Author Topic: General Covid 19 news  (Read 96129 times)

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Offline SteveH

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Re: General Covid 19 news
« Reply #660 on: May 09, 2022, 09:43:43 am »
Wales remains the UK nation with the highest Covid-19 infection rate despite a fall in cases for the third week in a row, latest figures show. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) estimates that 131,600 people in Wales had the virus in the week ending April 30, equating to 4.33% of the population or around one in 25 people.

That's a drop from the 172,300 people (5.67%) with the disease in Wales during the previous week, or around one in 18 people. It was a similar picture in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland, with each seeing a significant fall in their Covid levels. In England, around one in 35 (2.91%) had Covid in the week ending April 30, while it was one in 30 in Scotland (3.55%) and one in 40 (2.45%) in Northern Ireland.

The data suggests that the recent surge of coronavirus, driven in the main by the Omicron BA.2 variant, has peaked and is now decreasing week-on-week. However, the virus is still circulating across much of the country. You can get more health news and other Covid updates by subscribing to our coronavirus daily briefing newsletter here.

Some two million people in private households in the UK are estimated to have had the virus in the week to April 30, or May 1 in Scotland, down 32% from 2.9 million the previous week.

The ONS infection survey is now the most reliable measure of the prevalence of Covid-19 in the UK. It uses a sample of swab tests collected regularly from tens of thousands of households, and is therefore able to estimate the percentage of people likely to test positive for coronavirus at any point in time, regardless of when they caught the virus, how many times they have had it and whether they have symptoms.

cont https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/health/covid-rates-fall-dramatically-wales-23882921?IYA-reg=49560bcd-5a9c-47f0-8fc5-ba2e71710589

Offline SteveH

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Re: General Covid 19 news
« Reply #661 on: May 15, 2022, 10:14:18 am »
I get my fourth jab on the 29th of this month..............

Covid: Fourth-dose jab trial shows good boost

Fourth-dose Covid booster vaccines increase protection against Covid-19, particularly in people aged over 70, according to a UK trial.

But scientists say any short-term protection against infection is likely to fall away quickly.

The UK rolled out fourth doses to over-75s and the most vulnerable in April.

A larger group of people may be offered a booster in the autumn, but any decision will be based on advice from the UK's vaccine committee.

It is likely to look at whether new worrying variants are spreading, and Covid pressure on hospitals.

Some countries, such as Israel and Germany, have already started offering all adults a fourth dose.

Health and Social Care Secretary Sajid Javid said the study findings were "further evidence underlining the importance of people coming forward for their booster as soon as they are eligible".

cont https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-61384269


Offline SteveH

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Re: General Covid 19 news
« Reply #662 on: May 20, 2022, 09:33:27 am »
The Welsh Government has accepted interim advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI). As part of its latest review of the Covid vaccination programme, the JCVI today published a list of groups in line for jabs, starting this autumn.

Those eligible will be offered a single jab. Eluned Morgan, Wales’ health minister, said the focus of the post-emergency Covid programme was to protect the most vulnerable people in society by boosting existing population immunity.

Other UK home nations have also accepted the JCVI advice.

It is recommending a single dose of Covid-19 vaccine is offered to:
Residents in a care home for older adults - and staff working in care homes for older adults
Frontline health and social care workers
All those 65 years of age and over
Adults aged 16 to 65 years in a clinical risk group
In a statement to the Senedd, Baroness Morgan said: “As we move beyond the emergency response to the pandemic and live safely with Covid-19, the protection of the most vulnerable people in society will continue to be of primary importance. Winter has been the season when the threat from Covid-19 is at its greatest for individuals and for our health and social services.

cont https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/welsh-government-announces-age-groups-24008884

Offline SteveH

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Re: General Covid 19 news
« Reply #663 on: May 23, 2022, 02:37:20 pm »
It was brought home to me recently that we can forget important things very quickly, for months we clapped every Thursday evening for the front line medical stall and emergency services......... I received my 4th jab last week from a young nurse, who I have dealt with for the last 6 years both in hospital and at home, whilst chatting I found out that she had volunteered for the Covid ward at the outset, got the virus, recovered went back, some months later caught it again, this time, her children got it, took a bit longer, but went back, now suffering from the effects of long covid, aching joints and tires quickly, but still working........we should still be clapping.

