Covid cases in Wakefield 'heading in the right direction', council says, but restrictions are still important

A further decline in the number of new cases of Covid-19 in Wakefield is a step in the right direction, but people should not become complacent, the district's leaders have warned.
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The latest Covid-19 figures reveal that the rate of cases of coronavirus in the district has fallen for the fourth week running, and now stands at 172 per 100,000, down from 485 per 100,000 in the first week of November.

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There have been 14,153 confirmed cases of Covid-19 in the district to date, including 403 positive results so far this month. This compares to 1,586 new cases in the first six days of November.

Despite the falling rates, people should continue to follow all rules and guidance around social distancing, self-isolating and limiting travel, the district's leaders have warned.

There are currently 218 COVID-19 patients being cared for by The Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust.

Councillor Faith Heptinstall, Wakefield Council’s Cabinet Member for Adults, Health and Wellbeing, said: “The infection rate in the district is steadily heading in the right direction.

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"But it is more important than ever that we following the latest guidance and restrictions in place to ensure that this trend continues to help take away some of significant pressure our local NHS services are under and help save lives.

A further decline in the number of new cases of Covid-19 in Wakefield is a step in the right direction, but people should not become complacent, the district's leaders have warned.A further decline in the number of new cases of Covid-19 in Wakefield is a step in the right direction, but people should not become complacent, the district's leaders have warned.
A further decline in the number of new cases of Covid-19 in Wakefield is a step in the right direction, but people should not become complacent, the district's leaders have warned.

"We absolutely must avoid the infection rate rising again.”

Wakefield is currently in the highest level of Covid rules, known as Tier 3, with residents facing restrictions on travel, eating out, shopping and more.

Wakefield Council has today launched a new video series, titled 'I never thought it would happen to me', in which residents share stories of their battles with Covid-19.

Among those featured in the series is 24-year-old Simmie, who contracted the virus unexpectedly several months ago, and continues to suffer from symptoms including breathlessness and fatigue.

There have been 14,153 confirmed cases of Covid-19 in the Wakefield district to date, including 403 positive results so far this month. Chart: Fastcharts.ioThere have been 14,153 confirmed cases of Covid-19 in the Wakefield district to date, including 403 positive results so far this month. Chart: Fastcharts.io
There have been 14,153 confirmed cases of Covid-19 in the Wakefield district to date, including 403 positive results so far this month. Chart: Fastcharts.io
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It is hoped that the videos will encourage others to do their part in containing the virus.

Anna Hartley, Wakefield Council’s Director of Public Health, said: “These videos are a powerful reminder of the effects of the virus and I hope they encourage others to do all they can to keep safe.

“It is important that if you have symptoms, even if they are mild, to please act quickly – self-isolate and get tested. Please do not ignore any symptoms you might have as you could be spreading the virus to others who are more vulnerable at risk.”

A local testing offer for Covid-19 has opened in Wakefield, to work alongside and to enhance the national programme.

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Residents in the district who suspect they have symptoms of the virus can now access tests via a home delivery service but people are urged to try the national system first.

Those without symptoms (asymptomatic) should not be seeking a test unless they have been advised to do so by a health professional, Public Health England or the Council’s public health teams – it could take a test away from someone who really needs it.

The local testing service is available from Monday to Friday and bookings for appointments can be made at www.nhs.uk/ask-for-a-coronavirus-test or by calling 01924 224497. Or email the person’s name and contact details to [email protected] so the booking team can get in touch.

Anyone displaying coronavirus symptoms is urged to get a test by accessing local testing or by visiting nhs.uk/coronavirus or calling 119.