EVERYONE must continue to be vigilant as Covid cases rise across Cheshire due to the Delta variant, warns a GP.

Dr Jonathan Griffiths, a GP at Swanlow surgery in Winsford, said: "While we are hopeful that the vaccination programme will keep serious illness and hospitalisations low we still have issues to deal with as a legacy from the past 15 months.

"It is important for everyone to remember the basics - hands, face, space. This is true even for those who have been vaccinated. These simple actions will help reduce spread of the virus."

Any adults who have not yet received their jab can make an appointment now.

"The vaccination programme has been a huge success and now any adult is eligible for the jab,"said Dr Griffiths.

"The offer for a vaccine does not wear out so even if you were previously invited and declined at the time, you can come forward now."

GPs at the five surgeries in Winsford never closed throughout the pandemic and have been seeing patients when required.

National guidance is still for people to receive a phone call from the GP before any face to face consultation is arranged.

More patients than ever before are now seeking medical advice.

Dr Griffiths said: "Demand for appointments has risen significantly and GPs are reporting that they are experiencing 25 to 50 per cent more calls than before the pandemic.

"The whole of the NHS remains under pressure.

"There are large backlogs for outpatient appointments and operations.

"Please be aware of this as waiting lists for routine appointments and procedures are long. Anyone who has had a worsening in their symptoms should seek advice from their GP or consultant."

Some people who tested positive for coronavirus are still experiencing problems.

"We are learning more about the effects of Covid-19 and now understand that some people may experience Long Covid," said Dr Griffiths.

"The nature of this will vary from person to person and will depend upon the fundamental underlying cause. It may include fatigue and breathlessness. If you feel you have Long Covid then you may wish to speak to your GP to further explore this.

"GPs in the town would like to once again thank the people of Winsford for staying strong during the pandemic. It has been hard for us all but hopefully there is now light at the end of the tunnel.

"Please be patient with the NHS as we look to restore services."