The video version of our latest weekly Covid-19 update can be found below with an attached transcript suitable for screen readers.
WORRYING news, as Bucks sees a massive 44% increase in Covid-19 infections in only a week. The next wave of Covid-19 is arriving much quicker than expected, and BuDS has raised the risk level back up to EXTREMELY HIGH. 1 in every 39 people in Bucks had Covid-19 as of 11 June, and the risk is almost certainly even higher today.
This video and transcript explain the full risk post for the week ending 20th June which can be read here: https://buds.org.uk/covid-19-risk-assessment-week-ending-20-june-2022/
BuDS Covid-19 third wave update.
With a massive 44% increase in Covid cases this week, the new wave is here as predicted. It arrived quicker than expected with 1 in 39 people already infected in Bucks.
Here’s what we know so far about Omicron BA.4 and BA.5:
- More infectious
- Attacks lungs more severely
- Vaccine evasive
- Reinfection very likely
- Equally dangerous: not “mild”
- Still a risk of Long Covid
The new variants are even more infectious than previous Omicron variants, so it will be easier to catch and reinfection rates are high. Having Covid before isn’t good protection.
Each time you get Covid your risk of death, severe illness, or Long Covid increases. The new Omicron variants may attack the lungs severely.
The new variants are more able to avoid the vaccine, and vaccines don’t stop you from being ill at home. But they still help protect against the most severe illness, so get vaccinated or boosted if you haven’t already.
The risk of Long Covid is as high as ever and it already affects more than 2 million people in the UK. That’s enough to fill Wembley Stadium more than 22 times! Please be Covid Careful.
Each time you catch Covid, it increases your risk of developing a long-term condition. The Long Covid risk starts at 1 in 10 and increases each time you catch Covid.
You MUST protect yourself.
- Shield if clinically vulnerable
- Get triple jabbed
- Use N95 or FFP2 mask
- Avoid crowds
- Ensure ventilation
- Meet outside
Vaccinations, boosters and FFP2 or N95 masks are all easy ways to protect yourself.
One of our partners, Cambridge Masks, is currently offering a 70% discount sale. They start from £7.49 with the discount. The masks remove 99.6% of viral particles from the air and they are airtight, reusable and certified PPE.
If you need support, please email us at buds-support@buds.org.uk