July 19: Dubbed the new Freedom Day, GP Dr Sarah Jarvis explained on BBC Breakfast: “[Coronavirus] cases are up – 72 percent over the course of the last year.” Having said that, she added: “[Hospital] admissions are not up by the same amount.” The number of people now admitted to hospital has increased by around 17 percent.
Meanwhile, the number of deaths “are up around 12 percent in the last year”.
These statistics show that “we are weakening the link” between Covid infections, hospital admissions and deaths.
However, those increases in hospital admissions are going to have a knock-on effect, warned Dr Jarvis.
More than five million people are on the NHS waiting list to receive other NHS services.
With more resources going to treat Covid patients, delays in treatment for other conditions are likely.
Dr Jarvis emphasised the “good news” is that “a real weakening of the link” can be attributed to the success of the vaccination programme.
Recommended measures post-July 19
Come July 19 (the so-called new Freedom Day), Dr Jarvis’s “personal feeling” is that people should still work from home if possible.
She believes that people should try to keep all activities outdoors rather than indoors, but recognises that is much easier over the summer months.
And even though the requirement for social distancing (keeping one metre apart) and face coverings may be lifted, Dr Jarvis urges people to think twice.
“Just because I can do something, doesn’t mean I should do something, so I would say [to] continue to socially distant.”
“Don’t have big parties,” Dr Jarvis added, “and if you are going to have a celebration – whether it’s a wedding or something like that – get everyone to have lateral flow tests first.”
The protection gained from Covid vaccines
Dr Jarvis made clear that having both jabs doesn’t stop you from catching Covid.
It does, however, minimise the risk of catching Covid and, most importantly, reduces the likelihood of ending up in hospital.
In fact, there’s a whopping 92-96 percent drop in the likelihood of being admitted to hospital if you have both jabs.
However, people who have been vaccinated can still pass on the disease to others if they catch Covid themselves.
The lateral flow tests (although not as accurate as the PCR tests) are “pretty good” at letting people know if they’re infectious.
“Daily tests could allow people to go about their daily business,” added Dr Jarvis.
Everyone over the age of 18 (within the UK) are now eligible for their first Covid jab.
The jabs currently available in the UK include the Pfizer, AstraZeneca and Moderna vaccines.
You will not have the option of which jab you receive, as it’ll depend on the stocks in place at the vaccination centres.
Post source Daily Express
