Cases of coronavirus in Suffolk almost triple since start of March

Suffolk health bosses have issued words of warning after a three-fold increase in the number of coronavirus cases across the county.

There were 9,054 cases of Covid-19 in Suffolk between March 14 - 20 - nearly triple the number of cases seen at the start of the month.

As of Friday, Ipswich, West Suffolk and Colchester hospitals were collectively caring for 212 people with coronavirus.

Stuart Keeble, director of Public Health at Suffolk County Council, said it was 'vitally important' people continued coming forward for their vaccines.

“The additional vaccines for people who are 75 years old and over, and clinically vulnerable people aged 12 and over is being introduced now for a reason," he said.

“Vaccines have proven to be the most effective way of protecting yourself against severe disease and illness caused by Covid-19.

“However, levels of vaccination protection wanes over time.

“Those people who received their last jab in autumn may now have much lower levels of immunity at a time when Covid-19 is on the rise in our communities."

Dr Richard West, a GP in Woolpit and medical director for the Covid-19 vaccination programme across Suffolk and north east Essex, added: “Coronavirus is still very much making its presence known as these figures show.

“It continues to cause disruption and misery for many in our region as well as increasing pressure on our already overstretched services.

“We must collectively continue to play our part to reduce the spread of coronavirus by acting in a way that keeps ourselves and those around us safe.

“Please continue to wear a face covering, social distance wherever possible - especially in hospitals, GP practices and other health care settings where this policy remains in place - and of course to stay at home and away from others when showing signs of Covid-19.”

Last week, the East Suffolk and North Essex Foundation NHS Trust (ESNFT), which runs a number of clinical sites including Ipswich and Colchester hospitals, made the decision to suspend most visiting to patients due to the increasing number of patients with Covid-19 in its hospitals, following a rapid rise in the number of infections in the community.

Nick Hulme, the ESNFT chief executive, said the decision was 'carefully considered' and not one taken lightly.

Residents are being urged to still come forward to get their jabs.

Details of vaccination sites can be found via: www​.sneevaccine​.org​.uk