Covid-19 - latest on vaccines

Covid warning - “think twice” before leaving home

Despite the roll-out of the Coronavirus vaccines gathering pace in North Devon, NHS chiefs warn that the coming weeks could be the “most dangerous time” and are urging everyone to “think twice” before leaving our homes.

Devon’s Director of Public Health, Steve Brown (pictured right), has called on us all to be extra vigilant in following the Government’s Covid-19 lockdown rules.

“I completely understand how difficult this dreadful situation is for so many people in rural Devon. But every time you leave home you risk coming into contact with an infected person or touching a surface, door handle or petrol pump which may be contaminated.” He added, “Any one of these interactions could be a link in the chain of transmission which could lead to someone becoming seriously ill or dying from Covid-19.”

NHS healthcare experts add that while it’s really important to take daily exercise in the fresh air for physical and mental wellbeing during the continued lockdown, please stay as close to home as possible. Ideally start and finish your exercise at your front door, and if you meet a person from another household on your exercise, make sure you stay two metres apart (guidelines page 36).

Meanwhile, all GP surgeries in North Devon are now taking part in the vital vaccine roll-out. Chulmleigh area patients have a vaccination unit at the Lords Meadow Leisure Centre in Crediton, while South Molton and Lynton area patients are covered by the set-up at Barnstaple Leisure Centre.

All four of Devon’s main hospitals are now giving vaccinations to vulnerable patients, and GPs are also covering care homes. New regional mass vaccinations centres are also due to start operating.

Photo courtesy NHS

Vaccines are being given to the most vulnerable first. The Government plans to inoculate a list of nine high-priority groups by the end of April, and everyone else by autumn (see page 16 for more information).

People are being reminded not to contact their practice or hospital to ask about an appointment, your local NHS team be in touch with you when it’s your turn.

Almost 90,000 people in Devon received their first vaccine dose in the period up to January 17th, and a further 10,651 had their second jab in the same period according to the NHS.

Lockdown guidelines are on page 36

Watch out for vaccine scams

Trading Standards say beware of fake texts or calls offering a Covid-19 vaccine, in an attempt to steal bank details. The Coronavirus vaccines are free, and the NHS will never ask for your payment details (see page 17 for more information on scams).