A change in the way coronavirus cases are recorded and reported means the number of positive cases in Hull is likely to show an increase from today. This is because people who have caught the virus again after already having it – known as reinfections – will now be included.
Getting reinfected is more likely for everyone as the pandemic carries on and new variants continue to emerge. So, far only first infections have been included in the data that provides Covid infection rates. However, contact tracing and isolating for those catching the virus again has always taken place in exactly the same way for reinfections and new cases.
Tim Fielding, Deputy Director of Public Health at Hull City Council, said: “We expect to see an increase nationally, and for this to be reflected in Hull’s figures. It’s important to remember that while this is an increase on paper, nothing has changed in terms of health protection. Contacts of the cases who are now included in the figures would always have been made aware they were at risk from the virus and advised to follow the relevant guidance.
“A case of Coronavirus will continue to be counted as just one infection if someone tests positive again within 90 days of their previous positive result. This is because a PCR can continue to detect the virus for quite a long time, despite someone no longer being ill or contagious.
“With or without this change, rates in Hull are still very high. While many measures have now been removed, we should all continue to do what we can to protect ourselves and others. Anyone can be seriously ill and anyone can catch long Covid.
“People with symptoms still have to isolate and book a PCR test. You’ll also need a PCR if you want to apply for the £500 isolation payment – an LFT can’t be used for this. LFTs should still be used for testing without symptoms, including if you’ve been a close contact of someone with the virus, and before meeting up with people. While face masks are no longer mandatory, it’s advised to wear them in any enclosed or crowded places.”
Check the latest advice here: https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus
Apply for an isolation support grant here: https://www.hull.gov.uk/coronavirus/coronavirus-community-advice-and-support/test-and-trace-support-payment
Book a PCR test: https://www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test
Lateral Flow Tests (LFTs) are now available to collect from council venues again, and assisted tests are available at Princes Quay. Find your nearest collection point here: https://www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test.
