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Mixed news on Covid – vaccine uptake protecting locals but health and care staff under pressure as infection rates hit new peak

People, Health and Care
09:02, Thursday, 13th January 2022

Covid-19 infection rates in North Lincolnshire have reached record levels but thankfully hospital admissions are not increasing at the same rate, thanks to people taking the booster.

As of Wednesday, 12 January, the seven-day infection rate in North Lincolnshire stood at more than 2,000 per 100,000 people – over 700 cases per day.

In contrast, the peak of the wave last November we saw 140 cases per day. Back there were approximately 200 people in North Lincolnshire’s hospitals but currently there are fewer than 100 Covid in-patients locally.

But the numbers of cases are exceptionally high with more Covid around than ever. This means that we need to take action to stay safe.

Tessa Lindfield, North Lincolnshire’s Director of Public Health, said:

“The raw statistics tell us that the booster is preventing serious Covid illness requiring hospital care. I am encouraged that more and more local people are coming forward for their vaccines but a third of eligible people still need their booster.

“Please have the vaccine if you haven’t already. Protecting yourself, your family and our essential workers from Covid is the right thing to do.

“We do know that without the vaccine programme, things would be far, far worse. The figures show how important it is for people to get fully vaccinated to protect themselves and to ease the pressure on the NHS and care services.”

Jabs can be booked online through the NHS website or people can walk into the Foundry in Scunthorpe town centre on Fridays and Saturdays between 9am and 5pm.

Tessa added: “People also need to continue with hands, face, space fresh air and getting tested if they plan to meet up with other people – especially with infection rates in North Lincolnshire being so high.

“We expect rates locally to continue to rise over the next couple of weeks so now is really the time to be extra vigilant and make sure you have the protection from the vaccine”.