General Covid 19 news

[Blongb]

Wales does seem to be lagging behind..

That in part was due to the Welsh Gov's. decision to wait 2 weeks for the Oxford Vaccine to become available and not use the Phizer Vaccine, something I am quite happy to accept. 

[Bri Roberts]

The Venue Cymru Vaccination Centre was closed today and I expect it will still be closed tomorrow.

[Bri Roberts]

I am just back from my daily walk and I am pleased to report the Venue Cymru Vaccination Centre is back open today (Sunday).

[Hugo]

I've had my notification today and will get the vaccine on Friday the 5th February so that's good news for me.         

[SteveH]

I don't like being negative, but these variants and new viruses need to be taken seriously, as do the continued safety measures that we should all be following, and we should remember how fast the UK variant spread throughout the country,

The Kent variant of coronavirus that has been spreading in the UK appears to be undergoing some 'worrying' new genetic changes, say scientists.

Tests on some samples show a mutation, called E484K, already seen in the  South Africa and Brazil variants that are of concern.
Although this change may reduce vaccine effectiveness, the current ones in use should still work, say experts.

The UK has already stepped up measures to control the spread of new variants.
Urgent testing for the South Africa variant is starting in parts of England and travel restrictions have been introduced to stop more cases entering from abroad.

Experts working with Public Health England have only found a handful of cases of the UK variant with the E484K mutation - it was seen in 11 out of 214,159 samples that they tested.
It's not unexpected that variants are appearing or that they will continue to change - all viruses mutate as they make new copies of themselves to spread and thrive.

Dr Julian Tang, a virus expert at the University of Leicester, described the finding as "a worrying development, though not entirely unexpected".
He said it was important people follow the lockdown rules and get cases of coronavirus down to prevent opportunities for the virus to mutate further................. "Otherwise not only can the virus continue to spread, it can also evolve."

He said that allowing spread could allow a "melting pot" for different emerging variants.

cont  https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-55900625


PS  Covid: South Africa variant testing considered for Wales..............Published 8 minutes ago

Officials said there were nine confirmed cases of the more infectious version of Covid-19 in Wales, with another four under investigation.
The Welsh Government said enhanced arrangements were being considered.

While the confirmed nine South African variant cases are linked to travel, that has not been confirmed for the remaining four.

Andrew RT Davies, the leader of Welsh Conservatives in the Senedd, has called for the government to consider a "door-to-door testing blitz".

cont  https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-politics-55904560

[mull]

Local surgery just rang. Good News.

Mr &Mrs Mull booked in for vaccine 0940 Friday morning.

Think all going we in Scotland.

[Meleri]

Mr M had his vaccination at Venue Cymru early this morning. He said it was very well managed & it's best to park in the Venue Cymru car park. You have to wait 15 minutes after the vaccination before you drive home. Hope all goes well for all our members on The Three Towns Forum when they have theirs. Mr M is in tier 3 so I have a bit of a wait as in tier 5.

[Ian]

I've been wondering if it would help if everyone who has a vaccination posts in here.  We ought to get some  idea of how quickly it's going, then.

[DVT]

Had phone call yesterday morning, had the jab 8 hours later.

6.45pm appointment, was told to report 5 minutes beforehand.  Joined short (6 people) queue at 6.40pm.  Waited 10 minutes before they let us in, there was another queue that the board said 6.35pm appointments.  Once in, very slick organisation, checking things.  Queued at 2m intervals but the queue went through quickly.  Jabbed at 7.15pm and left at 7.30pm.  I was very impressed with the whole set-up and organisation, all staff and volunteers friendly and good banter!

Only after effect is the innoculation site feels bruised if I press on it, but that's easily overcome.

I am in Category 4 (age 71).  My cousin, a few months older than me, and his wife had their jabs on Tuesday with just one hours' notice - they live in Craig-y-Don so it was a short casual walk to Venue Cymru.

[Nemesis]

Mr Nemesis and I both went to Venue Cymru at tea time today and have nothing but praise for the organisation, cleanliness and efficiency of the people in charge. Mr N. hates injections, but never felt it, my arm felt heavy for about 1 hour afterwards. We were rung last night for todays appointments. I imagine that we would be in Category 4, both being 73,so 'job done'.

[Ian]

We were rung yesterday for appointments to be jabbed on Saturday.

[SteveH]

Got my call yesterday, from CYD surgery, arranged for Saturday at VC.

[Blongb]

We were rung yesterday evening and told we both had an appointment to be jabbed on Monday morning.   

[Hugo]

I had my pfizer vaccine this afternoon at Venue Cymru and the organisation of everything was excellent.   Full marks to everyone there.   

After everything that was done for us by these professional people why did a 70 plus just chuck his disposable mask on the floor of the car park specially allocated for people having a vaccine, it beggars belief

[Bri Roberts]

Hugo, I have just had mine at 6.45pm.

In and out in under 30 minutes including a 15 minute rest.

Everyone was so pleasant.

I was number 1008 which represents the number of vaccines administered today so far.