This is a very rough and unverified transcript of the Isle of Man Government’s Coronavirus Media Briefing held on Monday 20 December 2021. In particular, for any legal guidance, you should seek advice from official sources.
You should not rely heavily upon it — it is transcribed by an automated speech recognition service, and I cannot guarantee its accuracy. Any local Manx words (especially in Gaelic) are more likely to be inaccurate. Also, the automated speech recognition service often converts proper nouns incorrectly (especially the spoken words “Isle of Man” to “Ireland” or “all of man”).
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Alf Cannan 0:00
Good evening. You will all be aware by now of the rapid spread of COVID infections across the United Kingdom and further afield caused by the recently identified Omicron variant. You will also recall that we announced additional protective measures on Sunday the 28th of November to combat Omicron, which included PCR testing for international arrivals, the introduction of lateral flow testing for arrivals from the Common Travel Area, the mandatory wearing of masks in healthcare and in public settings, and in public transport, and the raising of the expectation level for wearing of masks in public spaces. And the requirement for whole households to isolate when Omicron is suspected. These measures were timely, appropriate and proportional. But since Omicron, was first identified on the island on the 10th of December, cases of the variants have been rising steadily. By late last week, more than 60 cases had been identified. And the latest figures indicate there are now 126 cases. So I’d like now like to introduce chief operating officer Mark Lewin, who has been leading our COVID response, and who will provide an overview of the situation both here and in the United Kingdom, Mark.
Unknown Speaker 1:27
Good evening, Chief Minister. Thank you. If we could go to the first slide, please. And we just go back and look at what happened in the UK in terms of the announcements late last week. On the slide. This is a slide that Professor Chris Whitty used to just show why that there was a need for an urgent press briefing. And the significant and unprecedented rise in cases that has occurred. And indeed, since that press briefing, obviously, we’ve seen the UK go through an England more generally go through significant rises in cases picking out at 93,000, dropping slightly over the weekend. But that’s often to be expected at a weekend in any event. So undoubtedly, and the message was loud and clear in terms of the significant rise in terms of Omicron. But that what that was also doing in terms of driving a general increase in cases and Professor Chris Whitty talked about two distinct waves, you have the delta wave, and then you also have the Omicron wave, which is coming up over over the top of that. If you go to the next slide, please. In terms of our cases on the Isle of Man, we have over the last few weeks seen the case numbers start to decline again. And the dashboard as of today shows a final total of 610 assumed active cases. And that no doubt is in part due to both the behaviours in terms of what’s happened over the last few weeks. And the responses in terms of the extra mitigations have been put in place. So from an island perspective, we’ve been watching and we’ve been seeing cases declined from a Delta perspective over that period. If we go to the next slide, please. This is quite a busy slide. But it just shows that across all age bands, really with the exception of perhaps the 20 to 29, which have held quite flat, all age bands have also been in decline from a Delta perspective. So the the wave that we’ve been experienced has been going down and it’s been coming down consistently across across all areas. I said before, however, on the next slide, that we are dealing with two distinct waves here we have the delta. And increasingly right across the UK, and indeed across the whole world. We now have a nominal con wave. And both are coexisting. And it’s the Omicron growth is driving the cases. And as the Chief Minister said, since we had our first case, back on the 10th of December, we have now seen as a significant increase in cases, we now have 126 probable cases, or around 21% of our active cases, are probable Omicron cases. And indeed over the last 24 hours in terms