Wakefield Council to publish its own coronavirus data

Wakefield Council is publishing a weekly 'dashboard' to keep residents up to date with the most recent Covid-19 data for the district.
Wakefield city centreWakefield city centre
Wakefield city centre

Wakefield is still classed as an “area of concern” – although the figures show that for the latest set of weekly data (week 29, between July 13 and July 19) Wakefield’s positive case rate has slightly decreased from the previous week – from 19.1 to 17.4 positive cases (per 100,000 population).

The information, compiled by the Public Health team, aims to show 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, July 27) shows the available data up to July 19. It includes the ‘watchlist’ information produced each week by Public Health England, which categorises local authorities based on a number of key measures.

Coun Faith Heptinstall, Wakefield Council’s Cabinet Member for Adults, Health and Wellbeing, said: “We know there is so much COVID-19 information out there which often makes it difficult to understand, especially if people are trying to compare data on a weekly basis or with other areas.

“By sharing the relevant data, we hope to give residents the most accurate picture we can on what’s happening across our district."

Anna Hartley, Director of Public Health for the Wakefield district, said: “It is good to see a slight decrease in the number of positive case rates but I again urge people not to be complacent. The threat of COVID-19 remains a real threat to us all and I urge everyone to continue taking action to reduce the spread of infection.

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“Please remember that you can make a massive impact on your own health and the health of family and friends if you keep following five simple rules:

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

If you have underlying health issues or are aged 70+, avoid areas where you can’t adhere to 2m social distancing.

Avoid any hugging or close contact with anyone outside your household

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

Maintain regular handwashing.”

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

Working with partners, the council has been 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 service 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. Wakefield Council will be able to gather data from people asking for a test, which will make it easier to detect patterns of the virus and to take proactive steps to manage it within the area.

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.

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