@DrJoePajak CSci CChem FRSC

@drjoepajak

PhD in physical chemistry, with research experience in surface forces, wetting, rheology and thin‑film dynamics. Served 11 years as an NHS hospital public governor at two trusts. Covid is airborne; clean indoor air essential. 💨 mstdn.science/@JoePajak

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@DrJoePajak CSci CChem FRSC@drjoepajak· 5d

SARSCoV2 transmission persists at across England, with ongoing infections, hospital activity and weekly mortality. Aerosol spread in shared indoor air remains the dominant pathway. Mitigation requires engineered ventilation, high‑efficiency filtration, targeted vaccination for vulnerable cohorts.

SARS‑CoV‑2 transmission persists at low but stable levels across England, with ongoing infections, hospital activity and weekly mortality.
Aerosol spread in shared indoor air remains the dominant pathway.
Mitigation requires engineered ventilation, high‑efficiency filtration, targeted vaccination for vulnerable cohorts, and sustained Long COVID research funding.
Data source: UKHSA dashboard.

@DrJoePajak CSci CChem FRSC@drjoepajak· 8d

While we all navigate the daily smog, government and councils overlook policies to reduce particulate matter. These appear to cover industrial emissions and domestic sources contributing to national PM2.5 levels, yet enforcement remains patchy, inconsistent, neglected — and we all feel the impact.

A busy urban street choked with traffic fumes. Exhaust fumes from buses, cars, and a lorry hangs in the air, highlighting how pollution affects us all.

@DrJoePajak CSci CChem FRSC@drjoepajak· 8d

Add in smoke & emissions from industry, commerce, transport, diesel exhaust, brake dust, tyre wear, & the risky domestic uses of fire & chemicals, and the picture sharpens: one atmosphere; troubled unequally, borne most heavily, by those with the least. The atmosphere remembers what policy forgets.

A wide, unsettled sky filled with layered clouds, lit in muted tones that suggest smoke, haze, and atmospheric disturbance. The scene evokes a single shared atmosphere carrying combustion, smoke, vapour, dust, and airborne pathogens. The sky appears heavy, as though thickened by emissions from industry, commerce, transport, diesel exhaust, brake dust, tyre wear, and domestic fires and chemicals. The image conveys one connected system with no borders or insulation, where indoor and outdoor air blend. The mood is reflective and uneasy, hinting at unequal exposure and the disproportionate burden carried by those with the least. The atmosphere feels like a record of human activity, holding the history of what we breathe and what we become.

@DrJoePajak CSci CChem FRSC@drjoepajak· 10d

One Earth, one sky, one atmosphere, one polluted air. Combustion, smoke, soot, vapour, dust, pathogens. Moving through, and via, the same shared system. Indoors isn’t completely separate. 🌬️💨The air remembers every billow. England’s weekly COVID chart with consequences of negligence still unfolding.

Text post about one Earth and one polluted atmosphere, explaining that combustion, smoke, soot, vapour, dust and airborne pathogens all move through one shared air system. It notes that indoors isn’t completely separate and links this to England’s weekly COVID chart with consequences still unfolding.

@DrJoePajak CSci CChem FRSC@drjoepajak· 18d

COVID still circulates in England at very low levels, with hospitalisations and weekly deaths persisting. Indoor air remains the main route of spread. Ventilation, filtration, vaccination for vulnerable groups and Long COVID research must be core public‑health priorities. Data source UKHSA dashboard

Alt text: A logarithmic multi‑line chart showing COVID‑19 trends in England from February 2020 to July 2026. It plots positive cases, hospital patients, deaths involving COVID‑19, and PCR test positivity. Major waves form steep peaks early in the pandemic, followed by smaller surges through 2021–2023 and a long decline into 2026. By mid‑July 2026, levels are very low - vertical gridlines mark four‑week intervals. The chart is independently produced using UKHSA, NHS England, and ONS data. Source of data: https://ukhsa-dashboard.data.gov.uk/respiratory-viruses/covid-19#headlines

@DrJoePajak CSci CChem FRSC@drjoepajak· 25d

An independently produced logarithmic line chart showing England’s COVID‑19 case rates (7‑day rolling average) up to mid‑July 2026. The plotted line sits close to the lower part of the log‑scaled axis, indicating very low case rates throughout the recent period. The chart shows consistently low circulation with no visible spikes. Colours and labels are high‑contrast and clearly readable. Data sourced from the UKHSA COVID‑19 dashboard.