of yesterday’s number that’s gone from 19 Out of the 57 cases are about 33%. So we haven’t yet seen the significant trajectory in terms of what’s happening across the whole of the UK and further afield. But undoubtedly, we are seeing that significant growth in terms of Omicron and the spread that it is now bringing the cube to the next slide please. So a number of things in terms of considerations in terms of how we deal with that. And just put a few points of relevance if I may. Firstly, we can clearly see and again, everyone’s core countries around the world have focus on this but transmission appears to be higher with Omicron than it has been with previous strains. That could be a number of reasons behind that. But one of them could be that pretty Use infections that have provided a level of natural immunity. And indeed, the vaccinations that it clearly also helped provide a level of protection against transmission up to now are not working as effective. And as such, there is a far larger population target for Omicron. To focus on. On the next point, for many, the symptoms may also appear to be milder in terms of Omicron, than it has been in previous previous strains throughout different symptoms, whether it be head cold, runny nose, sore throat, rather than the classic COVID symptoms. So for many, they may appear to be milder. Clearly,
Unknown Speaker 5:43
there are people out there, however, this will still be significant for and it may well be that for them somewhere it’s appears to be milder. It is talked about the vaccine and previous infections not providing the same level of protection in terms of transmission. But But perhaps the body has learned and is responding to a new infection and is helping fight that off. So for say for some, it could appear to be mild. That then leads to the third point at the bottom there in terms of it may well escape detection. So as more people appear to have mild symptoms, then they’re less likely to realise perhaps they’ve they’ve they’ve got COVID Omicron. That’s likely perhaps to come forward for significant testing. And also in terms of the the isolation that goes with that. So a different approach may well be needed when you’re dealing with a different type of strain that’s appears to be transmitting faster, that potentially for many people may appear to have milder symptoms. And in terms of escaping detection, then that in itself could fuel more transmission. So it’s critically important that we are able to try and identify wherever possible, the scale of infections and help people do the right thing in terms of going into isolation to protect themselves and others during peak times. What I would also say, though, is that early evidence, and this is all still all still new, and there’s a lot more data needs to be developed. But But early evidence is that the third dose, third doses are highly effective, not only in terms of potentially on terms of transmission, but also really importantly, in terms of the severity of illnesses, again, the body continues to learn, adapt and respond to an infection. So the final thing I just wanted to say is that on the last slide is in terms of the benefits of self testing and natural flows, in particular, and we’ve been asked this a number of times, and this visual, really just tries to show what we’ve seen over the last three months of around 6000 positive cases, the blue dots are those that have come forward voluntarily having done a self tested lateral flow, a significant amount 89% have come forward, which have then been confirmed through PCR testing. On top of that we have around 8%, who have also met concern members of the public that have come forward and said that they have symptoms or general concerns and wanted to have clarification and come forward for a PCR. So around 97% of all of our positive cases over the last three months have been people who have recognised the concern or pick something off from testing and have come forward using lateral flows or confirm through the PCR, and then gone into 10 days isolation to help protect against transmission and help to try and contain contain the level of cases. So really just does show the huge value of having a mass self testing programme in place, and the great goodwill that comes forward from people testing themselves and taking precautions as a result of that. Back to your chief.
