No significant rise in Covid infections linked to Hull Fair
IMPACT OF HUGE EVENT REVEALED
THE impact of Hull Fair on Covid cases in the city has been revealed.
There were fears the popular event could trigger a spike in cases with many questioning the decision to go ahead with it while we are still dealing with the coronavirus pandemic.
Those concerns were heightened even further when Nottingham’s Goose Fair was called off.
However, it is now almost two weeks since the fair ended and the figures show no discernible rise in cases linked to the event.
While cases have been rising in Hull over the past few weeks, there has actually been a slight fall in the past couple of days.
Julia Weldon, director of public health at Hull City Council, said: “Rates in Hull and around the country have increased over the past two to three weeks, although since last week we have actually seen a small decrease.
“This is an upward trend we would expect to see in all respiratory viruses at this time of year and we should all take it as a sign to do what we can to prevent catching and spreading viruses.
“We are at a point where it is likely we will be seeing the impact of Hull Fair. Despite this and other seasonal factors, our rate (350 weekly cases per 100,000 people) is 28 per cent below the England average (488) and 26 per cent below the Yorkshire and Humber average (474).
“Additionally, numbers of people who are seriously ill and require hospital treatment remain low.”
Ms Weldon believes the figures show the vaccine programme is effective and seeing off the devastating impact we have seen in previous waves of the virus.
She said: “This demonstrates the effectiveness of the vaccine, as with both doses, you are 85 per cent less likely to need to go to hospital. If you haven’t had it so far, it’s not too late. There are still clinics operating, or you can speak to your GP.”
While hardly anyone wore a face mask, the chairman of the Yorkshire Showmen’s Guild Garry Leach praised fair-goers for acting responsibly when he spoke to Hull Live shortly after the fair finished.
“The public were excellent and there was almost no misbehaviour,” he said “People used the hand sanitiser regularly and they tried to avoid any pinch points.
“It is nice to know the people of Hull listened and used common sense when at the fair.
“Those who were worried did not come and business was slightly down as a result, but we expected that.”
As of October 22, there were 841 cases in Hull which is down by 129 on the previous week.
In the East Riding there are 1,498 cases which is down by 98 on the previous week.
Ms Weldon has once more warned about other respiratory illnesses doing the rounds this winter.
She said: “While there is, understandably, a continued focus on coronavirus, we shouldn’t forget to take precautions against flu.
“Because we were in lockdown throughout last winter and early spring, we are all at increased risk of getting flu this year, as we haven’t built up the natural immunity we usually would.
“If you are entitled to your annual vaccine, please make sure you take up the offer. Now is the best time to get vaccinated, as we’re at the start of the flu season.”
With the cold weather there is likely to be a further risk of Covid spreading with people spending more time indoors.
Ms Weldon said: “As we all spend more time indoors, people who have been away from offices throughout the pandemic return and we head towards a period of many seasonal celebrations including Diwali and Christmas, we are likely to see rates continue to rise.
“We can all help to prevent this. Washing hands regularly, using and binning tissues when sneezing or coughing, wearing a mask in enclosed or crowded spaces and staying home as much as possible if we feel unwell make a significant difference.”
She also urged people to take lateral flow tests regularly and self-isolate when necessary.
It is nice to know the people of Hull listened and used common sense when at the fair Garry Leach, Yorkshire Showmen’s Guild