A summer resurgence in Covid cases has led to the reintroduction of face mask rules in some GP surgeries. This decision comes after the detection of a new variant. One practice in Leicester reinstated the guidance as a precautionary measure to protect vulnerable patients, while another in Essex did the same due to an increasing number of Covid cases among patients and staff. The rise in infections has resulted in England seeing a five-month high in Covid hospitalisations. Furthermore, health officials have confirmed an increase in the number of cases of the super-mutated Pirola Covid variant in the UK.
Managers and medical professionals have voiced their support for the reintroduction of face masks. Mukta Modi, manager of Canon Street Medical Centre in Leicester, stated that it is a precautionary measure to safeguard staff and vulnerable patients. The Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland Local Medical Committee also support these measures, emphasising the importance of risk assessments to determine necessary protective measures.
Data from the ZOE Covid study indicates a significant increase in symptomatic infections, with nearly double the number of new daily cases reported compared to the previous month. According to the study, approximately 1.29 million people in the UK are currently infected with Covid, representing approximately one in 52 individuals. Although this figure is the highest in five months, it is significantly lower than the estimates during previous infection peaks.
In the past, face masks were required in GP surgeries until June last year. However, updated NHS guidance stated that face masks were not mandatory for patients unless they preferred to wear them. Nevertheless, health and care staff were advised to continue wearing face masks as part of their personal protective equipment when working with suspected or confirmed Covid patients. The autumn vaccination programme calls for precautionary measures to be taken, including the wearing of masks.
Recently, a caller reported that her GP surgery in Essex had asked staff to wear masks again due to an increasing number of Covid cases. The practice plans to periodically review their mask-wearing policy. Globally, the Pirola variant has been detected in several countries, including Denmark, South Africa, and the US.
Scientists have recommended a return to pandemic mitigation measures, such as wearing masks and improving ventilation, due to the resurgence of the virus. Some experts have also urged the government to reconsider vaccine eligibility criteria. Studies have consistently shown that mask wearing reduces the transmission of the virus, and a report by the Royal Society highlighted the effectiveness of mask mandates. However, the efficacy of non-pharmaceutical interventions has decreased as the virus has become more transmissible.
According to UKHSA data, Covid hospitalisations in the UK are currently at their highest level since April. Although the rates remain much lower than during previous waves, they have been steadily increasing for the past two months. Experts predict that cases will continue to rise during the autumn as people spend more time indoors. It is important to note that the number of confirmed cases is likely an underestimate since community testing has ended.
The Pirola variant, a mutation of the Omicron strain, has raised concerns among experts. The UKHSA is currently assessing the effectiveness of Covid vaccines against Pirola by analysing blood samples from NHS workers. Experiments are also underway to determine the accuracy of lateral flow tests in detecting the variant.
Denial of responsibility! Vigour Times is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