@DrJoePajak CSci CChem FRSC@drjoepajak· Jul 10

Long‑term exposure to air pollution is increasingly linked to serious health risks, including a higher risk of Parkinson’s disease. The message is clear: action on clean air now can help reduce the global burden of disease. #CleanAir Article source: @cam.ac.uk www.cam.ac.uk/research/new...

@DrJoePajak CSci CChem FRSC@drjoepajak· Jul 10

COVID continues to circulate in England, albeit at its lowest levels. Indoor air remains the main route of spread, and policy hasn’t caught up. Ventilation, filtration and Long COVID research must be treated as core public health priorities, not optional extras. Data sources @ukhsa.bsky.social et al

Line chart showing England’s COVID-19 indicators from Feb 2020 to 01 Jul 2026 using UKHSA, NHS and ONS data. Four lines track positive cases (82 in the 7 days to 01 Jul 2026), hospital patients (151 on 30 Jun 2026), deaths involving COVID-19 (3 in the week ending 26 Jun 2026), and PCR test positivity (0.6% to 29 Jun 2026). Logarithmic scale highlights long-term trends. Chart independently designed by @JoePajak using official data sources.

@DrJoePajak CSci CChem FRSC@drjoepajak· Jul 2

Latest UKHSA/NHS/ONS data show COVID continues to persist in England. This virus hasn’t gone away — and Long COVID research should stay front and centre. It mostly appears to spread through the air indoors. Clean indoor air could help to protect us. Data: @ukhsa.bsky.social #CleanAir #PublicHealth

Independently produced line chart showing key COVID‑19 indicators in England from Feb 2020 to 24 Jun 2026, using official data from UKHSA, NHS England, and ONS. Logarithmic scale with 4‑week intervals. Lines show: positive cases (to 24 Jun 2026), COVID‑19 patients in hospital (to 13 May 2026), deaths involving COVID‑19 (to 19 Jun 2026), and PCR test positivity (to 23 Jun 2026). The chart illustrates multiple waves and ongoing low‑level circulation. Designed and produced independently. Data sources: UKHSA dashboard, NHS England COVID‑19 hospital activity, ONS mortality statistics.

@DrJoePajak CSci CChem FRSC@drjoepajak· Jun 25

Latest UKHSA/NHS/ONS data (unbroken lines) continue to show COVID’s persistence in England: reminder that this virus hasn’t gone away, and why Long COVID research must stay front and centre. Airborne viruses spread indoors. Clean air protects us all. Data sources: @ukhsa.bsky.social #PublicHealth

A line chart titled “Tracking COVID‑19 Data in England: independently produced chart using official data [Feb 2020 to 17 Jun 2026]”. The chart uses a logarithmic y‑axis to 1,000,000 and shows four COVID‑19 indicators in England from early 2020 to mid‑June 2026.
• A magenta dotted line shows positive COVID cases (7‑day total), ending at 84 for the week to 17 June 2026.
• A purple dotted line shows PCR test positivity (7‑day average), ending at 0.7% on 15 June 2026.
• A blue dotted line shows the number of COVID‑19 patients in hospital, ending at 185 on 31 May 2026.
• A red dotted line shows deaths involving COVID‑19 (weekly), ending at 9 for the week ending 12 June 2026.
Vertical grey markers indicate four‑week intervals across the full timeline. All four indicators show large peaks during earlier waves and lower but persistent activity through 2025–26.
Data sources include the UKHSA COVID‑19 dashboard at https://ukhsa-dashboard.data.gov.uk/respiratory-viruses/covid-19, NHS England COVID‑19 hospital activity statistics, and ONS mortality data. The chart notes that it is independently produced and not associated with UKHSA, NHS, ONS, or any government body.

