Wakefield Covid cases: City 'must not become complacent' following increase in coronavirus cases

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

The figures show that for the latest set of weekly data (between March 17 and 23) Wakefield’s positive case rate has slightly increased from the previous week – from 121.2 to 139 positive cases (per 100,000 population).

The previous week’s figure of 120.8 positive cases was revised during the week due to ongoing Public Health England data validation processes.

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Anna Hartley, Director of Public Health for the Wakefield district, said: “Unfortunately this week we have seen cases creep up very slightly and that is why it is more important than ever that we do not become complacent.

"We must avoid rates getting any higher and risk undoing all the hard work we have all put in.

“There were also sadly eight 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.

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“The more cautious and mindful we are now, the sooner we’ll be able to get back to normality. The less that people mix, the less chance the virus has of mutating and becoming resistant to the vaccine. This is so vitally important. By working together we can slow the spread and save lives.”

There are currently 54 Covid-19 patients being cared for by The Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust, compared to 63 the previous week.

Jo Webster, Chief Officer at NHS Wakefield Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “The increase in Covid-19 infection rates across the district shows that it is not a time to become complacent and it’s vital that we all stick to the national guidance to keep ourselves, our families and our communities safe.

“You can also help your NHS by choosing the most appropriate local service if you or your family need healthcare. If you’re not sure which service to use and it’s not a life-threatening emergency, call NHS111 or visit 111.nhs.uk.”

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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.

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 is available in the district, 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.

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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.

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

Residents who are a ‘critical worker’ or otherwise have to leave the house to go to work can now access lateral flow testing at the Market Hall in Wakefield, Holywell Lane Centre, Castleford and Kinsley and Fitzwilliam Community Centre, Kinsley.

Access to all three sites will be by appointment only. To book an appointment, please visit https://wakefieldlft.eventbrite.co.uk/. There is currently no option for telephone appointments.

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Those that work from home, should continue to do so and will not need to access asymptomatic testing.

Those who have symptoms of COVID-19 should not seek a lateral flow test. Instead they must get tested, either through the local home delivery service, or using the national drive-in sites.

Anna Hartley added: “Please act now - isolate and get tested if you have any symptoms.”

The dashboard published today (Monday 29 March) shows the available data up to 23 March.