Covid-19 cases in Renfrewshire are “stabilising” after a recent spike in positive tests, health chiefs have said.
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) revealed earlier this month how a resurgence in coronavirus cases was adding pressure to an already stretched Royal Alexandra Hospital.
The Paisley hospital had then recorded some of the worst A&E waiting times in its history.
In the last week of March, just over half of the people who attended the emergency department were seen within the required four hours. Only 54.9 per cent of 1,046 patients were treated and admitted or discharged within that time frame.
However, the health board this week told the Paisley Daily Express that pressure from Covid-19 is easing.
A spokesman said: “Covid-19 still remains with us and although we have seen an increase in cases over recent weeks, the vast majority of the population have good protection from the virus thanks to our vaccination rollout.
“Most patients may experience mild symptoms and there is early signs that numbers have already began to stabilise or reduce.”
They added: “In line with guidance across the rest of the UK, our face mask policy has changed and these are no longer compulsory in public areas of our hospitals, primary care and wider healthcare settings excluding care homes.
“However, the use of masks is strongly recommend when providing patient care or passing through a clinical area. In the care of children, the use of masks is risk-assessed.
“We would always ask if you are feeling unwell or have symptoms of Covid-19 that you do not attend at our hospital sites and that lateral flow tests are utilised.”
The news comes as it is confirmed that the more infectious Arcturus variant of Covid-19 is present in the UK.
The Arcturus XBB.1.16 sub-variant of the Omicron strain has caused a surge of infections in India – leading to mock drills last week in an attempt to see if hospitals in the country were prepared.
Wearing face coverings in public has also been made compulsory for the first time in a year in some states of India. While the new strain is more infectious, it is not currently thought to be any more serious in terms of its impact on people’s health.
Visit https://www.publichealthscotland.scot for more information.
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