COVID-19 case numbers slightly down but still very high
Over the last week (week ending 2 February), new cases of COVID-19 in Central Bedfordshire have gone down by 105 to 3,686, a rate of 1,253.3 cases per 100,000. Infections are now highest among 11-17-year-olds and 5-10s and high among 30-49s. The number of people in hospital locally has gone down a little but sadly there were 11 deaths in the last reporting week.
Case numbers among our neighbours are also slightly down but remain very high:
- Bedford – 2,442 new cases, down 545 (1,397.9 per 100,000) with 2 deaths reported
- Luton – 2,683 new cases, down 757 (1,256.5 per 100,000) with 6 deaths reported
- Milton Keynes – 3,997 new cases, down 183 (1,479.3 per 100,000) and 1 death reported
Cases are very high across the whole of the East of England with our region recording 74,039 new cases last week, a rate of 1,181 per 100,000. This is the second highest regional rate in the whole of England, behind only the South East.
This week’s figures include data reported up to 30 January 2022. From 31 January 2022, COVID-19 case reporting has changed to an episode-based definition which includes possible reinfections. Find out more here
Boosters provide high level of protection against death with Omicron
The latest data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) shows that boosters significantly reduce the risk of death with Omicron.
The findings show that around six months after a second dose of any of the coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccines, protection against death with Omicron was around 60% in those aged 50 and over. However, this increased to around 95% two weeks after receiving a booster vaccine dose.
The data continue to show high levels of protection against hospitalisation from the booster. After a Pfizer booster (after either primary vaccination course), vaccine effectiveness against hospitalisation started at around 90%, dropping to around 75% after 10 to 14 weeks.
The evidence is clear – the vaccine helps to protect us all against the effects of COVID-19 and the booster is offering high levels of protection from hospitalisation and death in the most vulnerable members of our society.
The pandemic is not over yet, and the vaccine is the best way to increase your protection against the serious consequences of this virus – please book your appointment for your first, second or third vaccine without delay.
A booster vaccine is crucial to topping up your immunity against the Omicron variant.
More than 80% of eligible adults in England have already received their booster and this has allowed the easing of COVID-19 restrictions.
You can book online, visit a walk-in or one of the many NHS pop-up vaccination clinics – please get boosted now.
Find out how to stay safe and help prevent the spread
Find a local vaccine walk-in centre
Book a vaccine appointment
Find out more about how to get rapid lateral flow tests.
Remember to report your results even if they are negative
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