Alf Cannan 8:55
Thank you very much, Mark. And it’s also good to have Catherine Maxon along this evening from the Department of Health and Social Care chief executive who will be available on afterwards to answer any questions. So it’s clear that we must prepare for a substantial number of Omicron cases on the island, although the actual number of infections and the rate of spread is always hard to predict. Nevertheless, we should plan for a high infection rate and potentially 1000s of cases at any one time, which may cause the current COVID management structure to become overwhelmed. Of course, the easy answer is to impose restrictions on our lives to protect the existing infrastructure. But we know the economic and social costs of enforced restrictions can be significant. We also have to ask what such restrictions are going to achieve. Yes, it might slow the spread, but Omicron appears likely to sweep back in when such restrictions are lifted, which may very quickly then put us right back at square one. As I have mentioned Even 1000s of cases could cause our PCR testing to become overwhelmed. contact tracing to become virtually impossible, and the 111 line are manageable. In addition, if we continue with our current strategy of requiring whole households to isolate, we will quickly find that we get serious impacts on the delivery of critical public services and the ability of our economy to function as more and more households and people are put into isolation. Therefore, it has been entirely right and appropriate that the Council of Ministers has determined that a new strategic approach is required. That requires greater community involvement and management of the potential caseload. We need a more fluid and flexible approach if we are to get through the next few weeks. And we can do this as a nation together by utilising the main tools at our disposal. Our vaccine booster programme as the foundation to protect us from the direct health risks, the use of lateral flow devices to identify the virus, the wearing of masks to protect ourselves and others. And by bringing this all together as a community with discretion and common sense. Dealing first with the booster programme, we know that the third doses will provide increased protection from both transmission and serious illness. Our approach therefore is to get as many people boosted as quickly as possible. And the current accelerated programme is working towards 90% of eligible adults receiving boosters by mid January. This morning boosters became available for everyone over 18. And our vaccinations team will be working throughout the festive period to get as many jabs and boosters in arms as possible. Just today, more than 2200 people have received injections from the hard working team at the vaccination Centre at Chester Street. This is a brilliant effort. I know the whole team down there has pulled out all the stops. So a heartfelt thank you to everyone involved in this programme. I urge everybody across the island to take the opportunity to get protected, walk in sessions are available or you can make an appointment. This remains one of the most important tools indeed our foundation to limit the damage of this impending wave from Omicron. Moving on now to another fundamental shift in strategy as we move forward as a community. This will begin at one minute past midnight on Wednesday morning. When a positive lateral flow device test will alone require an individual to self isolate for 10 days, you no longer need a PCR test to confirm a COVID diagnosis. In addition, the period of self isolation can be reduced by recording to negative Lfd tests a minimum of 24 hours apart. We are asking that the original positive test must be recorded online. An email will then be sent explaining the isolation requirements and providing guidance that has previously been received through a direction notice. Both negative test results must also be officially recorded before someone is free to go from self isolation.
Alf Cannan 13:30
This change is designed to harness the testing capability across our community and capitalise on the reliability and availability of home testing kits. A move to include LFTs as well as PCR tests recognises the huge amount of public support for voluntary self testing that has to date identified the vast majority of COVID cases over recent months. self management also brings obvious benefits around the possibility of ending self isolation earlier than 10 days. Once the risk of transmission has been removed. It is vital that asymptomatic cases are picked up and I urge everyone to keep a good stock of lateral flow devices to ensure that you, your family and those around you are testing regularly. I am asking you all to self manage your health, self manage your families and help us by reporting in the actions that you are taking. We are now asking and empowering every member of our society to help keep the island moving. As far as close contacts are concerned, all cases will be treated identically and are asked to be vigilant by self testing for seven days. Those close contacts currently adhering to rules specific to the Omicron variant will be contacted by 111 and released from self isolation and asked under Take a lateral flow test prior to leaving. contact tracing will be based on self declarations in most cases. And we will ask those who log a positive test to get in touch with people who may need to take extra precautions. The work of the government’s contact tracing team will focus largely on cases that include complex and high risk settings. PCR testing will continue to be used for travel and hospital screening. It will also be available for anyone who has symptomatic but as tested negative at home, and those who wish to or want to confirm a positive diagnosis. If their self tests remain positive after seven days. These changes are appropriate. They will help protect infrastructure and give you much more ability to self manage the pandemic and the rapid spread of the Omicron variant. Speaking of self management, I know many of you are wearing masks and following the strength and guidance issued in recent weeks. Thank you for doing right by our community. But we now need to be even more vigilant, we need to consider how we approach our approach environments outside the household, including in social, retail and work settings. please be considerate to others respect mitigations people wish to take respect personal space, wear face coverings. And please use the lateral flow tests to know before you go. The coming weeks may be difficult. And I have to tell you that we are prepared to act hard and fast if the situation demands it, particularly if we are unable to provide critical public services. However, we should not be afraid we have all the tools at our disposal to get through this. And we will get through this. Thank you. I now turn to the media for questions. And first up on the list is Jeff.