@DrJoePajak CSci CChem FRSC@drjoepajak· Jun 25

Latest UKHSA/NHS/ONS data continue to show COVID’s persistence in England: reminder that this virus hasn’t gone away, and why Long COVID research must stay front and centre. Airborne viruses spread indoors. Clean air protects us all. Data sources: @ukhsa.bsky.social #CleanAir #PublicHealth

@DrJoePajak CSci CChem FRSC@drjoepajak· Jun 18

Latest UKHSA/NHS/ONS data show COVID’s persistence — and this surely underlines why Long COVID research should stay front and centre? Airborne viruses spread indoors. Clean air protects us all. Science, data, and education keep us safer. Data sources: @ukhsa.bsky.social #CleanAir #PublicHealth

Independently produced COVID‑19 chart showing that infections, hospital activity and deaths continue at a steady, persistent level. The visuals highlight ongoing circulation rather than elimination. It's clear that airborne viruses spread most easily indoors, and that clean indoor air, ventilation and filtration remain essential protections. Long COVID research must stay central, and science, data and public education are key to keeping people safer. Data source: @ukhsa.bsky.social.

@DrJoePajak CSci CChem FRSC@drjoepajak· Jun 11

England’s COVID numbers remain low, but transmission persists. With fewer metrics now published — and bank holidays still delaying updates — this independent chart shows the trend clearly. Remember that airborne pathogens spread silently, and Long COVID’s dire impacts remain poorly understood.

A logarithmic line chart titled “Tracking COVID‑19 Data in England: independently produced chart using official data (Feb 2020–3 Jun 2026)”. It shows long‑term trends in four COVID‑19 indicators using data from the UKHSA COVID‑19 dashboard, NHS England hospital activity statistics, and ONS mortality data.

Four dotted lines track the indicators:

• Positive COVID‑19 cases (purple, 7‑day average): 87 for the week to 3 June 2026, reflecting low but ongoing transmission, consistent with UKHSA’s weekly case reporting on the respiratory‑viruses dashboard.

• COVID‑19 patients in hospital (blue, daily count): 185 on 31 May 2026, showing continued admissions at low levels, matching NHS England’s COVID‑19 hospital activity dataset.

• Deaths involving COVID‑19 (red, weekly registrations): 9 for the week ending 29 May 2026, with publication delayed due to the Late May bank holiday, as noted on the UKHSA dashboard and ONS weekly mortality updates.

• PCR test positivity (magenta, 7‑day average): 0.7% to 1 June 2026, consistent with UKHSA’s testing data showing low but persistent positivity.

The y‑axis uses a logarithmic scale from 1 to 1,000,000 to show the full range of pandemic peaks and troughs. The x‑axis runs from February 2020 to June 2026, with vertical gridlines marking 4‑week intervals. The chart highlights that although current levels are low, COVID‑19 continues to circulate; fewer metrics are now published; and bank holidays still delay updates.

Official data sources:
• UKHSA COVID‑19 dashboard (respiratory viruses → COVID‑19)
• NHS England COVID‑19 hospital activity statistics
• ONS weekly deaths involving COVID‑19

@DrJoePajak CSci CChem FRSC@drjoepajak· Jun 11

💙⚽ Kieran McKenna didn’t just win promotions — he gave us our club back. He brought belief, identity, fun, and great football roaring through Portman Road again. Ipswich stands taller because of him, and many will never forget the man who lit the place up. #ITFC #McKenna #IpswichTown

@DrJoePajak CSci CChem FRSC@drjoepajak· Jun 4

England’s latest COVID data show continued circulation despite fewer published metrics. This independent chart tracks cases, hospital activity, deaths and positivity, while the absence of Long COVID data remains noticeable — and is a reminder of why better ventilation and stronger IPC still matter.

