Steep increase in cases could push district into Tier 2, leaders warn

RESIDENTS ARE URGED TO USE ‘HANDS, FACE, SPACE’ RULES

A SHARP rise in coronavirus cases in Charnwood could see the district moved from Tier 1 restrictions to Tier 2, public health officials and council chiefs have warned.

Mike Sandys, director of public health for Leicestershire County Council, says cases are very high in the 17 to 21 age range, while rates among over60s have trebled since the end of September.

“Mirroring the national figures, we’re seeing steep rises – and this is particularly true in Charnwood,” he said.

“This could mean the district moves into Tier 2, but we’ll need to wait to hear from the government.

“The over-60s rate is an important indicator of likely pressure on the NHS in the weeks to come.”

Data published by the county council shows that, for the week ending October 17, every district in the county still had rates of more than 100 cases for every 100,000 people.

The council said Charnwood’s rate of 293 cases for every 100,000 people was significantly above the national average of 168, and that Oadby and Wigston’s latest figures were 259.

But the latest coronavirus infection statistics for Leicester and Leicestershire show an even bleaker picture with hundreds more cases in the previous 24 hours.

Figures issued on Wednesday show the borough of Charnwood, which includes the town of Loughborough and its university, saw a significant rise of 144 infections on the previous day’s total, giving a rate of 1,359 total cases per 100,000 people.

Meanwhile, Oadby and Wigston cases rose by 24, giving a rate of 2,206 per 100,000 population.

“Numbers are highest in Charnwood, Oadby and Wigston and Blaby District and it’s crucial we stop the spread to people who are more at risk,” said Mr Sandys.

“Whatever the restrictions are, it’s important people are sensible. By doing the right thing, we can all play our part to combat this virus. Please continue to wash your hands, keep your social distance and wear a face covering.”

Leader of Charnwood Borough Council, Jonathan Morgan, said: “The continuing rise of cases across the borough is a serious concern.

“Obviously, no one wants to see any further restrictions brought in locally, but we need to get on top of the increasing infection rates in the borough. Ultimately it will be the government’s decision.

“There is no room for complacency, and I would urge residents to continue following the basic advice of hands, face, space and the rule of six. Individual actions can help to stabilise the transmission of the virus and protect the most vulnerable people in our community.”

The county council has written to businesses across the county with information and advice to help them ensure their premises are Covid-19 secure and written to shared homes to provide practical advice. Mr Sandys said: “We’re doing everything we can to curb growing rates. Residents have really stepped up their game – but there is still work to be done as we try to control the spread of the virus. It’s in our own hands locally to keep ourselves and our loved ones, staff and customers safe.”

The NHS data for very local areas show the coronavirus rate – the number of infected people per 100,000 of the population – reached 1,093 at Loughborough University, which includes not just the campus area but also neighbourhoods off Alan Moss Road, Ashby Road and north of Forest Road. That has almost doubled when compared to the figures from a week earlier.

The county council said that businesses can help by:

Collecting data from customers and visitors and encouraging use of the NHS Test and Trace app;

Working with NHS Test and Trace to reduce transmission of the virus;

Clearly displaying information to staff and customers re-iterating some of the simple actions that we must all do to protect each other – that is social distancing, wearing a face mask and washing your hands;

Advising staff not to car share if possible but if it’s essential to follow safety advice.

Everyone in the Leicester City Council area or the Oadby and Wigston Borough Council area is subject to Tier 2 restrictions, which means no mixing with other households indoors and no more than six people meeting outdoors. The rest of the county, including Charnwood, remains in Tier 1, which means the “rule of six” applies indoors and outdoors. Both tiers include the rule that pubs and restaurants must close at 10pm.