Offline SteveH

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Re: General Covid 19 news
« Reply #664 on: June 11, 2022, 01:50:36 pm »
How much trouble is it to wear a mask in crowded areas ?

There are early signs of a possible increase in the number of people testing positive for Covid in England and Northern Ireland, officials from the Office for National Statistics say.

Their report suggests the small rise is likely to be driven by the BA.4 and BA.5 variants of Omicron.
Studies show these variants may be able to spread slightly more easily than "older" Omicron variants.

The latest estimates suggest around 990,000 people in the UK have Covid.
That is about 1.5% of the population (roughly one in 65 people) - up from about one in 70 the week before.

The latest data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) covers the week ending 2 June.

BBC report......... https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-61758570


Warning over new Covid wave in UK from Independent SAGE scientist as ONS figures show rise
Professor Christina Pagel says she expects infections to jump later this month

A leading scientist says the UK should be bracing itself for a fresh wave of Covid. It came as the Office for National Statistics revealed a mixed picture with a ?small increase? in positive tests in England and Northern Ireland - while the trend in Wales and Scotland remained unclear.

The ONS swab data, which give the most reliable picture of the state of the UK outbreak, suggest that the steady fall in infections over recent months may have gone into reverse as cases are driven up by the more transmissible BA.4 and BA.5 Omicron variants.

According to the ONS survey, an estimated 797,500 people (1 in 70) in England and 27,700 (1 in 65) in Northern Ireland would have tested positive for Covid in the week ending 2 June, up from 784,100 and 24,300 respectively in the week before. It was one in 75 in Wales.

cont  https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/warning-over-new-covid-wave-24200694
« Last Edit: June 14, 2022, 06:13:30 pm by Ian »

Offline SteveH

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Re: General Covid 19 news
« Reply #665 on: June 14, 2022, 11:13:40 am »
Diver adapts scuba technology to help patients with Covid-19

The NHS has ordered 1,000 machines from a Somerset designer who adapted scuba technology to help patients with Covid.

Martin Stanton said he initially wanted to find ways of making the air in scuba tanks last longer for his dives.

When he learned hospitals had a shortage of ventilators during the pandemic, he set about designing a more efficient machine for patients.

His scuba-inspired invention recycles oxygen the patient breathes out and is highly portable

Read more.... https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-somerset-61756299

Offline SteveH

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Re: General Covid 19 news
« Reply #666 on: June 16, 2022, 09:50:06 am »
The Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board has advised that the delivery of the spring booster programme will end on 30th June 2022.
 
The Health Board has advised that walk-in clinics are available at some locations for those who are eligible for the spring booster but are yet to receive an appointment. Details for these clinics can be found (See link below), or alternatively you can call the Contact Centre to arrange an appointment on 03000 840004.
 
As a reminder, you are eligible for a spring booster jab if you are 75 on or before the 30th June, provided that at least 3 months have passed since your previous vaccination.
 
The cut-off date for the spring booster vaccination is necessary to ensure that there is enough time between doses for the autumn 2022 boosters.
 
If you are unable to attend on the day of your appointment due to illness, then your appointment can be rearranged up until 28th July.
 
Further information on the spring booster campaign, as well as first, second or booster doses, can be found on the Health Board's website.
 
Finally, the Health Board advise that planning for the autumn immunisation campaign is underway, where it is anticipated that those aged 65 and over, frontline staff and those younger with underlying health conditions will be eligible for both the flu and COVID-19 vaccine, with the offer of flu also being extended to those aged between 50 and 64.


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

Offline Ian

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Re: General Covid 19 news
« Reply #667 on: June 16, 2022, 10:34:09 am »
As an add-on to that message, yesterday New Scientist carried this message:

Exercising before or after a flu vaccine may make it work better

People who are usually physically active had increased antibody levels if they exercised around the time they received their flu shot

Seems to apply to most vaccinations.
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 #668 on: June 22, 2022, 09:37:05 am »
Face masks in hospitals have been reintroduced by a Welsh health board as Covid cases in the community and staff absences have risen in the Gwent area, announced in a statement on June 21 that the rule will happen with immediate effect.

