Sharp rise in Covid cases prompts summer warning from health officials

By Q Radio News

A sharp rise in COVID cases has prompted a warning from the Public Health Agency. 

It says a number of social events in North Down and East Belfast last week resulted in outbreaks with more likely in the days and weeks ahead. 

Health officials are urging everyone to stick to existing health advice and remain vigilant while enjoying the summer weather as they seek to mitigate the spread.   

Control measures are also being deployed as officials try and minimise the risk posed by upcoming events in Belfast, Hillsborough, Comber, Bangor and the Ards Peninsula. 

Dr Gerry Waldron, Head of Health Protection at the PHA, has warned people they still need to exercise caution and restraint. 

 “Unfortunately, we have in recent days seen an increase in cases in the younger age group,” he said. 

“This is a group which is less likely to have received both doses of the vaccine and with the increasing number of Delta cases in Northern Ireland, which we know to be much more transmissible, we are urging everyone to be sensible, enjoy the summer months, but do so safely.”

The PHA is urging ppl to stick to key public health advice & exercise caution over the coming days & weeks. If we see large numbers gathering or abandoning the advice, we could see a sharp increase in #COVID cases, so we all need to act with caution. More@ https://t.co/PKKeCJQ32a pic.twitter.com/o6wE15vRgN

— Public Health Agency (@publichealthni) June 29, 2021

“Over the next few days there will be temptation to get out and enjoy the warm weather and celebrate, but if we see large numbers gathering or people abandoning public health advice, we could see a sharp increase in cases, so we all need to act with caution.”

The health body says collective failure to stick to the guidance mean viral transmission will increase meaning getting vaccinate is the best way to help protect yourself and others. 

The appeal comes as Northern Ireland’s vaccination centres offer first dose Pfizer jabs to people in all adult age groups – to everyone aged 18 and over. 

There are also mobile, walk-in and pop-up clinics operating in different locations.

Chief Medical Officer Professor Sir Michael McBride says he understands young people have made great sacrifices during the pandemic and deserve to be able to enjoy the summer. 

However he warned COVID19 is still “a very real threat” meaning everyone must continue to play their part in helping to stop the spread. 

“Our advice remains the same – stick to guidelines and regulations; all adults aged 18 and over should get vaccinated; and, in particular, ensure you and your close contacts self-isolate if you test positive.

 “I would also appeal to those organising or attending events, and to the venues hosting groups of people, to follow the current regulations and public health guidance.”

The core advice which has been in place since the start of the pandemic remains the same:

• Wear a face covering indoors where social distancing isn’t possible, or where it’s required, such as in shops, shopping centres, taxis, public transport and banks.
• It is also essential to wear a face covering properly and to handle it appropriately with clean, or else it won’t provide the maximum level of protection.
• You should also maintain a social distance of at least 2m (around 6ft) between you and anyone outside of your household, to minimise your exposure to the virus and reduce the potential of spreading the infection.
• It is also important to wash your hands properly, as this is one of the most effective things you can do to help prevent the spread of coronavirus. Wash hands regularly, and use sanitiser outside your home when hand washing isn’t possible
• If you are indoors, try to keep the area well-ventilated.
• If you sneeze or cough, ‘catch it, bin it, kill it.’
• If you are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine, book it now or turn up for drop-in vaccination where available; you don’t need to be invited.
• If you have symptoms of coronavirus or have been identified as a close contact of a confirmed case, self-isolate and book a PCR test.
• Anyone who tests positive should use the new digital contract tracing option, as this is the quickest way to alert close contacts.

 Dr Waldron concluded: “The advice is simple, but it’s there for a reason – to help keep us and those around us safe. 

“Don’t take unnecessary risks, exercise common sense, and take every step available to help protect yourself, your loved ones and communities on both side of the border.

“Let’s all make sure we do what we can to stay safe.”