Dr Jim Gardner has shared his weekly covid update with us via the Blackpool Teaching Hospitals Facebook, where he has released the local figures for covid cases.

We have once again seen a substantial increase in the number of covid in-patients within the last week.

Total Fylde Coast – 177

Blackpool – 122

Clifton – 42

High Dependency unit – 13

Dr Jim states that this is a “worrying increase on last week”, despite the county moving into Tier 3 over the weekend, the numbers are still escalating at an alarming rate.

The local doctor shares that within the hospital it “feels that we are very busy with covid patients”, as the number of cases in hospital care increase, the bigger strain it puts on the system. Many surgeries and procedures have had to be postponed or cancelled.

Dr Jim also warns that the emergency department is extraordinarily busy, and reminds the public to please only use this department in emergency cases. If you are unsure as to whether you should attend A&E call 111 or use the online 111 service.

Lastly, Dr Jim comments on the fact that we have now moved into Tier 3 and how important it is that we follow the rules set out by the government – wash hands regularly, cover faces and keep your distance. We should start to see a decrease in cases soon if we do so.