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Cases of COVID in the over 60s across North East Lincolnshire have plummeted by up to 42 per cent in the last two weeks.

These latest figures, says the borough’s health chief Geoff Barnes, show that booster jabs are working.

And, as cases overall remain worryingly high locally, he urged everyone to get their vaccines and boosters as soon as they were eligible. As of December 8th, the North East Lincolnshire COVID infection rate stood at 636 per 100,000 of the population – well above the regional and national average.

The news comes as England prepares to enter the Government’s ‘Plan B’, which is being introduced to try and slow the spread of the Omicron variant. It has yet to be identified in North East Lincolnshire, but is causing major concern both nationally and internationally.

As businesses and organisations across North East Lincolnshire put plans into place to adhere to the restrictions, Mr Barnes echoed the national call for vaccinations and boosters to be a priority for all. He said the signs were positive for those who had received their full two doses and a booster.

You can now pre-book your booster dose online if you are aged 40 or over or have a health condition that puts you at greater risk from COVID and it has been two months since your second dose. You’ll be offered appointments from three months after the date of your second dose. You can also attend a walk-in clinic if you fit the criteria above and it is at least THREE MONTHS since your second dose. You will be offered a Pfizer vaccination as your booster. For more information about boosters, please visit NHS.uk.

“We would urge everyone who is currently eligible to have or book their COVID booster as soon as possible,” said Mr Barnes.

“The figures show the boosters are working with cases in people aged over 60 in our area having reduced by as much as 42 per cent over the last two weeks. The rises we are still seeing are in people aged 25-50, and there is a large proportion of cases in school children, especially in primary schools.”

A booster vaccine helps improve protection, giving longer-term protection against getting seriously ill.

Mr Barnes added that people should also remain vigilant and be willing to test themselves ahead of planned get-togethers and be willing to stay at home should they test positive.

He said: “COVID is still a real risk to vulnerable people who can find themselves in hospital. It can also cause an unpleasant, long-lasting illness for some fit and healthy people too. We know this is the time of year when people like to meet up indoors with friends and families, especially with the weather being unpleasant. However, please reduce the risk by testing yourself beforehand and being willing to sit this one out at home should the test be positive.

“Also be aware of symptoms. Doctors in North East Lincolnshire are recommending you get a PCR test for respiratory (typical cold and flu) symptoms as well as the classic signs of COVID – change to sense of smell/taste, high temperature and a cough.”