All hospital staff and visitors are included and will need to wear masks in clinical areas. The statement read: "Due to the increasing prevalence of Covid-19 in the community, the increased number of Covid-19 ward outbreaks, and the numbers of staff absent with Covid-19 we are asking all hospital staff and visitors to wear masks in clinical areas with immediate effect.

"Thank you for your support and co-operation in reducing the risk to our patients and staff. We will continue to review the Covid-19 position in hospital and community settings, and will update accordingly."

Mask wearing rules in health and care settings were scrapped by the Welsh Government at the end of May. It marked the end of Covid restrictions which had been in place for over two years.

After the latest figures published on Friday, June 17, showed a significant rise in cases in Wales and other parts of the UK Wales' top medical expert Dr Frank Atherton said it is likely that the country is heading into another wave of coronavirus. However he said he is "hopeful" draconian restrictions will not need to be imposed.   ref walesonline

Offline SteveH

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Re: General Covid 19 news
« Reply #669 on: June 24, 2022, 09:38:59 am »
Access to free lateral flow tests will be extended in Wales until July 31 in the latest government announcement.

The Health Minister, Eluned Morgan has today (Friday 24th June) confirmed that tests will be available to the public that are showing symptoms of coronavirus along with alongside free access for people visiting someone eligible for new COVID-19 treatments.

Symptoms of COVID-19 include a high temperature, a new continuous cough, and a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste.

The announcement comes following a rise in cases, with The Office for National Statistics recent survey reporting an increase in cases across the UK.

 An estimated 1 in 45 people in Wales currently have COVID-19.

The emergence of the BA.4 and BA.5 sub-variants are also contributing to this increase as they become more dominant across the UK.

The health minister has also announced the following testing will continue to be in place -

       LFD and PCR testing for those eligible for COVID-19 treatments.

       PCR testing for COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses for symptomatic care home residents and prisoners.

      PCR and LFD testing under the patient testing framework and when clinically advised including pre-operative hospital patients and care home residents returning from inpatient hospital stays

           LFD testing for symptomatic health and social care staff.

          Twice weekly LFD tests for asymptomatic testing for health and social care staff

Those who are visiting people in care homes should continue to test using tests provided by the care home they are visiting.

Self-isolation payments of ?500 will end on 30 June 2022, whilst the COVID-19 Statutory Sick Pay Enhancement scheme will be extended until 31 August 2022 to support social care staff to stay away from work due to testing positive.

Minister for Health and Social Services, Eluned Morgan, said: ?Testing has been an effective tool in breaking the chain of transmission and with an increase in cases its vital that we keep testing in place to protect the most vulnerable in our society.

As we have seen before, Covid can quickly change, I am announcing this extension in response to the changing picture and new variants of concern.

I would also ask people to take protective measures to protect the more vulnerable in the community, wear masks in health and care settings, stay at home if you test positive, and take up the offer for the vaccine.

We know that the vaccine is the best way to protect yourself, I would urge those eligible to have their spring booster if they have not already had it, the booster is available until June 30.

Covid has not gone away, whilst we are learning to live safely with it, we will continue to monitor the situation and as we have done for the last two years, we will work together to Keep Wales Safe.

Offline SteveH

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Re: General Covid 19 news
« Reply #670 on: June 26, 2022, 11:17:42 am »
US drug firm Moderna is going to build a new research and manufacturing centre in the UK to develop vaccines against new Covid variants and viruses.

However, it is likely to be 2025 before the plant starts producing any vaccines.

And, under the agreement, the UK has made a commitment to buy Moderna's vaccines for the next decade.

Moderna's Covid vaccines, which have been used in the UK, use a new technology called mRNA.

This uses bits of genetic code to cause an immune response by presenting the body with instructions to build immunity to a virus.

