Highest ever COVID-19 case numbers recorded
Date Added: 23/12/2021
Over the last week (week ending 22 December), new cases of COVID-19 in Central Bedfordshire have gone up by 929 to 3,114, the highest ever recorded and a rate of 1,058.8 cases per 100,000. Infections are now highest among 30-39 and 40-49 year olds. Sadly the number of people in hospital has increased and there were 8 deaths in the last reporting week.
Case numbers among our neighbours are:
• Bedford – 1,533 new cases, up 454 (877.6 per 100,000) with 2 deaths reported
• Luton – 1,906 new cases, up 836 (892.6 per 100,000) with 5 deaths reported
• Milton Keynes – 3,019 new cases, up 899 (1,117.3 per 100,000) and 1 death reported
Omicron may be milder but could have bigger impact on us all
More evidence is appearing that Omicron may be milder for those who catch it but as it is spreading much faster than the Delta variant it could end up having a greater impact on us all.
Imperial College London found around a 40% reduction in the risk of being admitted to hospital for a night or more compared with Delta, while an Edinburgh University study suggested there was a 65% lower risk of being hospitalised with Omicron.
This is clearly good news if you test positive, but could still be bad news for all of us.
It’s mostly younger, recently vaccinated people who’ve been exposed to the variant and they have great immunity. However, more family mixing over Christmas could increase the number of older and more vulnerable people catching COVID-19.
Our hospitals are already under pressure with COVID-19 patients, other winter pressures and there is a greater risk of staffing pressures due to the fast spreading nature of Omicron.
If large numbers of staff have to isolate there will be massive pressure on hospitals and other essential services. Already we are seeing it. The number of NHS hospital staff off work because of COVID-19 rose by more than 50% last week .
Similar effects are likely in other essential services such as social care, transport and emergency services.
That’s why we must all take extra special care to protect ourselves and our families against COVID-19 - keep following the guidance:
• Get vaccinated and get your booster dose
• Test regularly, particularly before meeting others
• Self-isolate if you have symptoms or are asked to do so
• Wear a face covering in most indoor public places and on public transport
• Work from home, if you can
• Let fresh air in if you meet indoors. Meeting outdoors is safer