Living with Covid

Although Ukraine dominates the news, the reality of living with Covid now means rising Covid infections and hospitalisations across the country.

Infection rates

Figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show that, as at March 12, a resurgence of Covid cases is under way right across the UK, with infections in the over-70s at record levels. Widespread infections in staff and students mean that preparations for A-levels and GCSEs are being disrupted.

In Rother, 1 in 14 people have Covid; Sussex has the most infections in the south east region.

Scientists say that the rise of infections and hospitalisations is the result of the highly transmissible BA.2 Omicron variant, enabled by a return to socialising and the waning efficacy of vaccines.

Public health advice remains that although the government’s legal requirement to self-isolate has gone, it is most important that people self isolate if they have Covid symptoms. They should not go to work, nor socialise with other people.

Despite the numbers, the health secretary has said that there is “no particular cause for concern about the UK’s rapidly rising number of Covid cases”. Furthermore he claimed that England was “demonstrating to the world a successful model for living with the virus.”

Vaccination

As vaccination remains the main defence against the virus, the government has said that further boosters (fourth jabs – generally 6 months after any previous jab) will be offered to adults aged 75 and over. Letters are being sent out this week. In addition, boosters will be offered to older residents in care homes; those aged 12 and over with weakened immune systems and five to 11 year-olds. There is a low-dose vaccine for the last group.

The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) reports that the vaccines are very good at preventing serious illness, hospitalisation and death, but they are less good at preventing infection.

At the Rye vaccination centre in Tilling Green, there was a thought that by end March, the facility would have closed, but with a call to deliver another round of boosters, we are working with NHS England to agree the future programme.

The next phase is likely to start from beginning of April. In anticipation, the team of vaccinators, volunteers and supporters led by Hardik, Ankit and Tejas from Clarity Chemists, are planning some restructuring to be best prepared.

Lateral flow tests

The government will stop providing universally free Covid-19 tests from 1 April. Until then lateral flows and PCRs (for those eligible to order them) will continue to be provided for free by the NHS.

Lateral flow tests for free can still be ordered via the government website or by calling 119. Despite reports that supplies are limited, people can still order one pack (seven antigen tests) every 72 hours (this limit previously applied within 24 hours), and it should be delivered to your home within three days. They are also still available in some chemists and libraries.

Rye vaccination centre

The Rye centre is provided by Clarity Chemists, supported by trained vaccinators, the Rye Partnership and a wonderful team of community volunteers.

Future details will be published @ryepfizer.

Image Credits: gov.uk .