Covid in Wakefield: 'Really promising' drop in new cases recorded as district records 12th highest rate of cases in the UK

A 'really promising' drop in the rate of cases of Covid-19 has been reported in Wakefield and the Five Towns.
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The rate of cases of Covid-19 in the Wakefield district now stands at 64.6 per 100,000 people, down from 112.3 at the start of the month.

A total of 25,455 people in the district have tested positive for the virus to date, including 586 new cases in April.

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Wakefield currently has the 12th highest rate of coronavirus cases in the UK, below Doncaster, Bradford, Barnsley and Rotherham.

A 'really promising' drop in the rate of cases of Covid-19 has been reported in Wakefield and the Five Towns.A 'really promising' drop in the rate of cases of Covid-19 has been reported in Wakefield and the Five Towns.
A 'really promising' drop in the rate of cases of Covid-19 has been reported in Wakefield and the Five Towns.

But the rate of cases is still significantly higher than the UK average of 27.2 per 100,000, and the district's health chiefs have warned that people cannot become complacent about following the restrictions.

Anna Hartley, Wakefield's director of public health, said: "It is really promising to see case rates coming down and I know that everyone is happy to be taking these first very careful steps out of lockdown.

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"However, we still have one of the highest infection rates in the country and that is why it is more important than ever that we do not become complacent. We must ensure that rates keep going in the right direction.

"There were also sadly two Covid-19 related deaths in local hospitals in the last week and our sympathies go out to the families, friends, and colleagues of those who have died.

"I urge everyone to keep going and continue to take immediate action to protect ourselves and others from the very real threat of Covid-19, even if you have had your vaccine, by following the regulations.

"By working together we can continue to slow the spread and save lives."

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Since last March, at least 761 people in the Wakefield district have died within 28 days of a positive Covid-19 test.

The most recent death was recorded on Thursday, April 8.

And the number of people receiving hospital treatment has also fallen, with Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust confirming today that it is currently treating 23 Covid-19 patients, down from 43 last week.

Jo Webster, Chief Officer at NHS Wakefield Clinical Commissioning Group, said: "The slight decrease in the number of positive cases in the Wakefield district is great news, however, we all need to stick to the guidance to continue this reduction.

"You can find out more about how to keep yourselves, your families and communities' safe, the vaccination programme and accessing the most appropriate health service for your needs on the NHS website."

It comes as non-essential retailers including pubs, shops and hairdressers have been allowed to reopen for the first time in more than three months.