CASES of the Omicron variant of Covid-19 in Devon, Plymouth and Torbay are increasing rapidly in Devon, leading to a rising number of people in hospital with Covid and causing more than 1,000 hospital staff to be off work.

The World Health Organisation recently warned that, while the Omicron variant does appear to be less severe compared to Delta, it should not be categorised as “mild” and still causes some people to die or become seriously ill and require hospital care.

However having the Covid-19 vaccination reduces your chances of becoming serious ill and clinics in Devon remain open to anyone who is eligible and has not yet had their first, second or booster dose.

NHS Devon’s Chief Nurse, Darryn Allcorn said: “Covid-19 case numbers locally are much higher than previously, so it is more important than ever to get vaccinated.

“You will always get a warm welcome from our staff and volunteers; and if you struggle to stand in queues, have a needle phobia or have any concerns please let a marshal know, so we can support you.

“Please don’t underestimate this virus. Having the vaccine, even for young people, makes you much less likely to need hospital care.”

The Prime Minister Boris Johnson recently highlighted that nine in 10 people in intensive care units with Covid-19 have not had their booster and six in 10 are unvaccinated.

More than a quarter of a million doses have been given in Devon since the vaccination programme began in December 2020 and more than 80 per cent of eligible people have now had a booster dose.

Details of walk-in clinics are being regularly shared on NHS Devon CCG’s social media pages.

You can find your nearest walk-in clinic on NHS England’s site finder here: https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/find-a-walk-in-coronavirus-covid-19-vaccination-site .