Sam Turton 17:08
Faster. My chief minister, just as a I suppose the first question that springs to mind is why now it’s few days before Christmas people are likely to be mixing and why we don’t really want Christmas this necessarily a chance here that people could use the lateral flow devices as a way of saying the negative without necessarily being negative or people may not come forward to admit the negative people some change trusting people?
Alf Cannan 17:33
No, not at all. Not at all. Sam, I have utmost trust in the public. Throughout this pandemic, the public response has been absolutely tremendous. And many people now across the island have been hugely responsible in terms of coming to us with with their declarations, as you saw in that slide earlier. Now, the vast vast majority of PCR tests are based on on I’ve given on the back of people self declarations that they have COVID. So I’m absolutely confident in the community, that the community are taking this matter hugely. Seriously, we’ve already seen a significant uptake in people acting responsibly, particularly in retail settings, I know that the demand for lateral flow tests is increasing, we’ve got huge stocks ready. And I know that significant numbers across the community are using the lateral flow tests before they actually go out to social settings or parties or even to visit their parents. And really the fundamental message from all this now is that we need to work together the purpose of bringing this forward today is to ensure we are well prepared to manage what is potentially coming down the line that we’re acting in good time. And we’re not having to have increased speculation, particularly over the Christmas and New Year period about what the government is intending to do here. So absolutely confident that we’ve got this right, and that the public will respond appropriately.
Sam Turton 19:09
And secondly, well, we too, are keen to avoid speculation. There’s an element here if you said you’re prepared to act hard and fast and situation demands. What situation would demand you to do that?
Alf Cannan 19:20
Well, there are multiple things that we have to consider in terms of having to act hard and fast. And just to be absolutely clear. I can’t rule out that we may have to take enforced action if you like or impose legal restrictions if the situation becomes overwhelming, particularly, I look to the health and care settings in the hospital and we have to be cognizant of the pressure around that our health service has been under for the last two years. And the fact that a number of cases arriving in hospital particularly into intensive care could cause us to consider carefully whether we are able to deliver the service It’ll services in that respect. And of course, we have to consider that a huge number of cases on the island may, for example, reduced capacity and staffing in certain areas. And, you know, we will need to consider and factor in people’s safety and the safety of and security of the island as a whole. So we’ve got a multitude of things that we would need to consider. And if we feel it appropriate, we need a what I would probably term as a circuit breaker to bring back some level of control, then we would not be afraid to do that in the future. You thank you very much, Sam. So Louis foster from Manx radio.
Unknown Speaker 20:41
Hi there. Good evening, a question for the chief executive of the Department of Health and Social Care, please. We’re hearing a record numbers at the vaccine clinic today. You mentioned their chief minister, despite the walkins only being extended to every team’s this morning. So what’s stopping governments extending the clinic times to later in the evening and having late night clinics and getting more people through the door in one day?
Kathryn Magson 21:06
Hi, thanks for yes, yeah, so you’re quite right, chief minister talked about just over 2200. We are currently totting up the vaccinations as we go through and speak actually, that actually number has risen to now 2400. But actually, the numbers increasing as we finalise the numbers for today. And we plan to do probably a similar number tomorrow, if the demand is out there and people do turn up for their boosters. Or ultimately, the answer is workforce. So we have 20 vaccinators on today, normally, on a full day, we would have had 12. So it gives you some idea of how much we’ve tried to increase capacity. That’s also been supported by a significant number of new administrators and people who have been management queues and so forth the process again through the vaccination centre. So there’s quite a lot of people behind the scenes getting ready for the next day freezing defrosting vaccines and so forth. So yes, we are working at our maximum capacity. And we have staff absolutely seconded over from all parts of the system in order to be able to do that. So we’re comfortable that we’ve got enough vaccines available this week for anybody who really wants to come forward. And as the Chief Minister said, that’s our key message is boosters remains our biggest line of defence here and we encourage as many people as possible to come forward. We do have really, really good spaces Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, obviously days happened Thursday, Friday, less so as we expect people getting ready for Christmas. But ultimately, please do come forward and take up these slots.
