Rotherham on track with Covid-19 vaccinations - as 53 per cent of its cases are identified as new variant

Vulnerable and elderly residents in Rotherham are on track to receive the Covid-19 jab by mid-February, according to a councillor.
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Vulnerable and elderly residents in Rotherham are on track to receive the Covid-19 jab by mid-February, according to a councillor.

During today’s Rotherham Council cabinet meeting, Councillor David Roche said vaccinations had now been rolled out for people over 70, but added that the situation was still “very serious”.

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Coun Roche told the meeting: “We have now started on the over 70s, so we are on target to meet the priority four by mid-February.

Rotherham Town Hall. Picture Jonathan GawthorpeRotherham Town Hall. Picture Jonathan Gawthorpe
Rotherham Town Hall. Picture Jonathan Gawthorpe

“We are doing a lot better than many other places – but that’s not to say that we can relax.”

Coun Roche added that the new variant of the virus had risen “rapidly” in Rotherham, although slower than other areas of the country.

“Our best estimate is that something like 53 per cent of new cases in Rotherham are the new variant,” he added.

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Several new fast-spreading strains of the virus are sweeping the globe, and are estimated to be up to 75 per cent more transmissible, and 30 per cent deadlier than previous strains.

One new variant was detected in September in Kent, and has become one of the most common forms of the virus in England.

As per the latest government data, Rotherham currently has an infection rate of 287 cases per 100,000 population, in comparison to the national rate of 406.

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.