Covid rates are falling – but call for vigilance
COVID infection rates are falling in more than half of all areas across Stockport.
It is one of only two boroughs in the region where cases are coming down – the other being Bolton where there have been surge vaccinations to bring a spiralling problem under control.
At 200.7 cases per 100,000 people it had the lowest rate in Greater Manchester for the week to June 16, according to Public Health England figures.
But while the 13pc drop is encouraging news it still remains significantly above the national average, which was 89.6pc for the same seven-day period.
And there are further indications the borough is on the right track.
For statistical purposes PHE divides Stockport into 42 areas of similar population size, known as medium super-output areas – or MSOAs.
And most recent hyperlocal data shows that rates are either falling in 24 of these and static in a further five.
The biggest drop in the week to June 15 came in former hotspot Cheadle Heath where 27 cases were recorded – 31 fewer than the week before.
However, that does still leave the area with an infection rate of 292.7, which is still among the higher figures in the borough.
There were also significant drops elsewhere – particularly in the north of the borough.
Reddish Vale View and North Reddish saw the number of cases drop by 12 (50pc) and 11 (36.7pc) respectively. Central Reddish and Heaton Chapel also recorded eight fewer cases than the previous seven days.
Elsewhere there were also 10 fewer cases in Woodsmoor and Mile End, while numbers fell from 24 to 16 in Cheadle Hulme West.
Infection rates in Bredbury Green are now lower than the England average at 79.3 per 100,000, while figures were also relatively low in High Lane (103.6), Offerton West (108.0) and South Reddish and Heaton Chapel (110.4).
It was not all good news however.
Adswood is the borough’s new hotspot, with an infection rate of 452.7.
The area recorded 32 positive tests – 11 more than the week before, a rise of 52.4pc. It is followed by Marple Bridge and Mellor (356.1) and Edgeley (316.9) despite the latter area seeing six fewer cases – a drop of 23.1pc.
The biggest rise came in Cheadle Hulme Orrishmere, however, where there were 20 new cases – 15 more than the week before.
That spike leaves it with an infection rate of 267.3.
Rates have risen most in unvaccinated age groups, especially those aged between 10 and 30.
Jennifer Connolly, Stockport’s public health director, says younger people have ‘done amazingly’ since the start of the pandemic – and thanked them for ‘doing their bit.’
But in her weekly statement she warns that, with the highly transmissible Delta variant emerging, it is vital ‘to remain more vigilant than ever.’
She said: “With the hot weather we have been having, we know it’s tempting to now have closer contact with your mates and visit them more at their houses and leisure venues.
“But do remember you can only meet in groups of six or two households indoors and up to 30 outdoors – social distancing still recommended. So, weigh up the risks and continue with your behaviour changes. The more people we meet, especially in enclosed spaces, and the more we are in close contact, the more opportunity the virus has to spread. A hug, a handshake, a high five – that’s all it takes to give each other coronavirus.”
Further information, advice and guidance can be found here: https://www. stockport.gov.uk/showcase/coronavirus
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