There are warnings of ‘significant impacts’ as snow, high winds and heavy rain is forecast
Cold health alerts have been issued around the country
Cold health alerts have been issued for every part of England this week with a warning that in some areas there could be a ‘rise in deaths’ as a result of the weather conditions. With snow, high winds and heavy rain forecast across the country over New Year, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued the warnings which start at 9am on New Year’s Day.
All nine regions in England have been placed under a Yellow Alert due to the potential impact on the health of local populations. However, areas in the Midlands and the North are likely to be worst hit according to the UKHSA. In these regions the agency has warned that ‘significant impacts’ are possible across health and social care services.
They include a rise in deaths particularly among the over-65s and people with health conditions. The weather conditions mean it will be more difficult for vulnerable people to keep their homes warm. In areas across the South and East of England, there is also a Yellow alert in place, however the forecast weather is only expected to have “minor impacts” on health and social care services in these areas.
The warnings start at 9am on New Year’s Day, Wednesday, and run until 9am on Saturday, January 4. You can see full details of the health alert in your region of England by clicking on this interactive map.