New figures reveal area’s Covid-19 deaths hotspot NICK STATHAM
BREDBURY Green has suffered more deaths related to Covid-19 than anywhere else in Stockport, official new figures have revealed.
According to the Office for National Statistics there were 27 deaths in the area between March and May this year, all occurring during the latter two months of this period.
The death rate appears significantly higher than the next worst affected areas, with Brinnington recording 14 deaths and Davenport and Marple and Hawk Green both registering 12 fatalities.
Coun Lisa Smart, who represents Bredbury Green and Romiley, described the figures as ‘heartbreaking’.
She added: “Each of these deaths represents a grieving family and friends who aren’t able to see their loved ones again.
“Our community has really stepped up during lockdown with neighbours helping neighbours and community spirit by the bucketload. There is still so much we don’t know about coronavirus and we need to understand why some of our neighbours are more at risk than others.
“We need to keep pushing the government to protect our communities and be clear and consistent with us about how we can all protect ourselves and our most vulnerable neighbours.”
The reasons for the high number Covid-19 related deaths in the neighbourhood are yet to be fully understood.
But it is known that older people and those who live in poorest areas are more likely to be hit hardest by the virus.
Its population is more elderly than in other parts of the borough.
It also includes a considerable amount of social housing, including some pockets of deprivation.
Jennifer Connolly, the council’s acting director of public health, has spoken out following the release of the ONS figures.
She said: “We are deeply saddened by any death in the borough relating to coronavirus and our thoughts are with these families and friends at such a difficult and challenging time.”
Adding: “We want to thank the people of Stockport who have been following the Government’s advice on hand washing and social distancing to keep the people of Stockport safe.
“We are continuing to work closely with our health colleagues in our efforts to manage coronavirus including the recently launched test and trace system will help to identify new cases in the borough.
“If you’re feeling unwell, no matter how mildly, with one of the symptoms (fever, new persistent cough, loss of smell/taste), it’s really important that you isolate at home and arrange a test.”
“If you’re contacted by NHS Test and Trace, it’s really important to follow the advice and to isolate, even if you’ve been identified as a contact and may be feeling well in yourself.”
Anyone who is struggling with the impact of the virus can access support by visiting the council’s website, which includes help with emotional challenges, such as bereavement support, a stockport.gov.uk/mentalwellbeing-support-coronavirus/if-you-need-totalk-to-someone-coronavirus. To arrange a test visit nhs.uk/coronavirus; email testing@stockport. gov.uk; or call 119.