Wakefield Council Leader, Denise Jeffery: 'With indications that another wave of the virus is fast approaching, there really is no room for complacency'

Over the last few weeks there has been a significant and worrying rise in the number of Covid-19 infections in our district that now stands at 259.5 per 100,000 people.
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We are seeing more of the adult population being affected locally, in addition to younger people, and we also know that the virus is affecting communities right across our district.

It is essential that as we enter the colder months, when the NHS faces greater pressures on beds, that we all redouble our efforts now and do everything we can as individuals and families to protect ourselves and others in our communities especially the most vulnerable amongst us.

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It has been a very challenging seven months, but with the indications that another wave of the virus is fast approaching, there really is no room for complacency, and we are at a critical point.

"We are seeing more of the adult population being affected locally, in addition to younger people, and we also know that the virus is affecting communities right across our district.""We are seeing more of the adult population being affected locally, in addition to younger people, and we also know that the virus is affecting communities right across our district."
"We are seeing more of the adult population being affected locally, in addition to younger people, and we also know that the virus is affecting communities right across our district."

NHS figures for Covid-19 related hospital admissions in our district show these had risen to 64 patients in mid-October, compared to eight admissions a month earlier.

If we do not follow Tier 2 guidance for our district infections and admissions will continue to increase and inevitably more lives will be lost, and more stringent guidance will need to be put in place – which will have an even greater impact on all our lives.

But there is still time to avoid this and I urge everyone to follow the latest government guidance for our district which means people cannot:

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* Socialise with anybody outside of their household or support bubble in any indoor setting, whether at home or in a public place.

* Socialise in a group of more than six outside, including in a garden or other spaces like parks.

* Visit friends or family in care homes, other than in exceptional circumstances.

* The rule of six still applies when meeting in outdoor settings, including in private gardens.

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* People can continue to travel to venues or amenities which are open, for work or to access education, but should look to reduce the number of journeys they make where possible.

* People can holiday outside of the area, but should only do so with the people they live with or have formed a support bubble with.

My Council will always do what’s right to support you and our local businesses, and we are continuing to support schools and vulnerable people as we all deal with the ongoing impact of the pandemic.

I know that we have a tremendous community spirit in our district, and if we all pull together we will get through this.

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We can continue to support our local high streets, local businesses, as well as established retailers – particularly in the run up to Christmas. And we’re hoping that our decision for free parking, in Council car parks and onstreet parking into January, will provide that much needed support to do so.

Let’s all play our part as we deal with the immediate challenges and look forward to a more prosperous future for us all.

Finally, as Covid-19 continues to affect so many lives, we would like to hear from people who would like to share their experiences and help us tell the story of how this virus has impacted on individuals and communities.

You can contact [email protected] to find out more.