Unknown Speaker 22:28
Okay, thank you, for the Chief Minister. Now, suppose if we’ve heard about those targets, everyone eligible 90% By mid January, the Health Minister before we’re saying everyone over the age of 40, before Christmas, in terms of when Coleman sitting down to discuss, as you mentioned, you can never rule out further restrictions. What happens if we meet those targets? How will that affect your viewpoint? Do you think?
Alf Cannan 22:55
Well, first of all, if I may, Louis, can I actually just build on what Catherine was saying there, I just want to pay tribute. Again, I did talk about the vaccination teams, but I want to pay tribute to all our nurses, doctors, everybody across the health care system. And indeed even our carers now who are going to be once again facing potentially significant strain and significant pressures, I want to pay tribute to your professionalism. Tonight, I want to pay tribute to the way you’ve reacted in sort of in getting the vaccine programme up and running and underway. And I want to pay tribute also to those in the care community who’ve been operating themselves under quite significant restrictions, and will have to do so again, as they deal with some of the most vulnerable in our society. But in terms of the vaccines, Louis, you know, it’s been clear it is our foundation, that is the one thing that third dose will will absolutely top up and increase your individual protection against the virus, the more people are protected, the less risk there is to the hospital, the less risk there is to health and care services. And again, the more people are protected, the less pressure that is put up put in on our infrastructure. So it is absolutely vital that we push ahead at full steam with this vaccine programme. And that the community buys in and gets down to Chester Street and gets their vaccine and gets boosted. Okay, thank you. Thank you very much, Paul Moulton.
Paul Moulton 24:29
Thank you, Chief Minister. Back to Catherine on that’s a part that Lewis has mentioned. And you were talking about how many vaccines you got. You said you got an offer this week. So naturally, there’s a big run on the bank for everyone wanting to get the boosters. How are the supplies holding up?
Kathryn Magson 24:44
Yeah, absolutely fine. And we’re able to we actually got enough thought for this week. In fact, we’re in the process of defrosting some more because of the demand that we’ve seen in the last couple of days. So and again, we’ve got more than enough for into next week, and then we’re drawing down as we can as we’ve not been at all always been doing from the UK in order to supply beyond the end of January. So no issues and cause for concerns around vaccine supply at all
Paul Moulton 25:07
are centred on that some days as Pfizer some days but I mean, what’s what’s going on there? Why even mix and match going on?
Kathryn Magson 25:14
And it’s again down to the supply receive about 22% of the supply is Madonna. So all comes from the UK. At the moment, we’re doing a number of Madonna days that’ll then move on to Pfizer towards into next week, and then we’ll flip back. So it really depends, it depends on the supply that we’ve got depends on the vaccinators that we’ve got as well. So ultimately, we’ve managed to clink, click, it’s about a week in advance. But it’s all drag. It’s all down to the supply that we received from the UK. And it is a blend of those two vaccines. But if anybody else for clinical reasons needs to have AstraZeneca, then that is also available.
Paul Moulton 25:50
And Chief Minister, you mentioned circuit breaker there. I mean, obviously this is the big word I was listening out for what trips? It’s, I mean, is it the run on the NHS? And will that involve more than just lockdowns? Would that involve travel restrictions slash shutting borders of any description?
