New Omicron variant driving Covid-19 spike in Hull and the East Riding
Government figures have been released
A new sub-strain of the coronavirus Omicron variant is driving a spike in cases in Hull and the East Riding, the latest figures indicate.
Government figures showed 315 new coronavirus cases were recorded in Hull in the seven days up to Sunday, June 26, up by 19.8 per cent compared to the previous week.
A total of 644 new cases were recorded in the East Riding during the same period, up by 21.1 per cent.
It comes as Hull’s infection rate was 121.6 per 100,000 people with the East Riding’s at 187.6.
It also comes as the Wellcome-Sanger Institute’s Coronavirus genome survey estimated Omicron (BA.5) could account for all new cases in Hull in the week up to Saturday, June 25.
The survey estimated the sub-variant, which was designated one of concern by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) in May, accounted for 72.7 per cent of East Riding cases.
The total number of coronavirus cases in Hull since the start of the pandemic was 92,005 as of Thursday, June 30, of which 86,015 were first episodes and 5,990 reinfections.
There has been 109,532 coronavirus cases in the East Riding up to the same day with 103,830 first episodes and 5,702 reinfections.
The Office of National Statistics’ (ONS) Coronavirus Prevalence Survey estimated 3 per cent of people in Hull tested positive from Saturday, June 18 to Friday, June 24.
The East Riding figure was 3.9 per cent in the survey which estimates the proportion of the population infected using positive nose and throat swab positive test data.
The local figures compare to 3 per cent for Yorkshire and the Humber and 3.35 per cent for England.
The ONS stated the increases were likely caused by Omicron variants BA.4 and BA.5.
The latest UKHSA update stated the variants were now the dominant strains of coronavirus.
People were advised to stick to mask wearing indoors, to distance and follow other coronavirus safety measures in light of the recent infection spike.
UKHSA also stated people should ensure they have had all their coronavirus vaccinations.
The agency stated that although the rise in the sub-variants was likely pushing up case numbers, there was no evidence they cause more severe illness.
UKHSA Chief Medical Advisor Prof Susan Hopkins said the sub-strains had significantly pushed up case numbers but vaccines were helping to keep serious cases and deaths down.
Prof Hopkins said: “As prevalence increases, it’s more important than ever that we all remain alert, take precautions, and ensure that we’re up to date with COVID-19 vaccinations, which remain our best form of defence against the virus.
“It’s not too late to catch up if you’ve missed boosters, or even first doses so please take your recommended vaccines.
“Our data also show that 17.5 per cent of people aged 75 years and over have not had a vaccine within the past six months, putting them more at risk of severe disease.
“We urge these people in particular to get up-to-date.
“If you have any symptoms of a respiratory infection, and a high temperature or feel unwell, try to stay at home or away from others, especially those who are elderly or vulnerable.
“Face coverings in crowded indoor spaces and hand washing will help to reduce transmission of infection and are especially important if you have any respiratory symptoms.”