AN ACTING Public Health Consultant at Cumbria County Council is urging residents to “take care of themselves and others and support the NHS” as we learn to live with Covid.

In February, the government removed all remaining legal restrictions in England that were previously introduced to tackle the spread of the virus as the success of the vaccine rollout began to take effect.

However, Covid hasn’t gone away - with 98 people admitted to hospital in Cumbria during the last seven days as well as 12 deaths during the same period.

Vicky Hepworth-Putt, Acting Consultant in Public Health said: “I know the last two years have been difficult for everyone and for many it’s a relief to have restrictions removed so they can get on with their lives as normal.

 

READ MORE: Covid deaths continue to rise in Carlisle

 

“However, not everyone feels that way. Understandably, many people who are at risk of becoming seriously ill if they catch Covid are worried about what might happen to them if they become infected.

“It’s really important we all work together to take care of ourselves and others, and support the NHS. You can do this by wearing face coverings in enclosed areas, letting fresh air in if you’re meeting others or by meeting outside (especially now the weather is improving) and staying at home if you develop respiratory symptoms.”

Wearing a face covering may not be legally required in public spaces anymore, but this does not apply when visiting NHS hospitals and clinics.

Furthermore, more than 50,000 eligible people in Cumbria also remain unvaccinated against Covid according to the latest available data.

Of those people who are unvaccinated, most are young people between age 20-40s, particularly younger men.  The vaccination rate in young people aged 12-15 is lower (63.2%), but better than England’s average (53.9%).

Mrs Hepworth-Putt added: “It’s also not too late to get vaccinated against Covid if you haven’t already.

“The Covid vaccines approved in the UK are effective at preventing infection, symptomatic disease, hospitalisation and death - particularly after having all the recommended doses.”

To book your first, second or booster doses of the vaccine, visit the NHS website.

 

READ MORE: NCIC Trust hospitals are caring for more than 90 covid patients