Covid: We’re not out of the woods yet, says GP

Dr Tom Black, chairman of the British Medical Association in NI, was speaking as the ‘R’ number - which measures the infection rate of Covid-19 - continues to fall locally.

However, Dr Black says pressure on the healthcare system remains significant and will continue for several more weeks.

He added: “I know that many people are finding this lockdown even harder than before and there is the temptation, with the roll out of the vaccination programme, to think that we are out of the woods. However, despite the lower number and the vastly improved situation, we know that, without continuing to take precautions, the situation could quickly spiral out of control all over again and the hard work that everyone has put in would be wasted.”

Dr Black said the cancellation of cancer operations was incredibly hard for patients and healthcare workers.

“No-one wants to see any vital, life saving or life prolonging treatment delayed,” he added. “To get our health service back into a position where they are able to resume these operations and a normal service for patients means that, hard though it is, we need to continue to follow the guidelines around lockdown.”

He insisted GPs were working as hard as they could to get the vaccination programme delivered to everyone.

“It is important to remember, though, that the vaccine only protects an individual from getting very ill with Covid. Currently, we do not know what its effect on transmission will be, so you can still get Covid and pass it on even if you have been vaccinated, and that the protection it gives you is only after you have had both doses of the vaccine. So, the basics of keeping your distance, wearing a face-covering, washing your hands and most importantly not mixing with anyone outside your own household will still need to be adhered to.”

Dr Black ended on an upbeat note, reminding people that “the end of the month brings with it lighter nights, signs of spring and the promise of a better year.”