Messages from the Interim Directors of Public Health in West Northamptonshire and North Northamptonshire regarding COVID-19

Covid 19 Update from the Interim Director of Public Health

This is messaging we weren't expecting to write. We were, and are, focused on providing advice on how to get as fit and well as possible before the next expected Covid-19 wave in the Autumn and Winter.

However, two subvariants of the Omicron strain of the virus, known as BA.4 and BA.5 have appeared. More importantly these appear to be more infectious than other more recent variants such as BA.2. Rates are on the rise in Northamptonshire, in both North Northamptonshire and West Northamptonshire. Sadly, an increase in cases inevitably leads to an increase in hospital admissions, something we've already started to see in the county's hospitals.

So, this is a reminder that Covid-19 hasn't gone away. With any increase of mixing, we are likely to see an increase in the numbers of cases which is why we need to remain vigilant. Meet in outdoor environments where the risk of transmission is lower and ventilate homes and workplaces when meeting indoors.

Handwashing regularly and covering your nose or mouth when you sneeze or cough may seem obvious, but they remain important, yet simple methods of keeping the spread of Covid-19, as well as lots of other viruses, at bay. Wearing a mask in crowded indoor spaces is also a good idea. And, of course, do isolate if you have a positive test result, or if you have any Covid-19 symptoms.

We'd also like to talk about re-infections. Just because you have had Covid-19 once doesn't unfortunately mean that you won't get it again. At the start of the pandemic reinfections were rare but have become increasingly common as the years and months roll on, particularly since Omicron's arrival. So, this advice stands for all in Northamptonshire even if you've had Covid-19 before.