Covid cases are set to surge in Stoke-on-Trent this Christmas – with the Omicron variant expected to engulf the city in the ‘next seven to 10 days’.
Latest Public Health England data shows Stoke-on-Trent has recorded 1,554 Covid cases in the past 24 hours – with a total of 48,840 cases since the start of the global pandemic.
It increases the city’s seven-day Covid infection rate to 605.6 cases per 100,000 population.
For the latest coronavirus news from StokeonTrentLive
But that rate is currently dwarfed by the figures in London which has been gripped by the Covid Omicron wave now on its way to Stoke-on-Trent this festive season.
Public health bosses have still not disclosed how many Omicron cases there are in the city.
Stoke-on-Trent’s director of public health Doctor Paul Edmondson-Jones said: “In light of the rapid spread of the Omicron variant across the UK, it is highly probable that the wave which is currently impacting London and the wider West Midlands area will reach Stoke-on-Trent within the next seven to 10 days.
Shoppers wearing masks in Hanley
(Image: STOKE SENTINEL)
“We mustn’t be alarmed by this, but instead continue to be really cautious to protect ourselves and our loved-ones – particularly as many people will be meeting up with family and friends over the festive season.
“It’s vital that we are sensible and keep in mind that Covid-19 is very easily transmitted through close contact. Stay safe, think carefully, and follow ‘Hands, Face, Space and Fresh Air’ to help prevent transmitting the virus.
“Although we can continue to mix indoors, please ensure you keep rooms well ventilated and open windows where you can. If you are not showing any of the three main symptoms of Covid-19 – a high temperature, a new continuous cough, or a loss or change to your sense of taste or smell – you can access quick and free lateral flow tests to take at home or at one of our community testing venues. If you are showing one of the three main symptoms, please make sure you book a PCR test.
“It is vital that you book your coronavirus booster when you are asked to as this will give you the maximum protection against the virus. Please also remember that not everybody is vaccinated, and therefore there are still people in our community who are at a higher risk of becoming very ill indeed from Covid-19.”
Want a free daily bulletin which includes all the latest Covid-19 news – plus breaking news alerts direct to your inbox? Then sign up to our email newsletter service by clicking here.
Decide later that you no longer wish to receive the emails? No problem – you can just follow the unsubscribe link.
Elsewhere, Staffordshire has a seven-day Covid infection rate of 614.8 cases per 100,000 population after recording 5,430 positive tests in the past week.
The latest Covid infection rate in Newcastle borough is a whopping 868, it is 472.4 in the Staffordshire Moorlands, and 585.4 in Stafford borough. That compares with the England average of 862.1 and the West Midlands average of 575.2.
Got something to say about this story? Join the conversation by clicking on the green comments icon at the top of this page or the picture box
https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/news/stoke-on-trent-news/london-covid-omicron-wave-hit-6393381
