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Edinburgh Live
Edinburgh Live
National
Neil Shaw & Abbie Meehan

Arcturus Covid: People urged to wear masks and begin to test again due to new strain

A health expert has said that people should be wearing masks in certain situations, and taking tests again if they notice coronavirus symptoms.

This news comes as a new strain of the Covid virus has been discovered in the UK, reports Surrey Live. At least five people have died as a result of the new Arcturus strain, and one in 40 cases have been put down to the mutation.

Professor Stephen Griffin, chair of Independent SAGE, told MailOnline that he is urging people to test themselves if they have Covid-like symptoms.

READ MORE - Edinburgh Princes Street Gardens locked down due to emergency incident

The Professor has also encouraged adults to wear a well-fitted mask or high-quality one, when in "poorly ventilated indoor spaces or public transport."

He said: "The virus continues to do harm and those least able to cope continue to suffer."

Professor Griffin added: "Vulnerable people will continue to require precautions and, ideally, others will act with an appropriate level of altruism."

Millions are now eligible to be given the Spring Covid-19 booster, as thousands of vaccination appointments have been made available through the NHS.

Eligible people include those aged 75 and over, and anyone aged five and over who has a weakened immune system, alongside the care home programme of vaccinations which began two weeks ago.

The NHS has now issued 1.25 million invitations to be vaccinated through the NHS, where you can book your appointment directly.

Text messages, emails and letters will also be sent to those without the app or are not using it.

Those who believe they are eligible but have not yet received an invite can self-declare via the National Booking Service and then speak to a clinician on site.

NHS director of vaccinations and screening Steve Russell said: “The covid vaccine still has a crucial role to play in protecting those at greatest risk of severe illness from the virus, including those with a weakened immune system as well as all aged 75 and above.

“It is great to see that around 320,000 people have booked in to get a jab with around hundreds of thousands of further slots available across the country this week alone.

“The NHS Covid-19 vaccination programme has delivered almost 145 million vaccine doses since December 2020 and staff will not stop in their efforts to give people extra protection.

“I would urge anyone eligible for this extra protection to get their spring covid vaccination at the earliest opportunity and give yourself peace of mind this summer.”

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