Alf Cannan 26:05
Paul I’m I am merely highlight the fact that you know, as a nation as as we move forward, and today really is about announcing us moving forward together rather than the government. Determining how we should move forward by imposing restrictions, that moving forward together is in everybody’s best interest not just for managing the Omicron variant, I think but also moving forward as we learn how to deal with and manage COVID particularly, it’s going to be here for a long time. And, of course, I know everybody likes to talk about restrictions and lockdowns, you know it, we’ve made it clear, that is our last resort. But I also want to make it clear that we will not hesitate if we do believe that the nation’s security is is coming under threat in any way or that people are being exposed to a level of risk that is unacceptable. And there are lots of factors that we have to consider. But yes, you know very much at the heart, heartbeat of it will be the ability of our health services and health professionals to deliver the required level, I would suggest a protection in terms of the ability to look after people on this island and in a proper manner
Paul Moulton 27:25
and without involve borders if necessary.
Alf Cannan 27:28
You know, Paul, again, you know, I I think the borders question I hope is has left us now, but you know nothing can it could can be ruled out in these in these circumstances.
Paul Moulton 27:41
And they mentioned no Christmas.
Alf Cannan 27:43
Thank you. Right through our family and cook.
Helen McKenna 27:48
Good evening, Chief Minister. My first question is for Catherine, following on recent questions from Lewis and, Paul, do you have any plans to open additional vaccine clinics Island or will Chester street remain the sole clinic?
Kathryn Magson 28:03
For the moment the attic will be our sole clinic? Yes, and certainly till we get through the booster programme. And the expectation is we hope to have been able to give everybody a booster by the end of the second week in January, again a bit earlier if people don’t come forward. But that is our absolute aim to do that. And we’re planning to have that completed by that point. So really, in order to be able to manage the throughput that’s needed, we do ask people to come to Chester Street, we are doing house band clearly to support those individually, we will continue. We’ve already done the care homes and nursing homes. But really, we ask as many people to make their way to Chester Street as they can. I would also learn if I’m like to make a call out next week, we are going to put on some walking clinics, particularly for those who are coming forward for their first doses, we’ve seen a really big rise in people registering for first doses. So we’re going to put on some crates and space, specifically next week on the 27th and the 28th. And then also on the seventh and the eighth of January for people to come forward for walkins if they’ve not had their first and are now registered, and we have now now have several 100 that have done so so we’re really, really pleased to see that. Similarly, individuals can also come forward if they do a second dose in those clinics. So we’re focusing on business at the moment of explain it really needs to be in one place to allow the throughput a very large volume of throughput with the resource that we’ve got to get the maximum efficiency out we’ll open up further for those who need a first or second dose and more communications will be coming out accordingly.
Helen McKenna 29:30
Perfect. And my second question Just following on from that. We’ve had questions from parents just wondering if you have any more of an idea of when clinics for 12 to 17 year olds could be in the new year.
Kathryn Magson 29:41
Yeah, so at the moment, it will have to be after we finished those boosters first and second doses. So the end of the second week. So going into the third week. If I can bring that forward. We absolutely well, that’s our complete focus. I should also have said that it is our intention with those dates that I just gave and again for the indications will come out, we will aim to try and do as many of the second doses for the 16 and 17 year olds. So the 12 to 17 will be after we finished the boosters, and the 16 and 17 year olds will be able to walk in with those dates I referred to a moment ago. Thank you.
Alf Cannan 30:16
Thank you, Leanne. Finally, Alex Watson from the BBC.
Unknown Speaker 30:23
Good evening. Nice afternoon, then, my first question, really, you mentioned that you want people to do regular LFTs at home. So obviously, people’s interpretation of regular may differ, do you have an official regularities twice a week or something like that, especially for people not showing any symptoms?
Alf Cannan 30:41
Well, we are telling people and asking people now to to test regularly. I mean, clearly, that very much depends on their own personal circumstances. What we are, I think clearly saying to people is that if you are going out particularly into a social setting, that you must and should consider taking a lateral flow device, test, to protect yourself, but also primarily to protect the others around you. Omicron is spreading very rapidly, we know that we understand that, if we’re going to get through this successfully, what we’re asking is the community to help mitigate the impact by taking self testing at home, in the appropriate circumstances, either before they go out, we’ll specifically before they go out, particularly in the days after they come back from those types of settings. And if they’re not visiting those types of settings, we’re just asking people really to be responsible, and to do what they feel is the appropriate level of testing. But particularly as we come up to the Christmas period, I know that many people will be going out to visit friends and families. And our advice is to know before you go to take a lateral flow test before you go out to these types of settings, make sure that you’re protecting those around you and and particularly taking care if you know you’re going to be in contact with somebody who may be more vulnerable when it comes to exposure to the virus.
