The video version of our latest weekly Covid-19 update can be found below with an attached transcript suitable for screen readers.
The number of infected people in Bucks is increasing again with 1 in 24 people in Bucks infected. Hospitalisations and deaths continued to increase, and data shows the pandemic is getting worse.
This video and transcript explain the full risk post for the week ending 31st January which can be read here: https://buds.org.uk/covid-19-risk-assessment-week-ending-31st-january-2022/
1 in every 24 people in Bucks infected! CRITICALLY HIGH risk of meeting an infected person.
There have been two main strategies used by governments: UK vs other Western countries.
Most of Europe: masks, social distancing, good ventilation, quick vaccination. Keeps populations healthy, reduces impact of new variants, but needs strong leadership.
UK approach: no/few masks, no social distancing, poor ventilation, slow vaccination.
UK reasoning: short, big peak. “Temporary immunity” = low rates after. “Victory over Covid”
What really happened: temporary immunity very short. New worse variant emerging. Cases and deaths increasing again.
Vaccinations are slowing down. 64.5% of children and adults are vaccinated. We need 85-90% to prevent the spread.
The government in England should reintroduce measure, but this is unlikely so we believe that everyone must now look out for their own interests. Get triple jabbed, remote educate, meet outside. Shield if clinically vulnerable, use N95 or FFPE2 mask. Work from home, ensure ventilation, test regularly.
This week, there could be this many infected people in these places:
- High Wycombe: 5028
- Aylesbury: 2514
- Amersham: 1135
- Chesham: 1120
- Buckingham: 629
- Burnham: 476
- Large public event: 838
- Busy town centre: 419
- Busy shopping centre: 42
- Busy supermarket: 13
- Large school: 63
Hospitalisations and deaths have continued to rise in Bucks, with 511 people in hospital with Covid-19 on 23rd January. The increasing strain means patient care will suffer.
Stay Covid Careful. Remember 2 doses of vaccine do not fully protect against Omicron. 3 doses of vaccine do partially protect against Omicron after 2 weeks. Get boosted!
Stay Covid Careful. Remember Omicron is not mild. Omicron spreads quickly indoors. Vaccination helps, but does not entirely stop you from catching Covid. Children are at higher risk of Omicron.
If you need support, please email us at buds-support@buds.org.uk