Paisley Daily Express

Covid cases at lowest levels in nine months

Two thirds of all adults in Renfrewshi­re have had vaccine

- EDEL KENEALY

The number of new covid infections in Renfrewshi­re has fallen to its lowest level in nine months.

The local authority is now recording a covid infection rate of 12 cases per 100,000 of population.

It comes as almost two thirds of all adults in the region have received a first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine.

New data released by the National Records of Scotland reveals that on several days over the past fortnight, Renfrewshi­re recorded only one new covid case a day.

In the week to May 4, just 15 cases were recorded.

The news comes as its confirmed an incredible 96,917 people have received their first injection of either the Pfizer or Oxford AstraZenec­a jab.

It means 65.1 per cent of adults living in the local authority area now have some protection against the virus.

A further 44,897 people have received their second dose. That accounts for 28.8 per cent of those aged 18 and over.

Currently, those aged 40 to 49 are being invited to get their jab at the three mass clinics in Paisley, Renfrew and Johnstone.

Dr Linda de Caestecker, director of public health at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, has hailed the recent covid results across the region.

She told the Express: “The decline in covid infections in Renfrewshi­re is very welcome.

“I want to thank everyone who has already rolled up their sleeves and received the vaccine and urge everyone when they receive their invitation to get their jab.

“It’s really important that, when invited forward, you take up the vaccine.

“You can get seriously ill with coronaviru­s at any age.

“While having the vaccine doesn’t eliminate the risk of coronaviru­s, by both you and your loved ones having it, it does reduce the impact of the virus.

“The coronaviru­s vaccine is our best way out of this pandemic and getting back the things we’ve all missed.”

Despite the successful rollout of the vaccine, a small number of covid fatalities are still happening in the region.

In the week to April 26, two people died of the virus.

One of those people was a care home resident.

It means the death toll for Renfrewshi­re now stands at 525.

Dr de Caestecker, added: “As the number of covid infections continues to decline, we must remain vigilant in our efforts to stop the spread of coronaviru­s and stick to the rules.

“We are all too aware of how quickly this virus can return to infect people.”

The decline in covid infections in Renfrewshi­re is very welcome. I want to thank everyone

 ??  ?? Roll up your sleeve Residents receive their jab at Paisley’s Lagoon leisure centre
Roll up your sleeve Residents receive their jab at Paisley’s Lagoon leisure centre

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