Covid fears fuelled by young adults
People in their 20s and 30s urged to be sensible as infection rate rises
YOUNG people in Portsmouth have been urged to be ‘sensible’ and remember simple hygiene measures after concerns were raised that they are driving a recent spike in Covid-19 cases.
The city’s director of public health warned that the infection rate was starting to climb because of the behaviour of adults in their 20s and 30s – including those returning from holidays in Europe.
It comes as the latest pillar one and two test data from government showed Portsmouth had 15 new coronavirus cases in the week leading up to August 29 – meaning seven out of every 100,000 people have the virus. In the week before this, there were 10 new cases.
This places Portsmouth as the 184th highest area in the country, out of 315 locations, which is significantly higher than in previous weeks.
Helen Atkinson, the director of public health, said: ‘We continue to see a low infection rate in Portsmouth but numbers of confirmed cases have seen a slight increase.
‘Regionally and locally we are seeing an increase in young adults, those in their 20s and 30s, including those who are returning from European holidays.
‘We will be keeping a close watch on our local infection rates and have comprehensive plans in place to deal with any local outbreaks to stop further spread of the virus.
‘It’s important that residents continue to follow the guidance around social distancing and hand hygiene and adhere to the self-isolation regulations on returning from countries abroad that are not on the travel corridor list.’
Recently, the BBC reported seven people from three different parties on a flight from Zante to Cardiff last week tested positive for Covid-19. The 193 passengers and crew on board have been advised to self-isolate.
Portsmouth City Council leader, Councillor Gerald Vernon-Jackson, shared Ms Atkinson's concerns.
‘We know that the cases are going up among young people,’ he said.
‘We need them to be sensible and remember basic things such as hand washing, sanitiser, masks and social distancing.’
However, he had further fears about the re-opening of University of Portsmouth in October.
He added: ‘The bit I am particularly worried about is all the students back.
‘Imagine in some homes you could have seven students all from different parts of the country living together.’
The university recently revealed it will provide on-site testing and test 10 per cent of staff and students every two weeks.
A spokeswoman for the university said: ‘We are the only university in England to offer Covid-19 testing facilities on campus offering sameday and walk-in appointments available for students, staff and our local community with Covid-19 symptoms.
‘Separately, the university has also developed a screening programme for staff and students who are not displaying symptoms.’