Wakefield health chiefs 'reassured' by further fall in rate of Covid cases as district prepares for Tier 3 restrictions

The latest NHS figures suggest the rate of cases in the district has now fallen to around 208 per 100,000 people, down from 485 per 100,000 in the first week of November.

It is the third week in a row that the rate of cases in the district has fallen, though it remains higher than the national average of 147 per 100,000.

But health chiefs have urged people not to become complacent, as West Yorkshire prepares to enter into Tier 3 restrictions.

More than 5,180 new cases of the virus have been confirmed in Wakefield this month, bringing the total to 13,537 positive test results.

And 240 Covid-19 patients are still receiving treatment at hospitals run by the Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust, Wakefield Council said.

Councillor Faith Heptinstall, Wakefield Council’s Cabinet Member for Adults, Health and Wellbeing, said: “It is reassuring the see another decrease in positive cases. But we cannot be complacent.

"Our local NHS services are still under significant pressure and as the national restrictions come to an end, and the Tier 3 restrictions start on Wednesday, it is vital that we all play our part to keep the infection rate heading in the right direction. We absolutely must avoid the infection rate rising again.”

According to Wakefield Council's weekly Covid-19 dashboard, which covers the seven days up to November 24, most areas of Wakefield are now showing a "week to week decline in the number of cases".

A number of local services have been rolled out to help curb the spread of Covid-19 in the district, including a permanent walk-in testing centre in Wakefield city centre and local contact tracing scheme.It is hoped the new service, which will work alongside the national NHS Test and Trace, will help to trace the contacts of those who have tested positive for the virus, and offer support to those who may find self-isolating challenging.

Anna Hartley, Director of Public Health for the Wakefield district, said: “Although cases are steadily falling, our health system is still under significant pressure and hospital admissions remain high so we must continue to follow the restrictions in place.

“The seriousness of the situation cannot be under-estimated – as sadly there were 41 deaths from Covid-19 last week. These are all incalculable losses to the families, friends, and colleagues of those who have died.

“One of the most important actions people must take is to self-isolate if they have tested positive, have been confirmed as a contact of someone who has tested positive or are in the same household.

"You must also isolate if you have symptoms and are awaiting a test or results. If you do this, you will save lives.”

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

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

The local testing delivery 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.