Latest figures show 5,200 people in Wolverhampton tested positive for the virus over the last seven days, though the true number of cases will likely be higher.
John Denley, Wolverhampton's Director of Public Health, said: "Covid-19 rates are now at their highest ever level, with the number of people testing positive in Wolverhampton over the last week nearly quadrupling from the figure we recorded just a fortnight ago.
“The new Omricon variant is spreading rapidly in Wolverhampton and, as result of this, we are seeing a rise in hospital admissions too. Fortunately, however, the proportion of people who are falling critically ill is much lower compared to this time last year, and that’s because so many residents have had now their Covid-19 jabs, and their booster.
“However, there are two key things that we know. Firstly, nearly 90% of intensive care patients have not fully taken up their vaccination offer and, secondly, we know from our modelling based on what has happened in London that the situation in our city will get much worse over the coming days and weeks before stabilising and getting better.
"So, if you haven't already had your first or second jab, or you are now due your booster, please get it as soon as possible. In doing so, you will not only give yourselves much greater protection from serious illness were you to catch Covid-19, but you will also help reduce the pressure on the NHS so that it can continue to provide vital support to others.
“Remember, if you’ve not had your first jab yet, or you didn’t go back for your second or your booster when it was due, it’s not too late – the vaccine is an evergreen offer and the sooner you have it, the better because you will very quickly develop protection against this potentially deadly virus.”
Everyone aged 12 and over can get a first and second dose of the vaccine. Boosters are available to everyone aged 18 and over, and some people aged 16 and over.
A number of vaccination clinics are operating in Wolverhampton including at WV Active Bilston-Bert Williams, open today (Thursday), tomorrow (Friday) and Saturday from 9am to 6pm and Sunday from 10am to 4pm, at WV Active Aldersley Leisure Village, today from 9.30am to 5.30pm, and the Mander Centre, open today (Thursday), tomorrow (Friday) and Saturday from 9am to 5.30pm and Sunday from 10.30am to 4.30pm.
Opening times and ages vary from site to site, but all offer first, second and booster vaccinations without an appointment. For a full list of local vaccination centres, please visit NHS. To book an appointment in advance, please visit NHS or call 119.
Latest figures show there were 1,977.3 new cases of Covid-19 per 100,000 people in Wolverhampton over the last 7 days. That means 5,200 people tested positive for the virus in that same period – though the true number of cases will likely be higher. The infection rate has increased by 274% from two weeks ago, when it stood at 529.1 new cases of Covid-19 per 100,000 residents.
