madrid, Swansea and Wales manager in hospital with Covid-19.     

  Covid hasn't gone away and we all still need to be careful


https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/60545590

Offline SteveH

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Re: General Covid 19 news
« Reply #639 on: March 07, 2022, 03:01:18 pm »
UK experts say they have found another life-saving drug that can help people ill with Covid.

The anti-inflammatory baricitinib is normally used to treat rheumatoid arthritis.

Trials suggest it can cut death risk by about a fifth in patients needing hospital care for severe Covid.

It could be used with other Covid treatments, such as the cheap steroid dexamethasone, to save even more lives, researchers say.

The NHS may soon recommend baricitinib based on these new results. A 10-day course of the pills costs around £250, although the NHS may be able to negotiate a discount.

Although vaccines have been doing a great job at cutting infections and protecting lives, some people will still catch and become very sick with Covid.

And the Recovery trial has been testing existing medications on Covid patients to see if they help.

It has already identified dexamethasone, tocilizumab and a treatment called Ronapreve - discoveries that have changed clinical practice worldwide and been credited with saving hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of lives, experts say.

And now it appears some very ill Covid patients, including those on ventilators, fare much better if they receive baricitinib.

The benefit was on top of other proven life-saving Covid drugs.

cont https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-60601750


Offline Ian

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Re: General Covid 19 news
« Reply #640 on: March 14, 2022, 10:56:17 am »
Depressingly, the percentage of people estimated to test positive for coronavirus (COVID-19) rose in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland in the week ending 5 March 2022.  More depressingly (and as yet unconfirmed by SA, Nature, NS) French Scientists have confirmed the existence of a new COVID-19 variant that combines mutations from both omicron and delta variants for the first time, and there are reported cases in both Europe and the U.S.

The new hybrid variant, unofficially dubbed "deltacron", was confirmed through genome sequencing performed by scientists at IHU Méditerranée Infection in Marseille, France, and has been detected in several regions of France, according to a paper posted to the preprint database medRxiv on Tuesday (March 8). Cases have also been found in Denmark and The Netherlands, according to the international database GISAID. Separately, two cases have been identified in the U.S. by the California-based genetics research company Helix, according to Reuters. In addition, about 30 cases have been identified in the U.K., according to The Guardian.
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 #641 on: March 14, 2022, 03:04:47 pm »
We have to hope the severity of the variant is not greater than the present strain, and our vaccines protect against it, but as usual I will continue to be extra careful.

Today's stats, all 6 counties percentages are up, and the Zoe tracker earlier this week, showed all age groups rising.


Offline SteveH

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Re: General Covid 19 news
« Reply #642 on: March 15, 2022, 02:53:22 pm »
The 'Deltacron' situation in Wales as hybrid Covid strain detected in the UK
Currently, Omicron remains the dominant variant in Wales

The ‘Deltacron’ variant was first detected in January, according to Wales Online. Since then cases have been recorded in France, the UK, and the United States. Scientists believe that the strain first developed after someone became infected with both Delta and Omicron at the same time.

This caused their cells to replicate together for a new hybrid strain. Researchers say the "backbone" of Deltacron is derived from Delta, but its spike protein - which allows the virus to gain entry to human cells - originates from Omicron.

However, there are currently only a small number of recorded cases in the UK. Unfortunately, the small number of cases means there is very little data to predict the variant's transmissibility, vaccine effectiveness, or severity.

Scientists are now attempting to gather any data they can to draw these conclusions. Dr Meng Khaw, national director for health protection and screening services at Public Health Wales, said the NHS trust kept new and emerging variants of coronavirus "under constant review".

full story  https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/deltacron-situation-wales-hybrid-covid-23393451

PS "Scotland's rules on face coverings in shops and on public transport will remain in place until April due to a rise in cases of Covid-19.
All other restrictions on businesses and services are to move from legal requirement to guidance from 21 March.
But the First Minister said it would be "prudent" to keep mask rules in place"

Offline SteveH

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Re: General Covid 19 news
« Reply #643 on: March 22, 2022, 10:10:06 am »
The Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board has advised that it is now starting to roll out second booster jabs to those who are eligible.

Residents in care homes for older adults and those aged over 75 who are housebound will be vaccinated first and invitation letters will then be sent to other adults aged 75 and over, and those aged over 12 years old who are immunosuppressed.

Please note that there is no need for people eligible for a second booster dose to contact their GP or the Health Board. You should be contacted directly when it is your turn.

The Health Board is encouraging parents of healthy children aged 5-11 to book a vaccination appointment for their child by calling the COVID-19 Vaccination Contact Centre on 03000 840004. Lines are open 8am-6pm Monday to Friday and 9am-1pm on Saturdays and Sundays.

In addition to the above, the Health Board is still asking people to come forward for their first, second and booster jabs. These can be accessed without appointments by calling into drop in clinics across the region. You can find your nearest drop in clinic here......

https://bcuhb.nhs.wales/covid-19/covid-19-vaccinations/covid-19-vaccination-drop-in-clinics/

Offline SteveH

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Re: General Covid 19 news
« Reply #644 on: March 29, 2022, 10:17:56 am »
A couple of interesting articles with for and against comments re the use of masks after the law changed...........

Decision to end the need to wear face masks in shops from tomorrow divides opinion
Readers are split between following the new law or remaining cautiously covered up

So perhaps it's no surprise that many readers will continue to don masks even after they no longer need to be worn by law from tomorrow with the likes of Asda, Morrisons and Sainsbury's following the Welsh Government requirement. Many people, though, are glad to ditch facemasks and move on.

cont https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/decision-end-need-wear-face-23515057?IYA-mail=a05105fc-304d-4c50-9807-edab51f779a4

Doctor on why so many people have ‘super colds’ this Spring
People are reporting a range of symptoms yet testing negative for Covid

"In our practice, I think we have seen an increase in people coming in with flu or cold-like symptoms.
"It's felt like more than usual for this time of year and there seems to be quite a high occurrence.

"But my gut feeling is that this is coming from people mixing with no barriers again. People are mixing and spreading bugs they haven't for a while. We've been protected from that over the past few years and our immune systems aren't quite used to it.

cont https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/doctor-many-people-super-colds-23523297