Covid experts have advised to "get your autumn booster" as the number of hospitalisations related to coronavirus has risen in Bristol. The number of positive cases has risen for the first time in two months across England and Wales.
There has been a rise in Covid cases and an increase in the number of hospitalisations related to Covid in the Bristol area. One in 66 people are estimated to have had COVID-19 in the last week, which is 1.5 per cent of people in the city, according to the latest data supplied on September 21 by Bristol City Council.
There are currently 36 patients in hospitals in the Bristol region with COVID-19 and four patients in intensive care with the virus. Currently, 62 per cent of people over 16 in Bristol have had a booster or third dose.
Read more: Year-long hospital waits rise to almost 5K in Bristol area
Mandatory masks have returned to hospitals in Gloucestershire last week due to "an increase in the number of" positive test results.
Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board are not yet planning on bringing mandatory face masks across all hospital areas in light of the rise in hospitalisations. There are areas, however, where mask-wearing remains in place for staff and visitors.
A spokesperson from the Integrated Care System for BNSSG said: “We continue to have strict infection, protection and control measures in place across our health settings. If you're visiting a local NHS site, you may be required to wear a surgical face mask (unless exempt) in some clinical areas of our hospitals.
“These areas will be clearly signposted and surgical masks will be available at the department entrance. If you wish to wear a face mask in all areas of our hospitals, please do so.
“Staff are going to incredible lengths in challenging circumstances – we are asking the public to continue to treat them with kindness and respect. The most important thing people can do to protect themselves and their loved ones from Covid-19, and support local services is to ensure they are up-to-date with all the Covid-19 vaccinations they are entitled to.
“We’re still offering first and second doses alongside seasonal Covid-19 boosters. For information about how to have any of your Covid-19 vaccines, visit www.grabajab.net .”
The key advice from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSW), the Government's agency for public health awareness, is to "get your autumn booster". This will help build your immense system in time for the winter months, it said.
Dr Susan Hopkins, Chief Medical Advisor at the UKHSA, said: “While COVID-19 rates are still low, the latest data for the last seven days indicate a rise in hospitalisations and a rise in positive tests reported from the community. For those eligible, the time to get your autumn booster is now. Getting a booster will give your immune system time to build up your protection against being severely ill from COVID-19 as we move into winter.
“All of the available boosters provide good protection against severe illness from COVID-19 and getting your booster sooner rather than later is crucial. As it gets colder and we head towards winter, we will start to see respiratory infections pick up – please try to stay at home if you are unwell and avoid contact with vulnerable people.”
Dr Meera Chand, Director of clinical and emerging infections at the UKHSA said: “Our recently published data includes updates on Omicron sub-lineages, some of which are showing preliminary evidence of small growth advantages. This is not unexpected and we continue to monitor the situation through UK and international genomic surveillance.”
Most people in England are no longer eligible fo free Covid tests, but you can book your free vaccination in the Bristol area here.
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