Asymptomatic people infected with Covid mingling with others indoors are currently the ‘single main cause’ of the virus spreading, according to Hertfordshire’s top public health boss.
Monday marked so-called ‘freedom day’ in England when the country reached the final milestone on the government’s unlocking roadmap.
The latest figures show that the 10 districts of Hertfordshire have seen a weekly increase in infection rates, with St Albans currently posting the highest rate of 586 cases per 100,000 population.
Other districts in the county with a rate of over 500 cases per 100,000 population include Three Rivers, Hertsmere, East Hertfordshire and Dacorum.
As most restrictions are relaxed, the Watford Observer asked Hertfordshire Director of Public Health Jim McManus what was the main driver of coronavirus infection in the county.
Read more – “Freedom Day” – “Do I have to wear a mask? »And other FAQ
He said: “The main cause of the spread right now is that people without symptoms get too close to others indoors and infect them through aerosol spread.
“Face coverings work to reduce that.”
Data from the government scorecard shows cases in Hertfordshire being led by teenagers and people in their 20s and early 30s.
As of July 13, 20 Covid patients were in the care of the West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust, including two patients on ventilation.
The trust last recorded a death from Covid-19 on July 8.
Speaking to the Watford Observer ahead of ‘Freedom Day’ Mr McManus said: ‘The virus has not gone away, in fact cases are increasing and it is important to recognize that everyone’s circumstances are different and that what feels comfortable to one person might not feel that way to another. ”
He added, “The most important thing right now is for all of us to keep doing the things that stop the infection. Get vaccinated if you are 18 or older, give people space, wear face covers in crowded indoor areas, ventilate your workplaces and social spaces, and if you have symptoms, do it. test yourself and isolate yourself. These measures have protected us and will continue to protect us.
“Covid-19 will not end when the rules change, and we need to be reasonable – as almost everyone has been over the past 15 months – and protect each other.
“Let’s continue to look out for each other and recognize that we will all move forward at our own pace. ”
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Source: www.times-series.co.uk
This notice was published: 2021-07-21 07:00:00
