Number of Wakefield coronavirus cases falls but district is still an 'area of concern'

The number of cases of coronavirus diagnosed has fallen in the Wakefield district, according to council figures published today.
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 30, between July 20 and July 26) Wakefield’s positive case rate has decreased from the previous week – from 17.4 to 13 positive cases (per 100,000 population).

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, August 3) shows the available data up to July 26. 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: “By sharing the relevant data, we hope to give residents the most accurate picture we can on what’s happening across our district.

“It is good to see a decrease in the number of positive case rates but I do urge people not to be complacent and to continue to follow the advice given. 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.”

Anna Hartley, Director of Public Health for the Wakefield district, said: “The figures are heading in the right direction, but it’s more important than ever that we continue to do all we can to make sure this continues. 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:

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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

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

Maintain regular handwashing.”

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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 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.

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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