Wirral’s public health director believes people in the borough can help stop the spread of “nasty bugs” including Covid-19 by taking several easy steps.
Data shows rates of flu and some stomach bugs were much lower than usual at the height of the pandemic, when legal restrictions such as social distancing and compulsory mask-wearing were in place. But, since the easing of restrictions, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has reported cases of flu and norovirus have been on the rise across the country.
Covid-19 case rates also remain high in Wirral and throughout the UK, although Wirral’s infection rate is falling currently. In the week up to April 16, the borough’s infection rate was down by 38% to 280 per 100,000.
READ MORE: Wirral people told to not ignore covid as cases remain high
Case numbers have declined significantly since the end of free universal testing at the end of last month, but this could be a product of the rule change rather than a true reflection of how the virus is spreading in the community. A new health campaign has been launched in Wirral to promote 'low effort, high impact’ ways of keeping the borough moving by preventing the spread of infectious diseases.
Although common, illnesses such as flu and norovirus are disruptive to the lives of residents and put a strain on the NHS. They can also have very serious consequences for vulnerable people.
To stop these nasty bugs spreading, the campaign aims to encourage residents to continue to practice simple infection control behaviours they got used to during the pandemic – particularly when feeling unwell.
Julie Webster, Wirral’s public health director, said: “By taking simple steps - like popping on a mask when we go shopping - we can continue to benefit from the lessons we have learned during the past two years. Each small choice we make – such as arranging to meet friends outdoors or staying at home if we are feeling unwell - can make a huge difference.
“It’s the little things we do that keep Wirral well and protect our most vulnerable residents from Covid-19, flu, and other common respiratory diseases.”
