Read on Twitter
COVID numbers still looking bad across NI. Over last 2 weeks things certainly going the wrong way with little sign they're getting better. Increase is reflected in numbers and trends in new +ve cases, hospital and ICU patients. Sadly, we will see deaths creeping up now.
The situation we are in is certainly close to what we were unknowingly experience in early March 2019. Yes things are a bit better (slower growth rates, more awareness, better treatments) but still not enough.
We need to remember why COVID19/SARS-CoV-2 infections are bad…. SARS-CoV-2 is probably the most deadly respiratory virus that is circulating now (more so than seasonal influenza). SARS2 doesn't just attack the lungs but can frequently damage the whole body.
Yes most infections aren't serious but in a significant number of cases people need help in hospital and about 0.5% will still die. Many of those who die will be elderly and/or those with severe co-morbidities, but death/disease also in younger people who are otherwise healthy.
And then there is long COVID... that can occur in mild infections and can lead to long term disability (fatique, pain, temperature, cardiovascular problems). And also, bear in mind that more cases make it incredibly hard to protect the most vulnerable in our communities.
There's real things we can do by following the guidance. We need to reduce our social contacts and we need to take precautions (hands, face, space). Also remember to avoid the 3 C's: closed spaces, crowds, close contact.
Remind yourself of the symptoms (new cough, temperature, loss of taste/smell). Get tested if you have symptoms and if positive isolate for >10days and those in close contact with you quarantine for 14 days. Download and use the contact tracing app (this should really help!)
And of course there's things government can do around drastically improving testing tracing and isolating and not relying on lockdowns...
But bear in mind, things will get better: new drugs are being found, a vaccine is nearly here, we're much better at treating COVID-19 now and better testing is being developed. But until then, take care of yourself and others over the next few months!
