THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE IN BOROUGH URGED TO TAKE CORONAVIRUS TEST
MESSAGE SENT TO 9,000 HOMES DUE TO HIGHER INFECTION RATE
CORONAVIRUS testing is being ramped up in Oadby and Wigston – the area of the county with the highest infection rate outside of the city.
More than 9,000 households in Oadby and Wigston will receive a leaflet, and a text from their GP, telling them to get tested – whether they have symptoms or not.
Borough council leader John Boyce, who said “no-one in the borough is more frustrated with being in lockdown than me,” also urged residents to book a test.
Latest data shows the infection rate is much higher than the county average and on a par with Rotherham and Bradford – both areas that have been rumoured to be at risk of going into their own local lockdown.
The county council’s public health department said figures for the borough indicate 712 cases per 100,000 people.
Although significantly lower than Leicester – 1,116 per 100,000 people – it is much higher than the county average of 431.
Mike Sandys, Leicestershire County Council director of public health has described Oadby and Wigston as tinder to the city’s fire.
He said: “The key to getting this under control is in all of our hands.
“It’s important for all residents to continue to heed national advice but we’re also asking some Oadby and Wigston residents to get a test – whether they have symptoms or not.
“This increased testing in selected parts of Oadby and Wigston is targeted because that’s an area where we’re seeing the highest number of cases in the community.
“We’re working closely with the borough council, which is playing a key role in helping to get the message out.
“The advice for everyone else remains the same – if you have symptoms, you must book a test.”
On Monday, county council leader Nick Rushton said he would be lobbying Health Secretary Matt Hancock to release all of the county areas included in the lockdown zone - apart from Oadby and Wigston.
He said: “There is a sensitivity from residents about Thurmaston, Birstall and Glenfield. When you look at the numbers they are low. If they were on their own they would not be in the lockdown.
“If you look at Oadby and Wigston, a lot closer to the city, it probably would be so we are in a bit of difficulty.
“The only person who can amend the boundary is the Secretary of State. I will ask but it is not my call.” On the widespread testing planned for the area, Coun Rushton said: “This could help us get a handle on the real numbers of positive cases in the community. “But most importantly it’s the action people take after they’ve tested positive – that’s what will really help suppress the transmission rate. “People must follow the advice to stay home for seven days and for their household to isolate for 14 days. “This will protect communities, save lives and save livelihoods.”
Coun Boyce said: “To get out of this we need to do two things. The first is to get tested. “Secondly, stay at home where you can to suppress the transmission of the virus. Together, we can get out of lockdown.”
To book a test, call 119 or visit:
To get out of this we need to do two things. The first is to get tested. Secondly, stay at home
John Boyce