Warning Bristol faces a ‘very challenging’ winter as Covid cases rise

People in Bristol are encouraged to wear masks and meet outside where possible as the city prepares for a “very challenging” winter.

While the government has so far resisted calls to implement ‘plan B’, which would include making face coverings compulsory again, health bosses and council leaders in the city are “strongly recommending” the public take more precautions to protect themselves and others.

The call comes with a warning that Bristol faces a challenging winter as Covid-19 continues to circulate amidst communities, putting people and businesses at risk.

The city currently has almost double the number of cases than the national average, with a case rate of 719.9 per 100,000 of the population in the seven days up to October 22.

The region has seen soaring case rates in the wake of the scandal at a Wolverhampton private testing lab where scores of people – mainly from the South West – were wrongly told they did not have coronavirus, although the government has denied there was a link.

In a joint statement issued by Bristol City Council, the city’s Covid-19 local engagement board and city partners said: “Our fight against coronavirus has been long, challenging and exhausting for everyone.

“We know that everyone has had to make a sacrifice. Now we are seeing lives and livelihoods are being disrupted once again – the virus is thriving as people gather indoors and the cold weather sets in.”

It continues: “Bristol must prepare for what is likely to be a very challenging winter – for us as individuals and families, but also for our NHS and social care colleagues, our schools, universities and colleges and our local business.”

The statement acknowledges the vaccination programme means we are in a better position than this time last year as 77 per cent of over 16s have had one dose of the vaccine and 71 per cent both doses.

But health bosses also warn many are still vulnerable and that there is “considerable pressure” on the NHS and healthcare professionals.

There is “considerable pressure” on the NHS as Bristol prepares for a challenging winter – photo of Southmead Hospital by James Koch

The board says it “expects and strongly recommends” the adoption of the following precautionary measures to protect everyone:

• If you are unwell, reduce the spread of infection by recovering at home.
• If you have symptoms of Covid-19, self-isolate at home and book a PCR test.
• Make use of the offer of free lateral flow (rapid) testing.
• Wear a face covering (unless exempt) in crowded areas like supermarkets and in shops, on public transport and indoor settings.
• Respect one another’s space – mild illness for you could be very serious for someone else, so please think of others when you’re out and about.
• Meet outdoors where you are able. If you’re meeting indoors, make sure to open a window or door to let in blasts of fresh air – this is particularly important when you’re meeting or socialising with people or family members who may be more vulnerable to severe illness.
• If you are invited for your annual flu jab, or you’re contacted about a Covid-19 booster vaccination, do not delay in booking your appointment.
• Take additional precautions and consider the risks of visiting elderly people or family members in care homes.

The board adds: “We expect and recommend people be kind and empathetic towards one another – we are all in this together, and must support one another through what is likely to be another tough winter.”

Main photo by Ellie Pipe

Read more: Bristol hospitals facing ‘most difficulty winter ever’

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