A new Covid strain is now dominant in the Bristol region as cases rise.
Over the past month, researchers have seen a rise in cases in the South West with a shift in the dominant strain from the Omicron BA.2 variant. The latest data indicates that Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 now account for more than half of rising Covid cases in the UK and are driving the recent increase in infections.
Health bosses are now urging everyone who is eligible to have their Covid vaccine.
READ MORE: Covid vaccination sites at Bristol supermarkets including Morrisons and Tesco
Dominic Mellon, Deputy Director, UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) South West said: "We’ve learned so much in the last two years but as we move to living with COVID-19 on a long-term basis, every one of us needs to remain vigilant, take precautions, and ensure that we’re up to date with our COVID-19 vaccinations. We need to continue to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe and vaccination is the best form of defence we have. It’s never too late to get vaccinated.
"Remember we can all play our part - stay at home if you have any respiratory symptoms or a fever and limit contact with others until you are feeling better, particularly if they are likely to be at greater risk if they contract COVID-19. Face coverings and hand washing still remain important in reducing transmission, consider wearing a face covering in crowded, enclosed spaces and washing your hands thoroughly and often, especially before and after getting on public transport or getting in from work, shops or the pub."
It comes after scores of people who attended Glastonbury Festival last week contracted Covid.
Kheelna Bavalia, Medical Director for NHS England and NHS Improvement in the South West, said "Across the South West people have tirelessly played their part to keep their family, friends, work colleagues and themselves protected and free from Covid.
"With the indicated rise in Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 we must continue to be vigilant and take those important steps that will keep ourselves well and reduce the spread of the virus to others.”
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