It has proved to be one of the fastest routes to developing vaccines during the pandemic and experts believe the technology could help in other areas such as cancer, flu and heart disease.

Construction on the base is expected to start as early as this year.

Meanwhile, the firm has announced its new combined bivalent Covid vaccine, which specifically targets the Omicron variant as well as earlier versions, elicited a "potent neutralising response".

The results suggested the scale of the response was similar to what the firm's current vaccine achieved against the original version of Covid.

The emergence of new variants has made all the vaccines currently being used less effective, particularly at preventing infection.

Moderna is now going to submit results of its trials to regulators for approval for use.

The company said it has already produced several hundred million doses so could be ready to start supplying it from the end of summer if approved.

Read more https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-61896645

Offline SteveH

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Re: General Covid 19 news
« Reply #671 on: June 27, 2022, 04:18:24 pm »
PEOPLE eligible for the spring COVID-19 booster are being urged to get vaccinated before the cut-off date of this Thursday (June 30).

Since late March, people aged 75 and over, care home residents, and anyone aged 12 or over who is immunosuppressed have been able to get their spring booster to increase their level of protection against Covid-19.

By taking up the offer of a spring booster now, this allows a sufficient interval between doses, if they are deemed eligible by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) for an autumn 2022 booster.

If someone eligible for a spring booster has had a Covid-19 infection recently, they will need to wait 28 days (four weeks) from the date they tested positive before they can be vaccinated. They will still be able to get vaccinated after June 30 if they have to postpone their appointment.

Eluned Morgan, health minister,  said: ?Our high vaccination rates are really encouraging and every vaccination helps people to maintain high levels of protection from Covid-19.

?If you have been offered a spring booster vaccination then please make the effort to arrange your appointment before the June 30 cut-off and continue to keep Wales safe.?

Read more  https://www.northwalespioneer.co.uk/news/20237928.covid-19-people-urged-get-spring-booster-cut-off/


Offline SteveH

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Re: General Covid 19 news
« Reply #672 on: June 28, 2022, 03:11:08 pm »
Health board bosses have brought back the wearing of masks in hospital and care settings across North Wales, after a rise in Covid cases. Last month, Welsh Government First Minister Mark Drakeford announced the end of all Covid restrictions in Wales.

Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board chiefs are concerned following an increase of the virus in the community and outbreaks on wards and have decided to take action. In a statement, a health board spokesman said: "Due to increased Covid-19 prevalence in our communities, increased number of Covid-19 ward outbreaks and the impact this is having on staff absence, we ask all staff, patients and visitors to support us by wearing face masks in all clinical areas in all health and care settings, unless exempt.

"This includes all areas where patients receive care such as hospital wards and in clinics. While it may no longer be law, wearing a mask will help protect vulnerable people.

"We thank you for your continued support and understanding." It has also been confirmed lateral flow tests (LFTs) will continue to be available to residents in Wales who display Covid-19 symptoms until July 31.

The Welsh Government's health minister Eluned Morgan said it has come amid a "changing picture" when it comes to the virus. She said: "As we have seen before, Covid can quickly change.

"I would also ask people to take protective measures to protect the more vulnerable in the community, wear masks in health and care settings, stay at home if you test positive, and take up the offer for the vaccine."


Offline Hugo

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Re: General Covid 19 news
« Reply #673 on: June 28, 2022, 03:45:11 pm »
It does make common sense to wear a mask when going in to hospitals.    It's no big deal wearing one for a relatively short time because after all the front line staff in the NHS have to wear them all day.
I had a Covid test on Sunday at the drive through Covid centre in Bodelwyddan and you have to wear a mask when in your car before you have the test done

Offline SteveH

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Re: General Covid 19 news
« Reply #674 on: June 29, 2022, 01:55:59 pm »
It does make common sense to wear a mask when going in to hospitals.    It's no big deal wearing one for a relatively short time because after all the front line staff in the NHS have to wear them all day.
I had a Covid test on Sunday at the drive through Covid centre in Bodelwyddan and you have to wear a mask when in your car before you have the test done

Trust the result was OK?