Police officer recognised for Novichok recovery work
APOLICE officer who worked on the recovery after the Salisbury Novichok attack said the “strangeness” of that time is his enduring memory of it.
Superintendent Dave Minty of Wiltshire Police picked up the Queen’s Police Medal at Windsor Castle in recognition of his work in the aftermath of the incident.
Former Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia were left fighting for their lives in March 2018 when members of a Russian military intelligence squad are believed to have smeared the deadly chemical weapon on Mr Skripal’s door handle.
Ex-police officer Nick Bailey was one of the officers investigating the case and also became seriously ill.
Months later, 44-year-old Dawn Sturgess died and her partner Charlie Rowley became seriously ill after they also came into contact with the substance.
Supt Minty, who chaired a tactical coordinating group after the attack, said that to be recognised for his work is “a real honour”, adding that he was “one of many people” who were involved.
Reflecting on what stands out most from that time, he said: “I guess just the strangeness of it.
“I live and work in Salisbury in Wiltshire. Those sorts of things don’t generally happen in Salisbury in Wiltshire.
“They happen in London. So I guess that was the strangeness of it and then just how everyone, genuinely
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“I’ve come away with some really strong friendships with people I probably wouldn’t have met if it hadn’t been for the incident.”
Talking about a return to more typical duties, Supt Minty said: “I think it’s nice to be back doing what we normally do.
“Unfortunately obviously Dawn lost her life so it was a tragic incident, but it was different and it was a challenge for us. But, yeah, to not be facing that sort of pressure on a daily basis, it’s been quite nice to get back to my normal day job.”
Supt Minty, 46, received his award from the Princess Royal on Wednesday afternoon.
As Covid cases remain high going into winter, the NHS is inviting people aged 50 or over and those at risk of serious illness to get a booster vaccination.
But there could also be a significant flu surge this winter – so getting your jab for that is vital too. Last winter, social distancing and limited mixing meant that flu cases were much lower than normal, but dangerous viruses spread quickly when people are all crowded together indoors.
So this winter it’s important to boost your immunity with both the Covid booster and flu vaccine if you’re eligible.
last year’s strains, and they could continue circulating this year along with the new strains.
How effective is the flu vaccine?
It helps protect against the main types of flu virus. While there’s still a chance you might get flu, it’s likely to be milder. The flu vaccine will also stop you from spreading flu to others.
I’m pregnant – is it safe to
GP, pharmacist or through your maternity service.
Are there any side effects?
Serious side effects are very rare.
The nasal vaccine might lead to a runny or blocked nose, headache, tiredness and some loss of appetite. The injection might give you a sore arm at the site of the injection, a low-grade fever and aching muscles for a day or two after the vaccination.