Covid cases in Wakefield district have increased by nearly a third on previous week according to data published today

The number of Covid-19 cases in Wakefield has 'increased significantly' according to the lastest data.
The number of cases is on the rise in Wakefield.The number of cases is on the rise in Wakefield.
The number of cases is on the rise in Wakefield.

Wakefield Council has published the latest COVID-19 data for the district to keep residents up to date.

The weekly dashboard has been adapted based on feedback. It now identifies Wakefield’s alert level on the Government’s three tier alert system, provides trend data and ward case numbers and rates and the number of Wakefield COVID-19 patients in a Mid-Yorkshire Hospital bed.

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Wakefield is in Tier 2 – High Alert Level (Local Alert Level 2). The figures show that for the latest set of weekly data (between October 14 and 20) Wakefield’s positive case rate has increased significantly from the previous week – from 259.8 to 368.6 positive cases (per 100,000 population).

The previous week’s figure of 259.5 positive cases featured on the last dashboard was revised during the week due to ongoing Public Health England data validation processes.

There are currently 42 Wakefield COVID-19 patients in a Mid-Yorkshire Hospital bed compared to 29 the previous week.

The information, compiled by the Public Health team, shows the most useful information about what’s happening now and what has happened in recent weeks, so that people can understand how the virus is currently affecting the district’s population and if the situation is improving, getting worse or staying the same.

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The dashboard published today (Monday, October 26) shows the available data up to October 20.

Coun Faith Heptinstall, Wakefield Council’s Cabinet Member for Adults, Health and Wellbeing, said: “Following another surge in positive cases and a rise in hospital admissions, we really have reached a crucial point in the transmission of the virus and must continue to follow additional local restrictions to help control the rapidly increasing infection rate in our district.

“I understand that the Tier 2 restrictions placed on our lives are difficult but they are vital to protecting each other and saving lives. If we don’t follow the rules, we run the real risk of further measures being imposed and even more lives could be lost to this virus.”

Anna Hartley, Director of Public Health for the Wakefield district, said: “We are continuing to see a rapid rise in positive cases across our district.

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“We are seeing new cases of COVID-19 across the whole district and the increase in cases does not just relate to a handful of community or work place outbreaks.

“The Tier 2 restrictions are in place to help reduce transmission. It is vital that everyone takes the necessary action to protect ourselves and others from the very real threat of COVID-19.

“Hospital admissions are increasing weekly, including admissions to Intensive Care. We need to act now to break that cycle and we can only do that by working together. 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.”

Wakefield Council is continuing to monitor the COVID-19 situation across the district with effective monitoring to map relevant data and spot trends, which acts as an early warning system.

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Working with partners, Wakefield Council has been actively supporting the businesses and communities affected by the previous outbreaks to limit any spread, as well as working closely with partners and local communities to try and ensure everyone knows the symptoms and how to access testing.

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

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.

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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.

Anna Hartley added: “Please act now - isolate and get tested if you have any symptoms. If you do not have any of the symptoms of coronavirus - of a high temperature, a new continuous cough or loss of taste or smell - please do not get a test as we need to make sure tests are readily available for those who really need them.

“Remember that you can make a massive impact on your own health and the health of family and friends if you following the new measures set out by Government and these simple rules:

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Wear a face covering, if you can, in any enclosed public space

Maintain social distancing, wherever possible

Avoid any close contact with anyone outside your household

Avoid car sharing with anyone outside your household, if you can

Maintain regular handwashing.”

The dashboard and briefing can be found here http://www.wakefield.gov.uk/about-the-council/coronavirus-information/covid-19-weekly-data