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Main COVID case rises in 11-17 and 40-49 age groups
01/10/2021
Health chief calls for socially responsible behaviours as COVID cases rise in the county
As the colder weather arrives and people start to spend more time inside, there’s a reminder from the county’s health chief about the importance of socially responsible behaviours to protect ourselves and others from COVID-19.
In the Banbury FM area 337 people tested positive for the virus in the seven days up to last Friday. Whilst this is just marginally up on the previous week, cases in the county have risen by 27 per cent. Oxford city saw the biggest rises, with a 51 per cent increase.
Within different age groups the biggest increase in cases was seen among children aged 11 – 17. There has also been an increase in cases among 40- to 49-year-olds.
Currently there is no increase in COVID-19 hospital admissions.
Ansaf Azhar, Oxfordshire County Council’s Director of Public Health, said: “As we head into the winter months, it’s important we all do our bit to protect ourselves and others from COVID-19, as well as other unpleasant seasonal bugs like the flu and norovirus.
“Although the increase in COVID cases has not translated into hospitalisations, which indicates that the vaccination programme is having a positive impact, local hospitals are continuing to report incredibly high demand in emergency departments. So, we must continue all our hard work to help stop the spread and avoid our health and social care services becoming overwhelmed.
“Crucially, people should stay away from work and school if they are feeling at all unwell, or if they have any COVID-19 symptoms.”
Across Oxfordshire the rate per 100,000 of the population last week was highest in Oxford city, standing at 431.4. The Cherwell district was below this at 327.3 cases per 100,000 people, but still higher than the remaining districts in the county.
Twice-weekly testing remains crucial to help find COVID cases and prevent the spread of infection. There are a number of ways people can access twice-weekly lateral flow tests, including ordering a home test kit online or collecting one from a pharmacy. This applies even if people have been vaccinated.
Anyone who has symptoms of COVID-19 must self-isolate and book a PCR test as soon as possible. PCR tests are now available in the old M&S store at the Castle Quay shopping centre.
Ansaf Azhar said: “Regular lateral flow testing remains key, particularly as whole households no longer have to self-isolate if someone contracts the virus. Contacts of anyone who has tested positive should get a PCR test as soon as possible as well as anyone who develops symptoms. And we should all continue to take basic steps, including washing your hands regularly, wearing face coverings if you need to visit crowded or busier areas, ventilating rooms and being outdoors when meeting others if you can.”
Anyone over 18 can book a COVID vaccination via the NHS website. Those aged 16 or over can get a jab at the Kassam Stadium in Oxford, where no appointment is necessary.
Published: by Banbury FM Newsteam