General Covid 19 news

[SteveH]

The latest estimates from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) suggest one in 37 people in the UK has coronavirus, a rise from one in 50 the week before.

Experts warn of a "notable rise" in older people in England and Wales.

They say vaccines are the best defence against the virus and urge people aged 50 and over and others eligible for booster jabs to get them.

There are fears of a flu and Covid "twindemic" this winter.

Sarah Crofts, deputy director for the ONS Covid survey, said there was a need for close monitoring as we moved through colder months.

She added: "Infections have risen again across much of the United Kingdom, continuing the pattern of steady increases seen over recent weeks, although Scotland and the North East of England had uncertain trends in the latest week."

cont https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-63257722

[SteveH]

Time is running out for hundreds of thousands of vulnerable people who are facing another winter shielding from Covid, campaigners have said.

They are calling on the government to buy a drug called Evusheld to provide some protection against the virus.

There are around 500,000 people in the UK with suppressed immune systems.

That means their bodies struggle to produce antibodies, so the existing vaccines offer them little or no protection, leaving them very vulnerable to Covid.

cont https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-63254155

[SteveH]

Respiratory illness may take up half of NHS beds this winter

Up to half of all hospitals beds could be occupied by patients with respiratory infections, including Covid and flu.

The warning came as NHS bosses set out further details of its plans to help the health service cope this winter.

This includes rapid response teams to help people who have fallen at home and "data war rooms" to monitor pressures.

The return of normal winter viruses along with Covid will place huge strain on hospitals, NHS England said.

It said the modelling, which has not been published, was very much a worst-case scenario - even during the peak of the pandemic, Covid did not lead to such high levels of beds being occupied.

But NHS England chief executive Amanda Pritchard said it was important to be prepared.

"Winter comes hot on the heels of an extremely busy summer - and with the combined impact of flu, Covid and record NHS staff vacancies - in many ways, we are facing more than the threat of a 'twindemic' this year," she said.

"So it is right that we prepare as much as possible - the NHS is going further than it ever has before in anticipation of a busy winter."

cont https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-63307833

[SteveH]

On the Covid stats thread this morning the ZOE tracker study, are saying {Good news as Covid rates fall } generally in the UK, but  it looks like NW might be seeing a {concerning pattern}  a possible early signs of an autumn wave of Covid-19.

Health experts have warned of a "concerning" pattern emerging in Covid cases in North Wales. According to Public Health Wales, an increase in community transmission, hospitalisations and deaths in recent weeks could be the early signs of an "Autumn wave".

Experts have warned people not to become "complacent" and urged those eligible to take up the offer of a Covid-19 booster vaccine. Dr Christopher Johnson, Interim Head of the Vaccine Preventable Disease Programme for Public Health Wales, said: ?Although it is too early to say for certain, we are currently seeing the possible early signs of an autumn wave of Covid-19.

cont https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/fears-autumn-covid-wave-prompts-25313733

[SteveH]

Digital vaccination records and a simplified booking systems are among some of the changes set out in a new plan to increase the take up of vaccinations across Wales. Plans unveiled by Welsh Government build on the success of the Covid-19 vaccination roll-out and will help to improve access to and the supply of vaccines.

The National Immunisation Framework for Wales sets out a series of actions which will make it easier for people to know what vaccinations they are eligible for and how to receive them.

This includes digital vaccination records, simplified booking systems and vaccines being given at the same appointment, so people can get their flu and Covid-19 jabs at the same time, for example. The change will be more convenient for people and help to increase take-up of these two seasonal vaccines in the future.

The process to transform vaccination services is underway as the autumn Covid-19 booster and winter NHS flu jab programmes are integrated this year. The framework also outlines the move towards the national procurement of the flu vaccine over the next two years, although GPs and pharmacies will continue to administer the vaccine to patients.

cont https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/welsh-government-announces-new-vaccination-25342424

[SteveH]

Ok if you have shares in Pfizer and German partner BioNTech SE, but not looking good for many, also bear in mind Germanys objections to

our own Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine, delivered to the UK government without profit, {of which we had three doses, without problems}

Seems like a good case of profiteering


NEW YORK, Oct 20 (Reuters) - Pfizer Inc expects to roughly quadruple the price of its COVID-19 vaccine to about $110 to $130 per dose after the United States government's current purchase program expires, Pfizer executive Angela Lukin said on Thursday.

Lukin said she expects the vaccine - currently provided for free to all by the government - will be made available at no cost to people who have private insurance or government paid insurance.

The U.S. government currently pays around $30 per dose to Pfizer and German partner BioNTech SE (22UAy.DE). In 2023, the market is expected to move to private insurance after the U.S. public health emergency expires.

cont https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/pfizer-expects-price-covid-vaccine-110-130-per-dose-2022-10-20/

[SteveH]

China Covid: Millions back in lockdown as Beijing doubles down on zero-Covid

Dozens of cities across China, including Wuhan where the coronavirus was first recorded, have gone into lockdown - as the country pursues leader Xi Jinping's zero-Covid policy.

