Coronavirus is spreading rapidly once again in our area as the two-year anniversary of the first UK lockdown approaches.
The COVID case rate in North East Lincolnshire currently stands at 331.3 per 100,000 people, with some 640 local residents having tested positive in the last 7-days.
Public Health officials have warned that doctors and nurses in the areas hospitals are starting to see more cases in new admissions.
Professor Derek Ward, Director of Public Health for Greater Lincolnshire, said:
“There is a lot going on for people to worry about at the moment so COVID has understandably taken a back seat.
“Although catching COVID is still a concern, spending time outside, meeting other people and taking a break from the News are important for our mental and physical wellbeing.
“It’s really easy for people to do small things that significantly reduce their risk of catching the virus.
“COVID still has quite a bite. It can hospitalise people and cause severe illness. We still need to take it seriously and put precautions in place.”
Here are the things you can do now to help reduce your risk of catching and spreading COVID.
Get vaccinated
A recent vaccination (whether it’s your first or second dose, booster or the new 4th dose coming soon for people over 75) will help protect you from catching the virus and reduce the severity of the disease if you do pick it up.
Keep testing while it’s still free
It’s worth taking an LFT test 2 or 3 times a week and a PCR test if you have any symptoms. This will reduce the risk of passing on Covid, especially if you haven’t got any symptoms.
If you get a positive LFT test, ideally you should isolate and follow the guidance on the Government’s website. Although it’s no longer a legal requirement, it’s the best way to stop the risk of passing COVID on to other people.
Don’t forget the power of handwashing!
Washing your hands thoroughly and often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds helps eliminate harmful bugs and greatly reduces the risk of spreading infections such as colds, tummy upsets and COVID.
There are key times through the day when you should wash your hands:
• Before eating snacks and/or mealtimes.
• After a trip to the toilet.
• After you sneeze or cough.
Catch it, bin it, kill it
Carry tissues and use one to catch your cough or sneeze and put it in a bin straightaway.
Keep it fresh
Let fresh air in if you’re meeting inside and think about meeting outdoors where you can.
Think about still wearing a face covering
If you’re going into a crowded, indoor space or making a journey on public transport such as a bus or train, consider still wearing a covering over your nose and mouth. It’s not a legal requirement in England but it will help reduce your chance of catching or spreading COVID.
I have some questions!
I have what I think is a cold, what should I do?
If you have any of the Covid symptoms (high temperature, new continuous cough or change or loss of smell or taste) then get a PCR test as soon as you can. Otherwise, Lateral flow tests are still free and available from the Government website so order some and test yourself
My child is coughing and sneezing, what should I do?
As above
I’ve taken a LFT test and it’s positive, what should I do?
Ideally you should isolate and follow the guidance on the Government’s website. Although this is no longer a legal requirement it is the best way to stop the risk of passing Covid on to other people
When do I need to take a PCR test?
Then main reason to have a PCR is if you develop symptoms, although there are a few other reasons for a PCR test. Have a look here for more details www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/testing/get-tested-for-coronavirus/
Some members of my household have a cough, I’m okay, should I stay at home or can I go to work?
Ideally, take a lateral flow test and if it is negative you are ok to go to work. Take a test 2 or 3 times a week just to make sure you don’t have Covid. Again, you can get more details by visiting: www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/testing/get-tested-for-coronavirus/
Please do not turn up for 2nd dose any earlier than 8 weeks since your first.
Everyone aged 16 and over who had a 2nd dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at least 3 months ago can get a booster dose.
Some children aged 12 to 15 are eligible for a booster dose if either:
- they live with someone who has a weakened immune system (such as someone who has HIV, has had a transplant or is having certain treatments for cancer, lupus or rheumatoid arthritis)
- they have a condition that means they’re at high risk of getting seriously ill from COVID-19
Conditions that mean they may be at high risk are:
- a severe problem with the brain or nerves, such as cerebral palsy
- Down’s syndrome
- severe or multiple learning disabilities (or they’re on the learning disability register)
- a condition that means they’re more likely to get infections (such as some genetic conditions or types of cancer)
If you had a 3rd dose of the COVID-19 vaccine because you have or had a weakened immune system, you can get a booster dose from 3 months after your 3rd dose.
