Nottinghamshire covid figures heading in right direction but 'more work to do' health bosses say

Speaking at the county’s weekly Covid briefing today (Friday) Nottinghamshire’s Integrated Care Services executive lead Dr Andy Haynes said the vaccine programme was ‘progressing well’ with 50,000 vaccinations weekly.

"We are making good progress, I thank everyone for their efforts so far,” Dr Haynes said.

There were still over 500 people in hospital beds across the region, the same as the virus peak, but only 64 deaths in the past week.

"That’s encouraging, it’s less than the 100 deaths we saw recently,” he added.

Some 95 per cent of care home residents were vaccinated and any missed due to outbreaks were being followed up.

A figure of 93 per cent of vaccinations was completed in the 80s+ age group, 90 per cent in the 70-74s, and 99 per cent in the 75-79s. The 65-69 cohort was 72 per cent but increasing daily.

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The emphasis was on the 65+ group and he urged people to come forward for vaccination asking those who have had theirs to “share experiences.” He also encouraged use of the online booking service.

Vaccination letters were going out in batches of 10,000. The next group was cohort 6, the clinically vulnerable, those 16 years to 65 years with underlying health conditions, including those in receipt of carers allowance or caring for an older, vulnerable, person.

Dr Haynes said: “We’re seeing some green shoots for the first time since August, our Covid admissions are down, thanks to citizens doing a fantastic job in adhering to the measures.

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"Although we seem to be turning a corner, we’re still very stretched, we need more pressure coming off health and care services yet.”

Jonathan Gribbin, Director of Public Health for Nottinghamshire thanked everyone for “doing their bit.”

"Nottinghamshire rates are reducing, we expect further reductions in the coming weeks, reductions in hospitalisations and deaths expected. However, there is still more to do,” he said.

“We’re seeing the B117 Kent variant, the dominant strain. It’s more transmissible, so we have to apply brakes even harder to reduce the spread of virus.

"Keep following the guidance, doing all the things you’ve been doing, and we can look forward to better times ahead.”

New testing centres, including one in Ashfield are to open.