Covid spike during flu season could floor NHS: GP

Covid surge during traditional flu season will put undue pressure on NHS.

Dr Tom Black says people need to treat the threat of coronavirus cases increasing “very, very seriously.”

“No-one can think it’s nothing to do with them, or it’s not going to affect them,” said Dr. Black.

“It is crucial that we take individual responsibility for what we are doing.”

His cautionary comments come as a nursing union warned of unsustainable pressures on the NHS heading into the winter.

Meanwhile, a further 58 cases of coronavirus were confirmed in Northern Ireland on Monday.

It brings to 461 the total number of positive tests over the past seven days with 7,245 having contracted the disease since the outbreak began here.

There were no further deaths over the weekend, with the total death toll remaining at 560.

This number mainly covers hospital related deaths unlike the figures released by NISRA on Friday which said 871 people had died in connection with Covid-19.

There are 15 active care home outbreaks and two patients are in ICU with Covid-19. There are 17 people in NI’s hospitals with the virus.

Dr Tom Black says transmission of the virus is taking place both in defined settings - like factories - and in the community.

“It is very important that we take individual responsibility for what we are doing,” he told the ‘Journal’. “Particularly with regards to the regulations surrounding indoor gatherings. It is tempting to see more people in your own home but, ultimately, you are taking a risk on your own health, your families’ health and your colleagues’ and communities’ health.

“The last thing we need coming into the cold and flu season is to see a rise in Covid cases. As the Chief Medical Officer has said, it is important that parents don’t send children to school if they are feeling unwell. Keep them at home and, if you think they need a test, get a test.

“Our health service is stable at the minute but it could so easily become overwhelmed with patients.

“People need to remember to wash their hands, cover their mouths, use a face covering, social distance, download the app and, if you are told to isolate, isolate,” said Dr Black.