General Covid 19 news

[SteveH]

Wales is on the cusp of launching its next phase of vaccination in the hope of jabbing everyone over 50 years old by the end of April.

However, a planned reduction in vaccine supply over the next fortnight is likely to mean some mass vaccination centres running at reduced capacity over the coming weeks.

Some GP surgeries may also find themselves without doses, depending on local demand.

The Welsh Government hopes to have offered first doses to all over 70s and frontline health workers by the end of the week, and will shortly start booking in people aged over 65.

People in the top four vaccination cohorts who have not been contacted about a jab, or who have otherwise not accepted one yet, are being urged to contact their GPs as soon as possible to ensure they are not left behind.

cont https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/downturn-vaccine-jabs-expected-wales-19817670

[Meleri]

I had my vaccine today at Venue Cymru, arrived on time 2.06 Mr M had to wait in a queue to park the car, but he had his vaccine last week. 10 minutes wait outside & it was freezing so pleased to get inside. Then in a very slow moving queue for another 35 minutes from one end of the building to another before having the vaccine & then 15 minutes in the waiting area. It was well organised and everywhere spotlessly clean.

[Bri Roberts]

VC are now taking bookings for 65-69 year old.

I phoned up at 6.15pm and booked Mrs R in for 8.48am tomorrow morning.

[norman08]

You will get yours in a few weeks then Brian.

[Bri Roberts]

What do they say about flattery, Norman?

 

[Dave]

I only found out they were taking phone bookings this morning (68/69 years old) so phoned and got an appointment mid afternoon. It was very busy and the queue outside was over 30 minutes in a bitterly cold gale but who cares. Very well organised but had I not been told when would I have found out what was happening??

[Bri Roberts]

A couple of friends of ours were also booked in yesterday afternoon at the Venue Cymru Vaccination Centre after I had tipped them off the day before.

Not only did they have to queue up outside in the cold like Dave because of a delay but they also found it difficult to find a parking place because the car park was so full.

When they got home their phone rang and it was only their surgery offering them appointments to go into the surgery for the jab.

[norman08]

I noticed the carpark was full when I went, we parked by currys and walked over, they have got the parking for staff on the prom but it's always empty when we pass,    When the wife phoned for mine the girl said they were dealing with all of north wales that's why it's hard getting through, even the girl said the music was shocking 😂😂

[SteveH]

Inside Llandudno's mass vaccination centre where the pandemic's end is beginning
'People are so grateful. Some people get really emotional - it's like the beginning of the end for them'

A mass vaccination centre boss firmly believes targets for rolling out the jab will be met as the Covid-19 immunisation drive speeds ahead.

Jo Dolan is central area vaccination project leader for Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, based at Venue Cymru in Llandudno.

Photo gallery / cont  https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/inside-llandudnos-mass-vaccination-centre-19825322

[Bri Roberts]

Norman, my missus went yesterday morning for a 8.48am appointment.

She arrived 5 minutes early but had to wait 20 minutes before entering the building via the box office entrance.

Her number was 48.

If they allocate appointments from 8am and are late starting then it is reasonable to assume the vaccinators are playing catch-up all day.

Btw, my missus for once listened to me and parked in Tudor Road.

[Cambrian]

I hear about people (generally older) waiting in the bitter cold for 20 to 30 minutes.  If there is a proper appointment system this should surely be unnecessary or am I missing something ?

Someone I know was asked to go to their Llandudno GP surgery for a fixed time and they were straight in and out with just the mandatory 15 minutes' wait in the car before moving off.

[Bri Roberts]

When they relocated the covid jab entrance from the stage door over to the box office entrance, it was hoped everybody would be queuing INSIDE for about 100 yards extra from Catlin’s Cafe Bar, through the bar area and over to the Arena reception.

Sadly, it isn’t working as planned.

It is also a shame to notice on my walk today that the Venue Cymru Vaccination Centre is closed again just as it was last Saturday.

Does anybody know why this is?

[Dave]

They may well shut to give everyone a break as they are a well oiled machine now and want to keep the same team working together perhaps?

One of the reasons for delay is because people have dressed up for the cold and are then slow preparing themselves to get jabbed. If it takes just one minute extra and they aim to vaccinate 1170 people a day, that's 19.5 hours of lost working time. There are 12 vaccination points so on average they are going too fall behind an hour and a half each by the end of the day if my rough calculation is anything to go by.

I went with dressed in a polo shirt and  sleeveless waistcoat under my thick coat and my retired doctor vaccinator was appreciative and wished everyone did likewise.

[Bri Roberts]

It is open today and far less busy than Friday judging by the car park and with no queue outside.

[SteveH]

Sad news from our neighbours.

Twelve people have died after a coronavirus outbreak swept through a care home on Anglesey.
The virus swept through the Fairways Newydd Nursing and Dementia Care Centre in Llanfairpwll during the early part of January, and led to a dozen residents losing their lives.  ref DP