Health chief: Covid surge in borough is ‘a warning’
HALTON’S interim director of public health has called a recent sharp rise in the borough’s Covid19 infection rate a “warning”.
Dr Ifeoma Onyia said the increase is a reminder the pandemic is ongoing but advised against people being “alarmed” by the steep climb in cases.
According to Public Health England (PHE) data, in the seven days to Monday, October 18, there were 854 new cases of Covid-19 recorded in the borough.
This was up by 85 infections from the week before when there were 769 positive tests.
Cases have been rising since September, jumping by 94% - meaning they have nearly doubled - in three weeks.
The surge, however, appears to be slowing, having dropped from 180 new cases in the week to October 5, down to 85 cases in the week to October 18.
Halton Borough Council health officials said the “steep” increase is a reminder for residents to work together to protect themselves and others from Covid-19 and other serious illnesses.
The area’s rate of new Covid infections of about 659 per 100,000 people is the highest it has been since January, with a particular surge recorded among 11-16-year-olds and high transmission among children aged five to 10 years old also.
Halton Council’s public health team said rates are starting to rise among parents of children of school age, and there is concern this could soon spread to grandparents and older, more vulnerable residents.
PHE data has hinted that the rapid rise in infections is starting to lead to people dying, with two Halton patients who tested positive in the last 28 days dying in the week to October 17, up from one the week before.
Warrington and Halton Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust reported on Tuesday, October 19, it had 37 inpatients with the disease, three of whom were in intensive care.
Dr Onyia urged parents to consent for their children to have the vaccine and for anyone aged over 50 to arrange for a booster.
She said: “While people should not be alarmed by the recent rises, it is a reminder that we are not yet out of the woods when it comes to the pandemic.
“Thankfully, while Covid-19 is typically mild or asymptomatic in most young people, it can be very unpleasant for some, and it means more time away from the classroom.
“It is also a worry that we are now seeing cases rising among adults and it is important that we act now to stop this reaching our older and vulnerable population, particularly as we near half term, when we know lots of grandparents help out with childcare.
“Our community across Halton has been incredible at pulling together when it has been needed since the start of the pandemic.
“We now know how to fight this virus and part of us learning to live with Covid19 means that at times like these, when we are seeing more infections, we need to step back into defence mode and do the things we know work.
“That means washing our hands often; ensuring there is good ventilation when we meet people indoors; wearing a face covering in crowded areas; and doing regular tests and isolating properly if needed.
“We also know that our very best defence is to get vaccinated and I encourage all parents or guardians of 12-15 year olds to choose to give their consent for their child to be vaccinated when it is their turn.
“There is lots of information available at nhs.uk to answer questions you may have, or you can email me and my team directly at public.health@halton.gov.uk.
“I also encourage everyone over-50 to get their booster jab as soon as they are eligible and for all adults to get a flu vaccine this winter.
“And, to anyone over 18 who, for whatever reason, has not yet had their first vaccine, or come forward for their second, please remember it is never too late.
“Doing these things will work to bring Covid-19 cases down, help to reduce interruptions to our children’s education and protect our vulnerable residents but it will also guard us against other winter illnesses that start to circulate this time of year.”
People aged 18 and over, or due to turn 18 within three months, can have a first and second dose of a Covid vaccine.
Book online at nhs.uk or by calling 0151 511 5200.
Booster vaccine doses will be available on the NHS for people most at risk from Covid-19 who have already had two doses of a vaccine.
The NHS will be in contact when it’s a person’s turn to have one.
Most children and young people aged 12 to 17 are currently only being offered a first dose.
In Halton , vaccination of young people aged 12-15 is already under way.
According to latest NHS data, 2,666 under-18s in Halton have had a first dose of vaccine.
Parents or guardians of these young people will receive letters from their local school-aged immunisation service (SAIS) with details of when the vaccination will be offered.
The SAIS already provides routine immunisation services in schools such as the seasonal flu vaccine.
As with all vaccinations, a consent form and information will be used to seek consent from parents or those with parental responsibility.
For more information and advice visit www.halton.gov.uk or www.nhs.uk