Hospital steps up bid to prevent new outbreak

MEASURES are in place at Nuneaton’s hospital as it aims to put a stop to another outbreak of coronavirus.

There were 34 Covid-19 deaths recorded at the George Eliot Hospital in June.

Investigations are still ongoing into the cause of the persistent number of cases, which are now falling, but strict measures are now in place at the hospital.

These include new floor markings to show a new one-way traffic system for patients, visitors and staff.

A spokesperson for the Eliot said: “In common with hospitals across the country we are using signs and floor markings to remind people using our common areas to follow social distancing guidelines.

“These are in further support of the standard measures we have had in place for some weeks that see face coverings being issued at our entrances and other access restrictions in place. We again remind people not to attend the hospital if they are displaying any symptoms of covid-19, and to contact NHS111 for advice.”

Volunteers have also been manning the main entrance to the hospital, giving out masks to those who do not have them as well as hand gel. But it has been stressed that this is being done on a voluntary basis and if volunteers are available.

A school has been advised to close for two weeks due to confirmed Covid-19 cases.

Public Health Warwickshire has confirmed that Wembrook Primary School in Nuneaton will now not reopen until July 16 after two adults tested positive for the virus.

Initially the school was closed as a “precaution” following the two confirmed cases but then a decision was taken to close the school for two weeks.

As part of this, Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council issued an urgent appeal.

It said that the latest public health information revealed coronavirus hot spots - with some areas of the borough having higher cases of Covid-19, most notably the Wembrook area.

The borough council statement said: “Latest information received from public health shows that some areas of the borough have had, and continue to have, higher cases of Covid-19 than others and compared to other parts of Coventry and Warwickshire.

“The information shows that Wem Brook ward is particularly affected.”