Public health chief warns of rising cases across city
DERBY City Council’s director of public health has warned residents to take extra care as coronavirus cases continue to rise rapidly in the city.
Dr Robyn Dewis has asked people to stay vigilant and follow lockdown restrictions to avoid further spread of the virus.
The message comes after 1,706 new cases of Covid-19 were recorded in Derby between Sunday, January 3 and Saturday, January 9.
Dr Dewis said: “Every single citizen of Derby has the power to help in the fightback against
Covid by following the national restrictions in place. We are in a unique period whereby our usually normal actions could cause ourselves or others a potentially severe illness.
“Until this is over, the best, and the only way to keep ourselves and our loved ones safer is to stay at home, apart from for essential reasons.”
While coronavirus vaccinations have started to roll out across Derby, Dr Dewis said this is not an excuse for people to start relaxing on restrictions. With hospitals across the county recently recording an additional 27 Covid-related deaths, residents have been reminded that the virus is still a major threat in the area. While the news of our national vaccine programme is fantastic, this alone will not prevent our city from suffering greatly due to rapidly rising transmission,” Dr Dewis explained. Reducing case numbers relies on a number of elements and efforts to work properly. Without adherence to the lockdown rules, we are putting ourselves and loved ones at greater risk.”
In response to rising transmissions, Derby City Council said it is working closely with Derbyshire police to ensure businesses and individuals are complying with Government regulations.
Residents have been asked to follow Covid restrictions for many more months to come as health services struggle to keep on top of soaring cases. Those that fail to do so can expect tougher fines as authorities continue to crack down on virus-spreading rulebreakers.