Wolverhampton health chiefs in plea for people to follow Covid rules amid spike in cases
Health chiefs in Wolverhampton have urged people to continue to follow coronavirus rules after figures showed more than 800 new positive cases.
Leaders made the plea as more than 2,200 people across the wider Midlands region are currently in hospital – similar to levels seen in April.
Thelatest figures show 834 cases in the seven days to November 10, with the rate currently standing at 317.03 per 100,000.
Councillor Jasbir Jaspal, Wolverhampton Council's cabinet member for public health and wellbeing, said: "We have seen a sharp rise in Covid-19 cases, and tragically, deaths over recent weeks, and very sadly more local families are going to suffer heartbreak because of this virus.
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"We are particularly concerned about high infection rates among older people, who are most at risk of severe illness.
We hope that the lockdown measures introduced by the Government on November 5 will have an effect in helping to drive down the infection rate, but it will be at least another week before we start to see what impact it is having on case numbers.
Vaccine
"We've also had some really positive news on the development of a vaccine this week – but until this is rolled out, Covid-19 isn't going to go away.
"So, please continue to follow the Government restrictions to keep yourself, your loved ones and your community safe – doing this can and will save lives."
Superintendent Simon Inglis said they could only beat the virus if everyone did their bit and complied with the restrictions in force.
He said: "I have dedicated a significant but proportionate number of officers to the task of ensuring compliance with the restrictions and I offer my sincere thanks to the vast majority of you that are.
"However, can I please ask for your support in not only continuing in this vein but also encouraging your friends and family to comply also. The restrictions are clear and need to be followed by us all if we are going to make a difference.
"As always, as an organisation we only ever want to provide the absolute best service to the community when you contact us in times of need or crisis. Your help in following the guidance and complying with the restrictions will provide my staff with the best opportunity to provide that service and invest their time in delivering against that ask – please help us to help you."
To book a test, visit gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test or call 119. People can get tested within eight days of developing symptoms.
