What's happening in West Lancs?

Locally covid case rates have seen an upturn since last week, and are still high but stable. 

• The number of people in the Borough testing positive has risen by 9% over the last 7 days
• The case rates are highest in school age children (5-16) and in the 25-59 age group (up to Nov 14^th)
• The number of covid patients admitted to Southport and Ormskirk Hospital over the last seven days to November 14th has fallen by 28%

See how your postcode compares to the Borough figures here.

To see how today’s case rate compares with what’s been happening over the last 3 months, 6 months or past year, have a look here

Boosters expanded

A key milestone has been reached this week for the covid vaccination programme, as more than 13 million booster jabs have been given to people across the UK.

It has also been announced that the booster programme is being expanded to include those aged 40-49 who will be able to book online soon, after the government accepted advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI):

See more information about this from West Lancs CCG here 

Young people's vaccinations

• New advice from the experts at JCVI also means that all 16 to 17 year olds who are not in a high risk group will be offered a second dose of the Pfizer vaccine.  See more information here.
• Updated advice also says that children aged 12 to 17, who are not in a high risk group, should wait 12 weeks after a coronavirus infection before having their jab.  Full information here.

New advice

As we move into winter and more indoor socialising, a new government campaign is highlighting how Covid is spread easily within the air.

Opening windows to let fresh air in for just 10 minutes, regularly, can help remove these small coronavirus particles lingering in the air. 

By doing this, the risk Covid infection can be reduced by 70%.

Those eligible for the free flu vaccine and a Covid booster jab are
urged to book their appointments as soon as possible.

People who get Covid and flu at the same time are twice as likely to die, said Dr Jenny Harries, Chief Executive of the UK Health Security Agency recently.

Eligible people can book an appointment for their flu jab at their GP
practice or local pharmacy. Pregnant women should ask for their free flu jab at their local maternity service.

• Flu jab information here
• Covid booster informationhere
  

Can you help us get the word out?

We are working with West Lancashire Borough Council to get accurate information into the heart of communities and would be grateful if you could pass this on to your networks.

Please join in these efforts by cascading these messages on to your work colleagues, friends and families using the share buttons below: