Since December 23 there have been 21 new cases of COVID in Launceston, totalling to 61 positive cases according to figures from coronavirus.data.gov.uk

In Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly today (December 30) there are 865 cases of COVID. There have been 0 deaths (within 28 days of a positive test) reported.

The daily reported COVID cases in the UK hit a record high on Wednesday, December 30 totalling to 183,037.

Meanwhile in the UK, frustration has grown over the lack of available lateral flow tests, however Dr Jenny Harries from the UK Health Security Agency has said that the supply will return to normal by next week. Coronavirus ‘surge hubs’ or ‘Nightingale units’ are to be temporarily set up in hospitals across England in preparation for a potential surge of Omicron admissions.

Rising covid infection rates in Cornwall continue to be above the national average.

Health professionals are asking people to keep up the great support they’ve been giving by choosing the right services when they need urgent care and collecting patients as soon as they are ready to go home.

“We all know it’s been an exceptionally busy time for health and care services right across the country,” says RCHT Medical Director, Dr Allister Grant, “and our teams know that over the coming weeks and months we can expect high demand for our care, particularly as we wait to see how big an impact the covid variants will have.”

Essentially there are four ways people can reduce the pressure on services this winter:

• keeping as well as possible and seeking help early if they feel an existing condition is getting worse;

• choosing the right service when they need care themselves or someone else;

• helping us to get patients home as soon as they are medically fit by collecting them early in the day and if they can, supporting them at home for a short while;

• boost your immunity by getting covid and flu vaccinations.

Allister added, “As well as the ways our population can help us, help you, we’ve also been busy doing everything we can to increase the capacity we have to care for those who need our services. We’ve recently opened a care hotel to offer intermediate facilities for people waiting for ongoing care or home support, and will shortly be opening a new reablement ward at the Royal Cornwall Hospital to get people back on their feet and to regain the confidence to continue to live independently at home.”

“All this means we’re actively looking for new people to join our teams, too, not only in the NHS but in the wider care sector. If you’re considering a change of job or a new career for 2022, why not take a look at our websites to see the range of rewarding roles on offer.”

Details of vacancies can be found on NHS Jobs website - www.jobs.nhs.uk or at Proud to Care Cornwall - https://www.proudtocarecornwall.org.uk/jobs/