Christmas mixing likely to see more infections in city

CORONAVIRUS rates in Leicester could still jump even though the city has been placed into tough Tier 4 restrictions, the director of public health has warned.

The government yesterday confirmed the city will join the rest of the East Midlands in facing stricter measures to try to halt the spread of the virus, as of midnight last night.

Leicester’s infection rate per 100,000 people has been rising steadily following the end of the national lockdown at the start of the month.

At the start of the month – for the seven days to December 8 - it stood at 240 per 100,000. Latest figures show that, for the seven days to December 24, it was 305 per 100,000 people.

The latest figures for Leicester show that 1,079 people tested positive for coronavirus in the seven days to December 24.

Leicester City Council said even though infection rates were increasing more steeply in other parts of the country, they are still moving in the wrong direction here and the prevalence of coronavirus is putting increased pressure on hospital services.

Director of public health Professor Ivan Browne said: “Although the rate of infection in Leicester has not been rising as rapidly as in other parts of the country, we have continued to see a general increase in the number of positive cases.

“At this point we don’t know the impact of any increased transmission that may have resulted from people mixing at Christmas, so our rates could go higher.

“I would urge everyone to follow the rules and to stay with their own household to celebrate the new year, as any further spread of the virus could have a terrible impact on our hospitals which are already stretched to the maximum, and of course on people’s lives.”

In Leicester, door-to-door coronavirus testing is available, with teams of council staff knocking on doors offering self-testing kits in specific areas of the city. With one in three people who have the virus showing no symptoms, but still able to infect others, testing in this way can help to pinpoint infection so that people can isolate effectively.

A walk-in, no appointment needed rapid testing facility is also available for people showing no symptoms at Fosse Neighbourhood Centre. Anyone with symptoms should call 119 to arrange a test.

City mayor Sir Peter Soulsby said: “Lockdown measures should not be the only tool the government uses, but in the absence of an effective, nationwide test and trace system, these restrictions seem to be necessary.

“Leicester’s rates are lower than many other parts of the country, but we certainly don’t want them to get any higher and put our hospitals under any further strain.

“If we offer you a test, please take it – and if you get symptoms of coronavirus, please stay at home and book a test straight away by calling 119.”

As the prevalence of coronavirus in Leicester remains high, people who are clinically extremely vulnerable are advised to take extra care.

Everyone in Leicester should continue to:

■ ■Wear a face covering when required.

■ ■Wash or sanitise hands frequently.

■ ■Follow social distancing rules.

■ ■Work from home, if possible.

■ ■Do not visit anyone else’s home or garden, unless in a support bubble with them.

■ ■Walk or cycle if possible – and avoid travelling on buses at peak times if possible.

■ ■Limit contact with other people – only meet one person from outside your household or support bubble outdoors.

■Stay at home and get a test at the first sign of coronavirus by calling 119.

Anyone who tests positive for coronavirus, or who has symptoms, must self-isolate for 10 days, while anyone living in the same household must also self-isolate for 10 days.