Bristol coronavirus cases "rocketing" up
One of Bristol's key health officials has a stark warning for residents
Coronavirus cases across Bristol are "rocketing" up, according to the city's Director of Public Health.
Speaking during an online Q&A with residents just a day after the government announced a four-week delay to the final lifting of lockdown restrictions originally planned for June 21, Christina Gray advised people to keep taking precautions and regular rapid Covid tests, regardless of whether they or those around them have had a Covid vaccine.
She said case rates in the city have jumped up by 150 percent in a week.
The latest government data shows 545 people have tested positive in the last seven days, while 11 people have died.
That compares to no deaths the week before.
It is a similar story across the South West.
In Bath the rise in cases is even more stark at 250 percent, from 46 cases the week before to 161 in the last seven days.
The number of cases in Taunton meanwhile is up 147 percent, from 15 to 37 in the same period.
“We absolutely need to practise hands, face space," Ms Gray said.
She added the precautions are still necessary because many people are still not vaccinated and it does not provide full protection, even after two doses.
There is some good news though.
Paul Elliot who runs the React study which examines community transmission, says the majority of people catching coronavirus today have not been vaccinated yet, suggesting the vaccines are working.
"I really do think it's a question of getting as many vaccines into as many arms as possible, amongst the younger adults who haven't yet had the opportunity to be vaccinated," he said.
""There is a much higher rate in children and young adults than older people."
Adults as young as 21 are now being invited to have a coronavirus vaccine.
If you are eligible but have not yet booked an appointment, you can do so by following this link.