The local NHS is urging the public to make sure they are protected against Covid-19 as we head into winter.
Jonathan Gribbin, Director of Public Health for Nottinghamshire told The Wire:
“With several hundred of our residents testing positive for Covid-19 each day, it is clear that the pandemic is still with us.
“And with many dozens of our residents requiring hospital treatment for Covid-19, it is obvious that it continues to be a serious health hazard.
“Overall infection rates are high and are now rising again, with the rate across Nottinghamshire currently 377 per 100,000 of the population.
“This is mainly as a result of widespread community transmission across the county, with higher rates in children and the working age population as they move around and mix more freely. There have also been outbreaks at a small number of settings. We are seeing similar increases across the country.
“For some people, the infection results in a major disruption to their plans for work, leisure or time spent with the wider family. For some it results in symptoms which will burden them for months rather than days. And for some, it results in symptoms so severe that they require hospital treatment. We can greatly reduce the chance of this happening to us by getting vaccinated at the earliest opportunity.
“Various vaccination sites are offering walk-in appointments for a first or second dose. If you’re eligible for the Covid-19 booster jab (or the flu jab), do take the opportunity to get vaccinated. If you have questions, staff at the vaccination site will be able to help. By getting vaccinated, you are protecting yourself and your community. Check your eligibility and book How to get your vaccination – NHS Nottingham and Nottinghamshire CCG (nottsccg.nhs.uk)
“It also remains essential for anyone with symptoms that they isolate immediately and book a PCR test straight away, even if your symptoms seem mild.
“With Covid-19 circulating so widely, I’d like to remind people who do not have symptoms that they can still get a rapid Covid-19 lateral flow test twice a week. You can find out how to get a test kit on the council’s website Asymptomatic Community Testing for people without Covid-19 symptoms | Nottinghamshire County Council. If your LFT result is positive, you must self-isolate and get a PCR test to confirm the result. This will also help reduce further transmission.
“The onset of winter and the pressures facing our local health and care system underline the need to do all we can to avoid further spread of the virus.
“We can reduce the spread of Covid-19 and a range of other infections this winter through frequent hand-washing with soap, by wearing face coverings in crowded indoor settings, and by socialising outdoors wherever possible or in rooms with plenty of fresh air circulating. The virus has not gone away but following these measures will allow Nottinghamshire residents to live safely with Covid-19 and look forward to an enjoyable Christmas.”