More than 800,000 people in one district in Wuhan were told to stay at home until 30 October.

"We feel numb to it all. We feel more and more numb," one local told Reuters.

The city of Zhengzhou, home to the world's largest iPhone manufacturing plant, was also affected.

It comes as China reported a third straight day of more than 1,000 cases.

cont https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-china-63410341

[SteveH]

Covid infections remain fairly stable across the UK, but other viruses such as flu, norovirus and RSV are increasing, latest data shows.

The flu season has started early and some children under five are ending up in hospital, health officials say.

They are also reminding parents that all two and three-year-olds can have a flu nasal spray vaccine.

Another common winter virus called respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is also on the rise in young children.

It can cause chest infections and be particularly severe in the under-twos, especially those with underlying health problems.

Many young children have little natural protection from normal winter viruses because of the pandemic.

Anyone with a vomiting bug, known as norovirus, is urged to drink plenty of fluids and avoid going to work or sending sick children to school until at least 48 hours after symptoms have disappeared.

To protect yourself and others from the bug, Dr Richard Elson from UKHSA recommends washing your hands with soap and warm water regularly and thoroughly, especially after using the toilet and before handling food.

"Alcohol gels don't kill norovirus," he added.

Dr Elson also asked people not to visit vulnerable family members in hospitals or care homes while unwell.

cont and stats    https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-63427651

[SteveH]

The Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board continues to make good progress. It has administered over 138,000 autumn booster vaccinations to people living and working in North Wales so far.
 
Appointments for the Autumn booster are being arranged in priority group order and patients will receive an automatic letter with details of the vaccination appointment, which may take place at your GP surgery or a vaccination centre. There is no need for you to contact the Health Board or your doctor to book your jab.

Patients should try to keep the appointment offered, but if you need to change it then you can contact the Health Board?s COVID-19 Vaccination Contact Centre on 03000 840004. You can also call this number if you are yet to receive either your first or second vaccination and would like to book one.

Further information about the vaccination programme can be found on the Health Board website here..........
https://bcuhb.nhs.wales/covid-19/covid-19-vaccinations/covid-19-vaccination-booster-information/

[SteveH]

Mandatory facemasks reintroduced to hospitals and GP surgeries across North Wales
The health board says measures have be reintroduced due to increasing rates of winter respiratory infections

Face coverings will once again become mandatory in all healthcare settings across North Wales, starting next week. Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board is set to reintroduce facemasks for visitors, patients and staff from Monday, November 14.

The health board says the measures are necessary due to an increased rate of winter respiratory infections in recent weeks. From next week, it will be mandatory to wear a face covering in hospitals, GP surgeries, and pharmacies, unless exempt.

A BCUHB spokesperson said: "We know it is important for our patients to receive visits from their loved ones. As a Health Board, we expect the support and respect of our visitors to maintain the safety of our patients by following the visiting measures in place at the time."

Facemasks will once again be mandatory (and be available for free) in all healthcare settings including:

Hospitals (Glan Clwyd Hospital, Ysbyty Gwynedd, and Wrexham Maelor Hospital)
All community hospitals across north Wales, including outpatients appointments
GP Practices
Health centres
Pharmacies

cont https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/mandatory-facemasks-reintroduced-hospitals-gp-25487164

[SteveH]

A firm has become among the first in the UK to be given the green light to sell a new Covid and flu combined test.

Derby-based SureScreen Diagnostics said it had passed the UK Health Security Agency's Coronavirus Test Device Approvals (CTDA) process.

It can now supply the products to settings such as hospitals and care homes.

David Campbell, a company director, said: "Our new tests are already being used successfully overseas."

The new rapid lateral flow test, which detects both flu and Covid, analyses a shallow nasal sample which is collected by rotating a swab inside the nostril and then inserting it into a liquid.

Droplets of the liquid are then placed at the top of two formulated strips, placed side by side in a special dual test cassette.

This gives users a positive or negative result for both Covid and influenza A and B, the two main types of flu that affect humans, in 10 minutes.

SureScreen said it had already been supplying the tests to overseas markets and had trialled them with Guy's and St Thomas's NHS Foundation Trust in London.

cont https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-derbyshire-63549242

[SteveH]

This post should be accompanied by the JAWS theme......... just when you thought it was safe....................Vit D available from most chemists 

Cruise ship with 800 Covid cases docks in Sydney

A holiday cruise ship carrying about 800 passengers with Covid-19 has docked in Sydney, Australia.

The Majestic Princess cruise ship arrived at Circular Quay, having sailed from New Zealand.

