Health boss urges caution after 10 covid-related deaths in a week across Stockton

Author: Alex Metcalfe, Local Democracy Reporting ServicePublished 27th Jan 2022

HEALTH chiefs have urged caution after 10 covid-related deaths were reported in the space of a week across Stockton.

Figures presented to Wednesday’s health and wellbeing board showed virus rates were dropping in the borough – now standing at 1,264 cases per 100,000 people.

But the council statistics also showed how the previous seven days had seen 10 covid-related deaths recorded in the borough – up from six the previous week.

Sarah Bowman-Abouna, Stockton’s director of public health, told the panel there was still a high rate of infections in the borough despite the drop.

And she added they were watching the numbers carefully as the speed of the fall in infections had slowed in the borough in recent days.

“While it’s good news our recorded infection rate is falling, we are continuing to watch that with interest over the next few weeks and months,” said Ms Bowman-Abouna.

“If it holds at high levels, that is of concern.”

The health chief added a caveat to the infection data – telling the board they were aware it was “not exactly accurate” when it came to rates in the community.

Reduced access to tests and behavioural changes were some reasons given for this.

Ms Bowman-Abouna added: “People would have tested a lot prior to Christmas to meet family and friends.

“We suspect that behaviour has reversed now but it could potentially change again.

“All of that means the infection rates from the testing results is a less accurate reflection of what’s out there.”

Vaccine uptake is higher than the national average in Stockton.

But Ms Bowman-Abouna said the North-east was now seeing the highest infection rates as national policies changed.

She added the move back to “Plan A” still meant people were encouraged to wear masks in crowded places and ventilate spaces.

And the board heard younger age groups in Stockton – namely those aged 0-9 – were also seeing rising covid rates.

The public health chief also believed there was a “myth” that omicron was mild – with some people still seeing serious consequences if they weren’t vaccinated.

Ms Bowman-Abouna added: “In terms of myth-busting, encouraging people to come forward for the vaccine is really important – and not assuming you’ll just have a bit of a sniffle.”

Chairman Cllr Jim Beall said the 10 deaths in the past seven days “showed the severity” of the situation.

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