Alt text:
Logarithmic chart showing England’s COVID‑19 trends from Feb 2020 to 26 May 2026. Lines display: weekly positive cases (171), COVID‑19 patients in hospital (230), deaths involving COVID‑19 (7), and PCR test positivity (1.1%). Earlier waves appear as large peaks; recent levels are lower but persistent. The chart reflects reduced official reporting, delayed updates around bank holidays, and the continued absence of Long COVID data. Independently produced using UKHSA, NHS England and ONS data.
The absence of Long COVID data remains noticeable — and a reminder of why better ventilation and stronger IPC still matter.

@DrJoePajak CSci CChem FRSC@drjoepajak· May 30

England’s COVID data still shows ongoing transmission, yet fewer metrics recorded or reported — and bank holidays still delay updates. One vital gap remains: Long COVID’s impact on the NHS, businesses, communities, and people’s lives. Log chart showing England’s COVID‑19 trends Feb 2020 to May 2026.

A logarithmic chart showing England’s COVID‑19 trends from Feb 2020 to 20 May 2026, independently produced using official UKHSA, NHS England, and ONS data. Four lines show:
• Cases (7‑day avg: 174)
• Hospital patients (230)
• Deaths (weekly: 14)
• PCR positivity (1.0%)

The chart shows major peaks during earlier waves and lower but persistent levels through 2025–26. Vertical markers show 4‑week intervals. The latest UKHSA dashboard provides fewer metrics than in previous years, and updates are still delayed by bank holidays. A key missing dataset is Long COVID prevalence and impact, which affects NHS capacity, workforce stability, businesses, communities, and individuals.

Link to the official data source: https://ukhsa-dashboard.data.gov.uk/respiratory-viruses/covid-19

@DrJoePajak CSci CChem FRSC@drjoepajak· May 27

The UK is warming fast — and most of our hospitals simply aren’t ready. A UK Climate Change Committee report warns heat‑related NHS attendances could triple by the 2050s, with most homes overheating. Cooling is life‑saving infrastructure. Credit article / link: @bmj.com www.bmj.com/content/393/...

A simple infographic‑style illustration of an NHS‑style emergency department with an ambulance parked outside. A large sun hangs overhead with subtle heat‑wave shimmer, symbolising rising temperatures and pressure on hospital infrastructure.

@DrJoePajak CSci CChem FRSC@drjoepajak· May 21

“Tracking COVID‑19 Data in England: independently produced chart using official data (Feb 2020 to 13 May 2026)”. The x‑axis runs from early 2020 to May 2026, with vertical markers every four weeks. The y‑axis is logarithmic, ranging from 1 to 1,000,000. Four datasets are plotted as dotted lines:

The chart shows multiple pandemic waves rising and falling over six years. Recent values are low but persistent: 166 positive cases (7‑day average to 13 May 2026), 230 patients in hospital (to 30 April 2026), 11 deaths involving COVID‑19 (week ending 8 May 2026), and 1.1% PCR positivity (7‑day average to 11 May 2026). Data sources include UKHSA, NHS England, and the ONS. The chart notes it is independently produced and not affiliated with any official body.

@DrJoePajak CSci CChem FRSC@drjoepajak· May 19

Despite reduced testing and reduced attention, all four measures remain above zero, showing ongoing transmission and impact. The long timeline underscores how COVID‑19 never disappeared — and how Long COVID continues as an uncounted burden.

