Winter jabs reminder as Covid rates “fluctuate”

Covid-19 hospitalisations last week increased nationally by 24 per cent in one week across the UK amid concerns over the new variant Pirola.

At Rotherham Hospital, cases dropped by a third – from 21 patients testing positive on Monday October 9 to 14 this Monday (October 16).

Helen Dobson, chief nurse at Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust said patient numbers had “fluctuated” in recent months, but numbers reduced last week.

“I would ask anybody who is coming to visit loved ones in hospital to take care and not visit if they are feeling unwell or have symptoms of any illness or infection,” she added.

“As the weather turns colder, it’s important that we all take steps to protect ourselves from winter respiratory illnesses.

“We encourage everybody who is eligible to get their vaccinations for Covid-19 and flu as they can reduce the risk of serious illness.”