LOCKDOWN WARNING IN NEWCASTLE
Newcastle borough has seen a spike of 130 coronavirus cases over the past seven days – which is more than twice as many as in the previous week, sparking fears of a lockdown, as Phil Corrigan reports...
COUNCIL chiefs have warned of possible government intervention – following a spike in Covid-19 cases.
Newcastle’s weekly infection rate has now risen above 100 cases per 100,000 population, with 130 people testing positive in the borough in the seven days up to October 3 – more than double the 62 cases recorded in the previous week.
The weekly rate of 100.4 is the currently the highest in Staffordshire, with the county’s overall rate standing at 65 cases per 100,000. Newcastle is also seeing far more cases, relative to population, than Stoke-on-trent, which has a weekly rate of 58.9.
Public health officials are investigating incidents across the borough, particularly those at Keele University, where 32 people have tested positive since the start of term. There is also evidence of transmission within and between households, businesses, care homes and schools, with most cases involving working age people.
While Newcastle has yet to be included on the government’s Covid-19 watchlist, council leaders say this may change if the number of cases in the borough continues to rise.
They are urging residents to follow the guidelines relating to social distancing, hand-washing and the wearing of face coverings, so that further restrictions are not required. Testing is being stepped up in response to the increase in cases – a new walk-through facility opened at Keele University last week.
Dr Johnny Mcmahon, Staffordshire County Council’s cabinet member for health, care and wellbeing, said: “Cases in Newcastle are a genuine concern.
“People need to act now to prevent the risk of Covid-19 cases increasing further, which could lead to the government stepping in with additional restrictions.
“Simple measures do make a huge impact and by educating and encouraging all our communities there is a great chance to get the situation back under control.”
Simon Tagg, leader of Newcastle Borough Council, added: “It is important that we all adhere to social distance, wearing masks and regularly hand washing. I am confident residents will heed this warning, work together and get rates going in the right direction.”
Professor Trevor Mcmillan, vicechancellor at Keele University, said: “We can confirm that students who live off campus and two students who live on campus, have tested positive for Covid-19 and are self-isolating.
“The health, welfare and safety of our students, staff and the wider community is the number one priority for the university.
“We are working closely with Public Health England and Staffordshire County Council.”