Line chart showing England’s COVID‑19 indicators from Feb 2020 to May 2026 on a logarithmic scale. Four dotted lines track: PCR test positivity, daily positive cases, hospital patients with COVID‑19, and deaths involving COVID‑19. The curves rise and fall through successive waves, then settle into lower but persistent levels: around 190 cases in early May 2026, 230 hospital patients in late April, and 19 weekly deaths at the start of May. Despite reduced testing and reduced attention, all four measures remain above zero, showing ongoing transmission and impact. The long timeline underscores how COVID‑19 never disappeared — and how Long COVID continues as an uncounted burden.

@DrJoePajak CSci CChem FRSC@drjoepajak· May 5

The world can feel so overwhelming, but hedgehogs remind us we’re not all entirely powerless. Simple acts can help them on their journeys — and for those of us who can, that kind of everyday kindness is often where our care for a much harder world begins... hughwarwick.substack.com/p/hedgehog-a...

@DrJoePajak CSci CChem FRSC@drjoepajak· May 3

Definitely two Hoggies! 🦔🦔 Younger hedgehog enjoying some fresh water, moves away when the larger hedgehog arrives for a drink too... wonderful to see them close up and together, albeit the smaller of the two a little concerned that the larger hedgehog has tipped over the water bowl. Go Hoggies!

@DrJoePajak CSci CChem FRSC@drjoepajak· Apr 30

England’s COVID data from 2020–26 show the virus is still circulating — still causing infections, hospitalisations, and still taking lives. Chart using official data (UKHSA, NHS England, ONS). What’s changed isn’t the potential impact, but the lack of any real attention. Not forgetting Long COVID.

Logarithmic line chart showing England’s COVID‑19 trends from Feb 2020 to Apr 2026. Four lines track: positive cases (190 in the week to 22 Apr 2026), hospital patients (338 on 31 Mar 2026), deaths (18 in the week to 17 Apr 2026), and PCR test positivity (1.2% on 20 Apr 2026). Multiple peaks mark earlier waves; recent levels are lower but persistent. Chart independently produced using official UKHSA, NHS England, and ONS data.

@DrJoePajak CSci CChem FRSC@drjoepajak· Apr 24

💯'The passing of the Tobacco & Vapes Bill is a landmark moment and a huge step forward in public health and hopefully an example for the rest of the world.' @copddoc.bsky.social @imperialmed.bsky.social @imperialnhli.bsky.social @asthmaandlung.org.uk @ashorguk.bsky.social www.bmj.com/content/393/...

https://www.kingsfund.org.uk/insight-and-analysis/blogs/tobacco-and-vapes-act-landmark-win-health

@DrJoePajak CSci CChem FRSC@drjoepajak· Apr 23

Independently produced chart tracking England’s COVID data from the start of official reporting (see UKHSA dashboard). The virus is still circulating, still causing infections, hospitalisations, and Long COVID — and still taking lives. What’s changed isn’t the potential impact, but the attention.

A logarithmic line chart showing COVID‑19 trends in England from Feb 2020 to Apr 2026. Four lines track: positive cases (263 on 15 Apr 2026), hospital patients (338 on 31 Mar 2026), deaths (23 in the week to 10 Apr 2026), and PCR test positivity (1.8% on 13 Apr 2026). Earlier pandemic waves appear as large peaks; recent levels are lower but persistent. The chart is independently produced using official UKHSA, NHS England, and ONS data.

@DrJoePajak CSci CChem FRSC@drjoepajak· Apr 16

England’s latest COVID data tell a story we’re barely hearing anymore. • 373 cases • 338 in hospital • 15 deaths • 2.1% positivity The virus is still circulating, still causing infections, hospitalisations, Long COVID — and still taking lives. What’s changed isn’t the risk, but the attention.

A logarithmic line chart showing COVID‑19 trends in England from Feb 2020 to Apr 2026. Four lines track cases (orange), hospital patients (blue), deaths (red), and PCR test positivity (purple). Earlier pandemic waves appear as large peaks; recent levels are lower but persistent. Chart is independently produced using official UKHSA, NHS England, and ONS data.

