NHS Grampian issues warning over case numbers as Delta variant now dominant strain across Moray and Aberdeenshire
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Everyone in the NHS Grampian region is being urged to show caution as cases of Covid-19 continue to increase.
Dr Derek Cox, a Consultant in Public Health with NHS Grampian, said: "At the end of May, we were seeing case numbers sitting around eight or nine a day.
"We are now seeing daily cases at three times that.
"We need to take action now, before we ‘catch up’ with other parts of the country.
"The highly infectious Delta variant is now the dominant strain in Grampian, accounting for some 80 per cent of cases.
"This is concerning for a number of reasons.
"This variant is more than 60 per cent more infectious than the Alpha variant.
"It also appears to be more resistant to the available vaccines, which means there is a greater need for everyone to get both doses.
"And emerging evidence suggests that the Delta variant may be associated with higher rates of hospitalisation – perhaps up to double – than the Alpha variant, even taking account of vaccination.
"I know there will be those who will point to the very low numbers of people currently in hospital and say we are making an undue fuss.
"The simple fact is, the third wave is here, but we have a window of opportunity to slow its progress across Grampian and give as many people as possible the opportunity to get both doses of Covid-19 vaccine."
Dr Cox added: "Our experience in Moray has shown that if we work hand-in-hand with the community, then we can make a real difference.
"As such, I am encouraging everyone in Grampian to consider the following:
"When invited people should go for the vaccination.
"We have seen a rising number of appointments not being taken up, as we move down the age cohorts.
"Younger people are still at risk of hospitalisation and of developing Long Covid and should not assume that they don’t need to get vaccinated.
Dr Cox says that just because people are allowed to do some things does not mean that they should.
NHS Grampian's advice to the public:
- Avoid unnecessary travel outwith their own area, and especially to the Central Belt of Scotland and to England
- Avoid crowded indoor places - If it looks too crowded, it is too crowded
- Limit the numbers of people mixing at home
- Continue with the usual precautions of social distancing and use of face coverings.
Dr Cox said: "Our choices right now will determine how quickly we can progress towards something approaching a normal life once again."