Unknown Speaker 32:17
And also the process of actually logging your results. So you do do your ability at home and you’ve got positive results. You said obviously you can log online, will that process be made any simpler than it currently? Is there any way to sort of make that sort of more easy for everyone to access? And also people that aren’t necessarily comfortable with technology, and potentially the more vulnerable people getting positive tests and not really knowing where to log that?
Alf Cannan 32:41
So? Yes, so yes, in terms of the technology, it’s an important point. Yep, we are hoping that the most people will be able to go online, it will be a fairly simple form to fill out and report in terms of their diagnosis when they got diagnosed. And also maybe some other questions around contacts, etc. The primary thing is, though, if if people have any questions or queries or need to report in and don’t feel comfortable with the computers, then they will be able to do do that through the 111 line. And that facility will be available for through them through that through that function. That’s great. Is there any more questions? Sam, one more from you, I think.
Sam Turton 33:31
Yeah, it was just a quick minor point. Thank you, Chief Minister about you said close contacts will be contacted by 111 and allowed to leave self isolation, that specific to the Omicron Varian to know when that will be
Alf Cannan 33:45
yes, they will be contacted, this comes into effect on Wednesday. So, I may, it may take a bit of time, but 111 will be in contact with those households who are currently in full isolation. So essentially, you know, what we did to try and mitigate this and try and understand the impact of Omicron was asked that whole households isolated once and Omicron case was suspected. And oh, no. Now moving forward. We are saying this will be done on a self management basis. The primary case will self isolate for 10 days, and we’re asking that other members of the household then test themselves for seven days thereafter with the lateral flow tests, but we will help those who are currently in enforced isolation released themselves by calling them via the 111 line. Paul, one question from you,
Paul Moulton 34:41
if you don’t mind is sort of someone’s got in contact with me saying being told the AstraZeneca boosters are used to they’re available. This is not the case. This person says my wife’s been seeking it for weeks. There’s none on the island. Maybe you can just clarify her.
Kathryn Magson 34:55
Here No, that’s not correct. We there are limited supplies but we do bring them together in a cluster pool as needed. So that’s what we try and do. And we have had a small number that we’ve recently done up at the hospital for those who needed it. So if anybody really does for those clinical reasons are unable to have the phase one, we’re done, which should be a very, very, very small proportion, then we will arrange that accordingly. So again, if anybody wants to email me, and I’m happy to help them,
Paul Moulton 35:18
so it’s not a choice thing, you get what you’re given unless you’ve got a reason, it
Kathryn Magson 35:22
is not a choice. No, there should be no reason why unless a very small number of conditions where people cannot have Pfizer and Madonna, that’s a recommended two vaccines, both are equally proportionate and available and absolutely suitable for the booster vaccine. So unless there’s any particular clinical reason that’s been flagged by your consultant, or UTP, then there should be no need for anybody to have anything other than Pfizer Maderna.
Alf Cannan 35:48
Okay, that looks like it. So thank you very much to everybody in the press for coming along. This evening. I just wanted to conclude by saying, although this period could be difficult, we should not be afraid. We do have all the tools, as I said before at our disposal to get through this and indeed we will get through this as a community get boosted use lateral flow devices to self diagnose COEs COVID And as a tool to ensure that you’re safe to go out, wear masks as appropriate and consider others. And finally, I just wanted to finish by wishing all across our community, a very happy and a very safe Christmas. Thank you very much.
