Covid-19 briefing note – don’t be too anxious, don’t be blasé (be somewhere in the middle)

Today’s briefing note is again fairly short – reflecting how things have improved.

Content

Do you work on Wrexham Industrial Estate?Vaccination update It’s not too late Book online Get your second dose Volunteers needed to help trial ‘booster’ vaccine Keep workers safe Symptoms? Get a test Wider symptoms Useful sources of information

But we know the pandemic isn’t over, and the Delta variant of concern is the latest twist in the plot… so there’s a balance to strike.

Let’s enjoy the freedoms we have, but stay sensible and remember the basics – hands, face, space, fresh air.

Do you work on Wrexham Industrial Estate?

A mobile testing unit on Wrexham Industrial Estate is making it easier for workers to get a Covid-19 test.

The move is part of ongoing efforts to help keep virus cases low in Wrexham.

The easy-access testing facility offers rapid lateral flow tests at Redwither Business Park every Monday.

Vaccination update

Eighty-four per cent of eligible adults in North Wales have had their first dose of the vaccine. Half have had the full protection of both doses.

The vaccine has been offered to every eligible person, and the local health board is urging those who haven’t taken up the offer yet to book an appointment online.

It’s not too late

Getting everyone vaccinated before the Delta variant (or any other variant of concern) takes hold could have a big impact on our ability to return to normal life.

So in the coming weeks the health board will be sending text messages and letters to people who haven’t booked a first dose yet.

Please don’t worry if you haven’t been able to book your appointment, or you turned one down when it was first offered and have since changed your mind.

The door is always open and it’s not too late.

Book online

It’s now easier than ever to book your first and second doses through the online booking service.

A range of appointment dates and times are available, with vaccination clinics being held in locations across North Wales.

If you’re unable to book online, call 03000 840004.

Get your second dose

Real world data shows that the Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccines are highly effective against the Delta variant after two doses.

So it’s vital you get your second dose for maximum protection.

You can read more about the vaccination programme in North Wales on the local NHS health board website.

Volunteers needed to help trial ‘booster’ vaccine

Volunteers from within a 50-mile radius of Wrexham are needed for a new clinical trial to receive a third ‘booster’ vaccine.

Public Health Wales is recruiting over-30s who’ve had two doses of a Covid-19 vaccine – including those immunised early in the vaccination programme (e.g. people aged 75+ or health and care workers).

Keep workers safe

As more businesses re-open in Wrexham, we’re aiming to make sure employers take the right steps to keep their workers safe.

We’re now working with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to undertake Covid-19 spot checks on businesses. The aim is to support businesses by helping them to manage the risks of the virus.

Symptoms? Get a test

If you have coronavirus symptoms – or you’re identified as a ‘contact’ by the Track, Trace and Protect (TTP) service – make sure you self-isolate and get a test.

Wider symptoms

You can now get a free test if you have a wider range of symptoms.

As well as the three cardinal signs – fever, a new continuous cough or a loss/change of taste and smell – people can now get a test if they have other symptoms too.

These are:

Flu-like symptoms which are not caused by known conditions (such as hay fever), including muscle ache or pain, excessive tiredness, persistent headache, runny nose or blocked nose, persistent sneezing, sore throat and/or hoarseness, shortness of breath or wheezing.
Generally feeling unwell and a history of being in contact with a known Covid-19 case.
Any new or change in symptoms following a previous negative test.