'Covid-19 hasn’t gone away' warns UK Health Security Agency as in recent weeks there has been an increase in BA.4 and BA.5 infections in the East of England

The UK's Health Security Agency(UKHSA) is reminding people that "covid hasn't gone away" as infections rise in the East of England, including Lynn and West Norfolk.

Figures show an in increase in infections and hospital admissions to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital(QEH) and one patient is on a ventilator.

However, in the last three weeks there have been no coronavirus deaths in the Lynn and West Norfolk area recorded.

The latest data indicates that Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 now account for more than half of rising cases in the UK and are driving the recent increase in infections as the virus continues to mutate.

The UKHSA said:"It’s been a number of months since the easing of restrictions and we are all enjoying some normality after a challenging two years which impacted all corners of life. As we now look forward to life without restrictions and head into the social summer holiday period, we must keep in mind that the virus has not gone away.

"In fact, in recent weeks we have seen a rise in cases in the East of England with a shift in the dominant strain from the Omicron BA.2 variant.

"We are fortunate that so far the rise in cases has not led to an increase in hospital admissions or deaths and this is down to the efficacy of the vaccine and the incredible efforts of people across the country getting vaccinated.

"We’ve learned so much in the last two years but as we move to living with covid on a long-term basis, every one of us needs to remain vigilant, take precautions, and ensure that we’re up to date with our vaccinations. We need to continue to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe and vaccination is the best form of defence we have. It’s never too late to get vaccinated.

"Remember we can all play our part - stay at home if you have any respiratory symptoms or a fever and limit contact with others until you are feeling better, particularly if they are likely to be at greater risk if they contract the virus.

"Face coverings and hand washing still remain important in reducing transmission, consider wearing a face covering in crowded, enclosed spaces and washing your hands thoroughly and often, especially before and after getting on public transport or getting in from work, shops or the pub."