WARNING AS VIRUS INFECTION RATES KEEP RISING
Newcastle worst affected in the county
RESIDENTS are being told to stick to Covid-19 rules as infection rates continue to soar.
Newcastle’s weekly infection rate has shot up to 124.4 cases per 100,000 population - nearly double what it was over the previous seven days.
There have been almost 300 confirmed cases in the borough over the past fortnight including more than 50 students and two members of staff at Keele University, most of whom live off-campus.
Infection rates are also increasing elsewhere.
Stoke-on-trent’s weekly rate now stands at 66.7 cases per 100,000, up from 50.3 in the previous week, while the rate in the Staffordshire Moorlands has gone from 30.5 to 71.1. Stafford borough has a rate of 121.6, up from 52.4.
Cheshire East, which was placed on the Government’s coronavirus watchlist as an ‘area of concern’ last week, is also continuing to see more cases. Its infection rate is 142.9.
Public health officials at Staffordshire County Council are growing increasingly concerned about the outbreak at Keele University.
The confirmed cases at Keele include 45 students living off campus and 14 students staying on campus. Two members of staff have also tested positive.
Extra testing has been arranged at private student accommodation blocks in Newcastle for people without symptoms as part of efforts to stop the spread of the virus.
Dr Richard Harling, director of health and care at the county council, said: “Newcastle has the highest rate of infection in the county now and cases are continuing to rise.
“If we don’t act now, there is an increased risk to the health of vulnerable people and a risk that the Government will step in and impose further restrictions on people’s lives and livelihoods.
“Everyone has a role to play in protecting themselves, vulnerable people and the wider community. We are asking everyone to help us stop the spread of infection by sticking to the rules at all times.”
Students and other residents are being urged to follow the rules relating to social distancing, handwashing and the wearing of face coverings.
Professor Trevor Mcmillan, ViceChancellor of Keele University, said: “The health, welfare and safety of students, staff, and the wider community is the number one priority for the University.
“Across our campus and accommodation we have put in place safety measures in line with government advice, and regularly advise students on public health guidelines to protect themselves and others.
“We are here to help our students and are also offering practical support to those self-isolating.”
Residents are also being reminded to self-isolate at home if they have been told to by NHS Test and Trace. Fines of up to £10,000 can now be imposed on people who flout the rules.
Abi Brown, leader of Stoke-on-trent City Council, says the authority has had reports of people breaching selfisolation.
She said: “We would like to thank those residents who have self-isolated while they awaited test results. Unfortunately, we’ve heard reports that not everyone has done this. Some people have ignored the requirement to self-isolate while waiting for results.
“Please remember if you are waiting for test results, it is vitally important you and anybody you live with selfisolate until you get your results. This means not doing things such as visiting friends or family, playing group sports, going to the shop or going to the pub. Please do the right thing to protect your loved ones.”
Nottingham currently has the highest infection rate in England – 689.1 cases per 100,000.