About 4,600 passengers and crew were aboard the ship when it docked - meaning around one in five had Covid.

The outbreak is reminiscent of the Ruby Princess cruise ship Covid outbreak of early 2020, where at least 900 people tested positive and 28 died.

Marguerite Fitzgerald, the president of cruise operator Carnival Australia, said a large number of cases started to be detected about halfway through the 12-day voyage.

All cases were either asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic, she said.

Staff would be assisting all guests who have tested positive "with accessing private transport and accommodation to complete their isolation period", she said. The ship will soon depart for Melbourne.

Asked about comparisons between the Majestic Princess and the Ruby Princess - which also belongs to the same operator - Ms Fitzgerald said: "Since then, we as a community have learnt a lot, a lot more about Covid."

The outbreak comes as Covid cases rise across Australia.

In New South Wales, 19,800 new cases were detected in the seven days to Friday.

cont https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-australia-63605824

[SteveH]

Experts predict exactly when Covid and flu rates are expected to peak in North Wales this winter
As the infection peak approaches, the health board has urged the public to do all they can to lower the risk of transmission

Health experts have revealed exactly when covid and flu cases are expected to peak in North Wales this winter. Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) has already warned that it will be one of the most challenging winters in recent history, thanks to the "triple threat" of covid, flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

With increased covid transmission within hospitals, and growing flu numbers as temperatures drop, experts have warned exactly when the cases are likely to be at their highest. Looking at current figures, the health board says infection numbers are expected to peak in the first week of December.

A BCUHB spokesperson told North Wales Live: "We're expecting a peak week for covid, flu and RSV in the first week of December. We're expecting them all to hit at the same time so we've been looking at supply chains to make sure we've got enough PPE in order to contend with those viral infections."

The peak is expected to put extra pressure on healthcare services over the already challenging winter period. On November 14, mandatory face coverings were reintroduced across all healthcare settings in North Wales.

Explaining the reason for the decision, a BCUHB spokesperson said: "We're starting to see increased transmissions within hospitals. People who are out and about in the community are catching Covid but when they come in and visit their relatives they're passing it on to patients and staff which has a huge knock-on effect on resources.

"The impact on services is massive which is why we reintroduced masks to try and reduce that transmission." Infection rates are expected to be at their highest as early as Thursday next week (December 1).

Ahead of the peak, the health board has urged the public to do all they can to lower the risk of infection by taking measures such as hand-washing and mask-wearing. They've also warned anyone who thinks they may have picked up an infection, to be responsible when it comes to mixing with vulnerable people or entering healthcare settings or crowded places, shops etc. Please it makes sense

cont https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/experts-predict-exactly-covid-flu-25594415

[SteveH]

A couple of hints, not to get complacent.............

How many Covid cases does China have and what are its rules?

China has seen its first deaths from Covid-19 in six months, and thousands more people are catching the disease, despite the government's strict lockdown policy.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has said China should rethink its strategy.

cont https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/59882774


China Covid: Record number of cases as virus surges nationwide

China has recorded its highest number of daily Covid cases since the pandemic began, despite stringent measures designed to eliminate the virus.

Several major cities including the capital Beijing and southern trade hub Guangzhou are experiencing outbreaks.

Wednesday saw 31,527 cases recorded compared with an April peak of 28,000.

The numbers are still tiny for a country of 1.4 billion people and officially just over 5,200 have died since the pandemic began.

That equates to three Covid deaths in every million in China, compared with 3,000 per million in the US and 2,400 per million in the UK, although direct comparisons between countries are difficult.

While China's zero-Covid policy has clearly saved lives, it has also dealt a punishing blow to the economy and ordinary people's lives.

The country slightly relaxed some of those restrictions a few weeks ago.

cont https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-china-63739617

[SteveH]

THE Welsh Government has passed its goal of delivering one-million autumn Covid-19 booster jabs.

In a video on the Welsh Government Health and Social Care Twitter, Eluned Morgan, Wales' Minister for Health and Social Services, said:
"We have reached over a million autumn booster vaccinations in Wales. Thanks to everyone who's accepted the offer and to all the hard-working NHS staff who've really made this happen. The autumn booster is going to protect you from serious illness this winter. Everyone eligible should have received an appointment letter by the end of November and if you think you've been missed then please contact your health board.

"Please attend the appointment if you have been offered one but if you can't make it, then let your health board know and they will rearrange it so that you can attend."

Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) are running Covid-19 vaccination drop-in clinics for eligible people who have not yet had their Covid-19 autumn booster vaccinations.

Those attending a scheduled appointment will be given priority and appointments can still be booked or rearranged through the contact centre on 03000 840004, which is open 8am to 7pm from Monday to Friday and 9am to 2pm at the weekend.

For Conwy and Denbighshire Covid-19 vaccination drop in clinics, here.......

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