Find out the latest on eligibility for the booster jab by visiting the NHS website.
If you use a walk in and have a vaccination booked elsewhere, please remember to cancel the booking.
Unless stated on the clinic listing, walk ins are for those aged 16 and above. Please be aware, these times and dates are subject to change.
Wednesday 16 March
9am-6pm
Periville Chemist, Cromwell Road Primary Care Centre, Grimsby, DN31 2BH
Pfizer 1st, 2nd and 3rd doses aged 16 and over (3rd doses offered to people with severely weakened immune system).
Booster vaccinations are available if you are over 16 and it’s been more than 3 months since your 2nd dose.
9am-5.30pm
Periville Chemist, 9 Wingate Parade, Grimsby, DN37 9DR
Pfizer 1st, 2nd and 3rd doses aged 16 and over (3rd doses offered to people with severely weakened immune system).
Booster vaccinations are available if you are over 16 and it’s been more than 3 months since your 2nd dose
9am-5pm
Drugs4Delivery, Unit 4, Acorn Business Park, Moss Road, Grimsby, DN32 0LT
Pfizer 1st, 2nd and 3rd doses aged 16 and over (3rd doses offered to people with severely weakened immune system).
1st and 2nd vaccinations for 12-15 year olds. 1st and 2nd vaccines must be 12 weeks apart and people of this age group should be 12 weeks clear after having COVID.
Booster vaccinations are available if you are over 16 and it’s been more than 3 months since your 2nd dose.
9am – 5pm
Freshney Place: Opposite HMV, Freshney Place, Grimsby
Pfizer 1st and 2nd doses for people aged 16 and over
1st and 2nd vaccinations for 12-15 year olds. 1st and 2nd vaccines must be 12 weeks apart and people of this age group should be 12 weeks clear after having COVID.
Booster vaccinations are available if you are over 16 and it’s been more than 3 months since your 2nd dose.
4pm-7pm
Open Door, Albion Street, Grimsby, DN32 7DL
1st and 2nd Pfizer doses for people aged 16 and over.
Booster vaccinations are available if you are over 16 and it’s been more than 3 months since your 2nd dose. Some younger people are eligible if they are in at risk group.
1st and 2nd vaccinations for 12-15 year olds. 1st and 2nd vaccines must be 12 weeks apart and people of this age group should be 12 weeks clear after having COVID.
9am – 6pm
Cottingham Pharmacy 342 Wellington Street, Grimsby, DN32 7JR
Pfizer 1st and 2nd doses for people aged 16 and over.
Booster vaccinations are available if you are over 16 and it’s been more than 3 months since your 2nd dose.
Thursday 17 March
9am-6pm
Periville Chemist, Cromwell Road Primary Care Centre, Grimsby, DN31 2BH
Pfizer 1st, 2nd and 3rd doses aged 16 and over (3rd doses offered to people with severely weakened immune system).
Booster vaccinations are available if you are over 16 and it’s been more than 3 months since your 2nd dose.
9am-5pm
Drugs4Delivery, Unit 4, Acorn Business Park, Moss Road, Grimsby, DN32 0LT
Pfizer 1st, 2nd and 3rd doses aged 16 and over (3rd doses offered to people with severely weakened immune system)
1st and 2nd vaccinations for 12-15 year olds. 1st and 2nd vaccines must be 12 weeks apart and people of this age group should be 12 weeks clear after having COVID.
Booster vaccinations are available if you are over 16 and it’s been more than 3 months since your 2nd dose.
