Don't let Delta variant get a foothold in Hartlepool, urge health chiefs

North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust is repeating the call for everyone to attend their vaccination appointment as the best defence against both COVID-19 and the Delta variant (formally known as B.1.617.2).

Deepak Dwarakanath, Trust medical director, said: “To be blunt, we’re not out of this yet.

“We’re all seeing the worrying news of the Delta variant of Covid-19 spreading around the UK and we cannot allow it to get a foothold.

“Vaccination is without doubt the best thing anyone can do to keep themselves and their loved ones safe. We know it’s highly effective against COVID-19 and all the evidence we have seen shows it also offers great protection against the new variant.

“The recent announcement that all over-30s can now receive the vaccine is yet another milestone in the incredible rollout of the vaccination and as a doctor I absolutely urge everyone to attend their appointment as soon as it is offered.”

Lindsey Robertson, trust chief nurse, also appealed for the public to maintain their new good habits. She said: “As the country opens up and we regain that sense of pre-pandemic life, it’s vital we don’t let our good habits slip.

“We’re asking everyone to keep doing their bit. We all want to get back to normal, but for the near future, we should accept ‘Hands-Face-Space-Fresh Air’ as our new normal.

“Even if you have had the vaccination you could still be a carrier and be a risk to people who have not yet been vaccinated. Please keep doing the right thing for the community.

“We would also advise people to take up the government offer of free Lateral Flow Testing kits. Again, even if you have been vaccinated, a twice weekly self-administered test is another vitally important measure we should all be taking.”

The Trust is also reminding the public that all hospitals still have strict infection control procedures and urges all patients to following all requirements and regulations to ensure medical appointments can take place safely and on schedule.

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