Colchester: Covid cases rise over Christmas period

Government figures revealed there were 113,628 infections confirmed on December 25.

It comes after there was a rush to get tested in the days prior.

Covid cases have been rising over the Christmas week as 415 people in Colchester had a confirmed positive test result on Monday, December 27.

A total of 2,763 people had a confirmed positive Covid test result between December 21 and 27.

This is an increase of 20 per cent compared to the previous 7 days.

There were 63 patients in East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust (ESNEFT) hospitals with coronavirus on December 21.

Of those patients, 13 are in hospital beds with a mechanical ventilator.

However, there were no Covid-related deaths in Colchester during this week.

This is a 100 per cent decrease compared to the previous 7 days.

With the new Omicron variant spreading, more people are being encouraged to get the Covid vaccine.

Children aged 12 to 15 are being vaccinated at ESNEFT during the Christmas and New Year bank holidays.

One youngster who was excited to have his second jab was Floyd Laidler.

He had his first dose in October at the Gilberd School in Colchester and received his second at Colchester Hospital on Monday.

Floyd Laidler getting his second jab at Colchester Hospital

After his jab, the 13-year-old said: “I wanted to come in for my second vaccine today because I want to protect my family and friends and to try and stop transmission of the virus.

“I also have a dad with asthma and step-dad with multiple sclerosis so it’s important to me to keep them safe, and to also protect older people, like my nan and grandad.

“I feel safer in public knowing I’ve had the vaccine, and I would say to all young people to get it too because it stops you from getting seriously ill and protects your family and friends.”