WalesOnline readers have reacted to the latest data which reveals that Wales has the highest Covid rate in the UK. More people in Wales have Covid than any other part of the UK, relative to the size of the population, with the rising infection rate now higher than it has ever been at any other point in the pandemic.
The latest Office for National Statistics (ONS) infection survey suggests that 231,900 people in Wales had the disease in the week ending April 9. That is equivalent to 7.63% of the population or around one in 13 people. It is a small rise from the 7.59% of the population estimated to have Covid-19 in the previous week in Wales.
The infection rate is falling in most parts of the UK including England as a whole, Scotland and Northern Ireland. However, it is still rising in the northeast region of England. The ONS survey is now the most reliable method of assessing the spread of Covid in Wales as it is based on a randomised survey and is not dependent on routine testing, which is now no longer available in any part of the UK.
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Commenting on WalesOnline's Facebook page hundreds of people have reacted to the news, with responses ranging from concern to frustration, with many declaring that it is "time to move on" from Covid despite the rise in infections. We have put together some of the statements that best reflect the mood of our commenters.
'Where are we going wrong?'
Some readers were left questioning why the infection rate had increased. Julie Cook wrote: "I am in Denmark. No one is wearing a mask and lockdowns were optional ! High uptake of vaccine and lots have had Covid but now 0 Covid. Where are we going wrong??!!!"
A few of those who chose to comment suggested that vaccines had not helped the situation. "Of course it is [rising] as all were told to go out, not wear masks etc," wrote Norma Greene. "Spread it far and wide so everyone gets it before winter kicks in. Seems like your immunity is boosted by actually getting Covid, regardless of the jabs or because of them. Bit like chicken pox, best you get it so your body is immune to it. so what was the point of the jabs?
Lorna Aherne also criticised the jabs, sarcastically writing: "Vaccines worked then." However, her comment was criticised as "oblivious" by others, who defended the vaccine. Siân Pullen Bagley replied: "They actually do [work]. Cases in hospital going up because of waning vaccines. It was inevitable it was going to happen."
Joy Howells added: "It doesn't stop you catching it, but hopefully stops you going into hospital," while Martyn George agreed, writing: "The only person not vaccinated I know caught it two weeks ago and was in hospital! Every other person I know who’s caught it but vaccinated has just had mild symptoms. So 'yes' they have worked."
Tracey Wixcey also suggested that wearing masks had done little to curb infections, as she asked: "So wearing masks doesn’t make much of a difference then?". However, Derek Tschemerys replied: "Lol, no one is wearing them, hence the steep rise in infections."
'That's why I wear a mask'
While many of those who commented were not totally convinced by the new data, others said that they were still taking Covid as seriously as they were at the height of the pandemic. "And you wonder why I still wear a mask," said Linda Anderson.
Some even expressed fears that the rate would increase as holidaymakers made their way to Wales to enjoy the good weather, with Laura Jones writing: "It's cuz everyone was told to come here on holiday". She added: "It’s bloody rammed!"
'Life has got to go on'
Other commenters were unmoved by the latest ONS data and insisted that it was "time to get going again" after two years of coronavirus measures. "Just carry on and don't worry," wrote Andrew Durrant. "Everyone will get ill at some point".
Claire Pietzka's reaction was "Oh well," as she added: "Let's all just get on with living our lives shall we." Dai Place agreed, adding: "Just live with it for Christ sakes, life's gotta go on! Had two bloody years of misery etc. Now it's time to get going again and start living my life".
"Sun is out, lets all enjoy life and live again!" wrote Richard Morris, while others clearly had their minds on other things. I'm thinking about what to cook for food tonight," wrote Adam Rees. "I'm getting a bit hungry now."
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