Wrexham still has the highest coronavirus levels in Wales (199 per 100k population on a rolling seven-day basis).
And although the figures are going down for the county borough as a whole, they’re still high and have even gone up in some areas recently.
We all need to remain extremely vigilant.
The vaccination programme is rolling out at pace, and by Monday (February 15) the local health board aims to have offered an appointment to everyone in the first four ‘priority groups.’
However, it’s important that no-one is left behind…
Aged 70 or over, or shielding?
- If you’re aged 70 or over and haven’t received a vaccination appointment yet, please call 03000 840004 now.
- If you’re under 70 and have a letter from Welsh Government advising you to shield, you should also call this number to book a slot.
If you don’t fall into either of these categories, please don’t call. When it’s your turn, you’ll be contacted by phone or letter.
If you’re aged 65 to 69, your jab is coming soon, but please wait to be contacted.
A positive experience
Since the local vaccination centre (LVC) opened at the Catrin Finch Centre at the end of January, it’s been playing a key part in the local rollout.
The council worked extremely hard to bring the LVC to Wrexham, and sees it as an important boost in the battle against the virus.
Lots of people have posted positive comments on social media about their experiences there and the health staff at the site are doing an amazing job.
You can read more about the rollout across North Wales on the local health board website.
Or watch this update from Dr Chris Stockport from earlier this week.
https://youtu.be/vEZKe0VYqX8
Vaccination is free…don’t get scammed
Sadly, there are people out there who might try to scam you with fake vaccination emails or bogus calls.
Remember…you’ll never be asked to ‘sign up’ or pay to be vaccinated or to give your bank details or passwords.
When it’s your turn, you’ll be contacted by the NHS or your GP.
Coronavirus levels where you live
Most areas of Wrexham continue to improve, but the figures are still high, and some areas have got worse.
The areas where cases have gone up are:
- Gwersyllt West and Summerhill – 354 per 100k (compared to 321 on Feb 5).
- Penycae and Minera – 349 (a significant rise from 157 on Feb 5).
- Rhos and Johnstown South – 256 (compared to 199 on Feb 5).
This shows that although cases are falling on the whole across the county borough, it’s not plain-sailing.
If you want to check the figures where you live in more detail, visit the Public Health Wales data ‘tableau’ and click on the ‘MSOA’ tab.
The virus is still mainly spreading in households between family members, with the ‘Kent’ variant accounting for all cases.
Planning for a cautious return to school
Planning is underway as Wrexham considers arrangements for reopening schools to foundation phase learners (3-7 years olds).
Welsh Government recently announced that schools could start to reopen for younger children from Monday, February 22.
Although coronavirus levels are falling in Wrexham, the figures are still very high, so the council and headteachers are carefully considering plans, while continually monitoring the local situation.
In light of this cautious approach, children will not be returning to schools in Wrexham until Friday, February 26 at the very earliest – depending on local coronavirus levels after half-term.
However, if levels remain high and if it’s felt that it’s not yet safe, pupils won’t return to school on February 26 and we’ll continue to monitor local situation.
Planning underway for cautious return of foundation phase pupils in Wrexham
Stay vigilant (even though half-term is approaching)
Act as if you – and everyone you meet – might have Covid-19.
Stick to the current restrictions in Wales and:
- Don’t mix with people from other households – although you can meet up with one person from another household for outdoor exercise only.
- Don’t travel except for essential purposes…such as work, health reasons or caring duties.
If you have symptoms…
If you have coronavirus symptoms, make sure you self-isolate and get a test.
It could be the most important thing you ever do.
Read more on the Welsh Government website.
Useful sources of information
- Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board website – vaccination updates (North Wales)
- Welsh Government website – Alert Level 4 restrictions FAQs
- Public Health Wales website – daily statement
Get the facts…read the latest NHS Wales Covid-19 vaccination info for Wrexham and North Wales.
[button color=”” size=”large” type=”square_outlined” target=”new” link=” https://bcuhb.nhs.wales/covid-19/covid-19-vaccination-information/vaccinations-statistics/ “]GET THE FACTS[/button]
