20 to 29 year olds account for half of jump in local COVID cases

01/07/2021

Warning from public health chief as COVID cases at levels not seen since winter

We’re being urged to take extra care and accept the offer of first and second vaccinations as COVID cases in Oxfordshire reach levels not seen since the winter.

Across the county cases have risen from 21.1 per 100,000 people in late May to 101.8 cases per 100,000 in the week ending June 25.   The largest number of cases remain in people aged below 30, with 20 to 29-year olds accounting for 46 per cent of all new infections.

All people aged 18 and above are now eligible to receive their first jab.

In the Cherwell District the rate is slightly lower than the county average at 93 cases per 100,000 people, although this has jumped up from 47.8 cases per 100,000 people last week.

Ansaf Azhar, Oxfordshire County Council’s Director of Public Health, said: “Cases have risen by 66 per cent in the last week alone and are now uncomfortably high in the county. Geographically the largest numbers are in Oxford City, where the weekly rate is currently 181 per 100,000.

“Without the vaccine the rate would be much higher and we urge everyone aged 18 and over to come forward and get the jab to give themselves the best levels of protection possible. You can book an appointment through the national NHS booking service, take up an invitation from your GP or attend one of the pop-up clinics in Oxford.

“We are seeing a large number of young people come forward for their vaccine, which is really encouraging. But it’s worth reminding everyone that the first dose doesn’t start offering notable protection until two weeks after the jab has been administered and you must have two doses of the vaccine to receive full protection.

“We also ask people to keep up with their twice-weekly lateral flow testing and getting a PCR test if they develop any symptoms. Please wear face coverings in appropriate circumstances and stick to hands, face, space and fresh air. That advice applies particularly to those younger age groups where COVID levels are so high.”


Published: by Banbury FM Newsteam

Reader's opinions

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *



Current track

Title

Artist

Background