@DrJoePajak CSci CChem FRSC@drjoepajak· Apr 2

England COVID-19 update • 491 weekly cases (to 25 Mar 2026) • 27 deaths involving COVID-19 (w/e 20 Mar 2026) • 525 hospital admissions (to 28 Feb 2026) • 2.2% PCR test positivity (to 23 Mar 2026) Data source @ukhsa.bsky.social dashboard #COVID19 #England #UKHSA #COVIDData #PublicHealth #Epidemiology

Line chart showing England’s COVID‑19 trends from Feb 2020 to Mar 2026 on a logarithmic scale. Four coloured lines track positive cases, hospital patients, deaths, and PCR test positivity. Latest values: 491 weekly cases (to 25 Mar 2026), 27 weekly deaths (to 20 Mar 2026), 525 hospital admissions and 572 patients in hospital (to 28 Feb 2026), and 2.2% PCR positivity (to 23 Mar 2026).

@DrJoePajak CSci CChem FRSC@drjoepajak· Mar 27

'However bad the first wave was in England - and it was awful - the second wave was worse. More than twice as many people were admitted to hospital with COVID in the second wave compared to the first wave...' Checkout the substack by @chrischirp.bsky.social open.substack.com/pub/christin...

@DrJoePajak CSci CChem FRSC@drjoepajak· Mar 19

COVID is here, still infecting, causing Long COVID, and worse for some. England COVID 'weekly' data, as reported, remains at low but steady levels: around 470 cases, 572 in hospital, 23 deaths, and 2.2% positivity. The chart shows past waves since the 'reported' start of the pandemic in March 2020.

A logarithmic line chart showing COVID‑19 trends in England from early 2020 to 11 March 2026.

Four indicators are plotted using moving averages: positive cases (orange), COVID‑19 patients in hospital (blue), deaths involving COVID‑19 (red), and PCR test positivity (purple).

All four lines show the major pandemic waves from 2020–2022, followed by a long period of lower but persistent activity.

By early 2026, levels are relatively low: around 470 positive cases per week, 572 patients in hospital, 23 deaths per week, and 2.2% test positivity.

The chart highlights that although reported activity has fallen dramatically from peak waves, COVID‑19 continues to circulate at a steady, low level.

@DrJoePajak CSci CChem FRSC@drjoepajak· Mar 19

Module 3: 'The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the healthcare systems of the UK. Recommendations:' Source: @ukcovid-19inquiry.bsky.social 19 Mar 2026 'The Chair expects that all are acted upon & implemented within the time frames set out in the recommendations'. covid19.public-inquiry.uk/reports

In summary, the Inquiry recommends:
increasing capacity in urgent and emergency care and ensuring hospitals have the ability to implement surge capacity;
strengthening the body responsible for infection prevention and control guidance, broadening its membership to enhance its decision-making and improving the guidance itself;
improving data collection, enabling individuals at highest risk of harm from infection to be more easily identified and recording deaths of healthcare workers more accurately;
promoting a standardised process and documentation for advance care planning, recording patients’ preferences for future care and treatment;
increasing support for healthcare workers, improving retention and increasing resilience; and
publishing guidance to assist decision-makers, providing clear criteria for clinical decisions if critical care resources become completely exhausted.
The Chair expects that all recommendations are acted upon and implemented within the time frames set out in the recommendations. The Inquiry will monitor the implementation of the recommendations during its lifetime.
To find out more or to download a copy of the full Module 3 Report or other accessible formats, visit: https://covid19.public-inquiry.uk/reports.

@DrJoePajak CSci CChem FRSC@drjoepajak· Mar 12

Latest England COVID‑19 data - plotted on a chart showing weekly: cases, hospitalisations, deaths, and PCR positivity. 👉 580 cases, 572 in hospital, 34 deaths, 2.6% positivity. Reminding us that COVID hasn’t gone away. Sources: #UKHSA, #NHSEngland, #ONS. ukhsa-dashboard.data.gov.uk/respiratory-...