9am – 5pm
Freshney Place: Opposite HMV, Freshney Place, Grimsby
Pfizer 1st and 2nd doses for people aged 16 and over
1st and 2nd vaccinations for 12-15 year olds. 1st and 2nd vaccines must be 12 weeks apart and people of this age group should be 12 weeks clear after having COVID.
Booster vaccinations are available if you are over 16 and it’s been more than 3 months since your 2nd dose.
9am-5.30pm
Periville Chemist, 9 Wingate Parade, Grimsby, DN37 9DR
Pfizer 1st, 2nd and 3rd doses aged 16 and over (3rd doses offered to people with severely weakened immune system).
Booster vaccinations are available if you are over 16 and it’s been more than 3 months since your 2nd dose
9am – 5.30pm
Cottingham Pharmacy 342 Wellington Street, Grimsby, DN32 7JR
Pfizer 1st and 2nd doses for people aged 16 and over.
Booster vaccinations are available if you are over 16 and it’s been more than 3 months since your 2nd dose.
Friday 18 March
9am-6pm
Periville Chemist, Cromwell Road Primary Care Centre, Grimsby, DN31 2BH
Pfizer 1st, 2nd and 3rd doses aged 16 and over (3rd doses offered to people with severely weakened immune system).
Booster vaccinations are available if you are over 16 and it’s been more than 3 months since your 2nd dose.
9am-5.30pm
Periville Chemist, 9 Wingate Parade, Grimsby, DN37 9DR
Pfizer 1st, 2nd and 3rd doses aged 16 and over (3rd doses offered to people with severely weakened immune system).
Booster vaccinations are available if you are over 16 and it’s been more than 3 months since your 2nd dose
9am-5pm
Drugs4Delivery, Unit 4, Acorn Business Park, Moss Road, Grimsby, DN32 0LT
Pfizer 1st, 2nd and 3rd doses aged 16 and over (3rd doses offered to people with severely weakened immune system).
1st and 2nd vaccinations for 12-15 year olds. 1st and 2nd vaccines must be 12 weeks apart and people of this age group should be 12 weeks clear after having COVID.
Booster vaccinations are available if you are over 16 and it’s been more than 3 months since your 2nd dose.
9am – 5pm
Freshney Place: Opposite HMV, Freshney Place, Grimsby
Pfizer 1st and 2nd doses for people aged 16 and over
1st and 2nd vaccinations for 12-15 year olds. 1st and 2nd vaccines must be 12 weeks apart and people of this age group should be 12 weeks clear after having COVID.
Booster vaccinations are available if you are over 16 and it’s been more than 3 months since your 2nd dose.
9am – 6pm
Cottingham Pharmacy 342 Wellington Street, Grimsby, DN32 7JR
Pfizer 1st and 2nd doses for people aged 16 and over.
Booster vaccinations are available if you are over 16 and it’s been more than 3 months since your 2nd dose.
Saturday 19 March
9am-1pm
Periville Chemist, 9 Wingate Parade, Grimsby, DN37 9DR
Pfizer 1st, 2nd and 3rd doses aged 16 and over (3rd doses offered to people with severely weakened immune system).
Booster vaccinations are available if you are over 16 and it’s been more than 3 months since your 2nd dose
1st and 2nd vaccinations for 12-15 year olds. 1st and 2nd vaccines must be 12 weeks apart and people of this age group should be 12 weeks clear after having COVID.
9am – 6pm
Cottingham Pharmacy 342 Wellington Street, Grimsby, DN32 7JR
Pfizer 1st and 2nd doses for people aged 16 and over.
Booster vaccinations are available if you are over 16 and it’s been more than 3 months since your 2nd dose.
Sunday 20 March
9am – 1pm
Cottingham Pharmacy 342 Wellington Street, Grimsby, DN32 7JR
Pfizer 1st and 2nd doses for people aged 16 and over.
Booster vaccinations are available if you are over 16 and it’s been more than 3 months since your 2nd dose.
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