York Director of Public Health: "good news on hospital admissions but case rates remain high"
Sharon Stoltz has been updating the public, and says a lot of work is still needed to tackle Omicron.
There's a warning that positive cases of Covid in York remain high - and are increasing.
York's Director of Public Health - Sharon Stoltz - has been updating the public at a recent 'Ask the leaders' Q&A.
She said:
"Anybody watching won’t be surprised that infection rates in York are increasing. There's a time lag with data, but the most recent data (up to the 2nd January) shows an infection rate of over 1,000 per 100,000 people.
"That equates to just over 3,500 new cases in the 7 days leading up to the 2nd January - we've never had a case rate that high before.
"The good news is that for the majority of people who are getting infected they’re not getting seriously ill. The number of Covid patients in our hospitals is nowhere near as high as it was this time last year.
"On the negative side it's having an impact on on services. Businesses are struggling with staff being off sick or having to self-isolate".
Sharon Stoltz has also clarified guidance on testing for children and young people:
"Children under 5 shouldn’t be routinely tested. If a child under 5 is ill or develops Covid symptoms then they should get a PCR test.
"For children aged 5-18 we're encouraging them to follow the guidance that has been given by their school. Schools have measures including regular LFTs, so follow the guidance".
There has also been an update on vaccine uptake in York: 88% of eligible adults have had a first dose of a vaccine; 84% have had a second dose and around 64% have come forward for their booster.