Haringey coronavirus (COVID-19) updates
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Covid cases surge towards 300,000 a day
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is reminding people to ensure their COVID-19 vaccinations are up to date and to continue following COVID-safe behaviours, as latest data indicates that Omicron sub variants BA.4 and BA.5 have become dominant in the UK and are driving the recent increase in infections, which now make up more than half of all new COVID-19 cases in England.
Despite a decline in new cases throughout the spring, infections are once again on the rise. Recent figures from the ZOE COVID survey (external link) suggest that 275,706 tested positive for the virus on Sunday, with daily figures expected to exceed 300,000 by the end of the week.
The UK has been learning to 'live with the virus' since Boris Johnson announced the end of all domestic restrictions in February.
The increase in new cases has resulted in a rise in those being admitted to hospital. Latest government figures show a 38% rise in hospital admissions over the past seven days compared with the previous week, with nearly 8,000 patients being admitted for treatment.
Most hospital patients who test positive for COVID-19 are being treated primarily for something else, rather than the virus.
Follow these simple steps to protect yourself and others from COVID-19:
- Get vaccinated to reduce your risk of catching COVID-19 and becoming seriously ill, and to reduce the risk of spreading the virus to others - For details of here you can get vaccinated in Haringey see here.
- Wash your hands regularly to limit the spread of COVID-19
- Consider wearing a face covering in crowded, enclosed spaces
- Stay at home if unwell - Try to stay at home if you are unwell
- Let fresh air in if meeting indoors, or meeting outside to disperse COVID-19 particles and reduce the risk of spreading the virus
Dr Will Maimaris, Director of Public Health at Haringey Council said:
“This recent increase in infection rates of COVID-19, driven by Omicron subvariants BA.4 and BA.5 is a stark reminder to us all that COVID-19 is still with us and is once again spreading in the community.
“None of us want to become ill with COVID-19 and although restrictions have been lifted, we all need to step up our efforts in practising safer behaviours. By following the guidance, we can reduce our chances of contracting the virus, or spreading it to others, particularly anyone with underlying health conditions making them more vulnerable to serious illness or hospitalisation.
"Please play your part to Keep Haringey Safe.”
Parents urged to get children vaccinated as traces of Polio virus identified in north London
Parents whose children have missed their routine childhood vaccinations, have been urged to get their children vaccinated after traces of the polio virus have been identified in a small number of wastewater samples, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). The virus has been found in samples in the Beckton Sewage Treatment Works in east London between February and May, suggesting that there may be some spread of the virus in the community. The virus has only been detected in sewage samples and no cases of polio have been identified based on people developing symptoms. The risk to individuals and to the borough of Haringey as a whole, is still low.
The UK is considered by the World Health Organisation to be polio-free, with low-risk for polio transmission due to the high level of vaccination across the population. However, vaccine coverage for childhood vaccines has decreased nationally and especially in parts of London over the past few years, so UKHSA is urging people to check they are up to date with their vaccines. Poliovirus has the potential to spread, particularly in communities where vaccine uptake is lower. On rare occasions it can cause paralysis in people who are not fully vaccinated.
Many children have missed vital routine vaccinations over the past couple of years, due to the pandemic, putting them at risk of preventable diseases, including polio. The good news is that it’s not too late to protect your child. If you are unsure whether your child is up to date with their vaccinations, please check their Red Book, or contact your GP.
The Polio vaccine is administered in the UK as part of the 6-in-one vaccine at 8 weeks, 12 weeks and 16 weeks old, protecting your child against six serious illnesses. In addition, the 4-in-1 pre-school booster given to children at the age of 3 years and 4 months, includes a booster vaccine dose against Polio, Tetanus, Diphtheria and Whooping Cough. Combined, these routine vaccinations offer very effective protection to your child against serious illnesses.
All vaccines used in the UK have been approved by the UK’s independent medicines and vaccines agency.
Find out more: www.nhs.uk (external link)
Hot weather warning issued as temperatures set to soar
The Met Office has issued a Level 3 warning for hot weather in the upcoming days, with temperatures peaking on Friday 17 June, when it is predicted to exceed 32° Celsius in Haringey.
Weather like this is something many people look forward to and go out and enjoy. But it’s worth remembering that sunny spells can pose health risks for some people. It’s important to protect yourself and others from too much sun or heat, to carry water when travelling and to think of those, such as young children or older people, who may feel the heat more acutely than others.
Much of the advice on beating the heat is common sense. Before hot weather arrives, it is a good time to think about what you can do to protect yourself and your family and friends from heat. If spending time outdoors remember to take water or other hydrating drinks with you and protect yourself from the sun during the hottest hours of the day, usually between 11:00-15:00.
For some people, especially older people and those with underlying health conditions, the summer heat can bring real health risks. Temperatures indoors can be higher than temperatures outdoors. That’s why we’re urging everyone to keep an eye on those you know who may be at risk this summer. If you’re able, ask if your friends, relatives or neighbours need any support.
The top ways for staying safe when the heat arrives are to:
• Look out for those who may struggle to keep themselves cool and hydrated. Older people, those with underlying conditions and those who live alone are particularly at risk.
• Close curtains on rooms that face the sun to keep indoor spaces cooler and remember it may be cooler outdoors than indoors.
• Use cool spaces if going outdoors.
• Drink plenty of fluids and avoid excess alcohol.
• Never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle, especially infants, young children, vulnerable adults, or animals.
• Try to keep out of the sun between 11am to 3pm, when the UV rays are strongest.
• If you have to go outside in the heat, walk in the shade, apply sunscreen and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
• Avoid physical exertion during the hottest parts of the day.
• Make sure you take water with you if you are travelling.
• During warm weather, going for a swim can provide much welcomed relief. If you are going into open water to cool-down, take care and follow local safety advice.
If you are struggling to cope with the heat indoors, there are a number of agreed indoor Cool Spaces in Haringey aswell as shaded outdoor spaces that residents can access for relief from the heat. Find a cool space near you on this interactive map: www.london.gov.uk/what-we-do/environment/climate-change/climate-adaptation/cool-spaces (external link)
For more information on how to cope during hot weather please see: nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-body/heatwave-how-to-cope-in-hot-weather/#risk (external link)
The government has produced an easy read version of the Heatwave plan for England called Keeping healthy when it is really hot (PDF, 1MB), advising on how to stay cool during hot weather (external link)
The Haringey Learning Disabilities Partnership provides information for people with learning disabilities, staff and carers.
See also: case numbers and rates, financial and other support for residents, vaccines, testing
Visit the GOV.UK and NHS websites for more help and support.
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