Herefordshire public health speaks out after Covid cases spike

Public Health England says there has been 64 new coronavirus cases found in Herefordshire over the last seven days, 20 more (45.5 per cent) than the week before.

But in the seven days to April 26, the most recent data available on the Government's online coronavirus dashboard, the area of Lugwardine, Withington and Moreton-on-Lugg has the highest infection rate in England.

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The infection rate of 443.2 cases per 100,000 people is the highest of any middle super output area in England, with each of these area having around 7,000 people.

Some 34 cases have been reported in that area, east of Hereford, in the most recent week. That is up 30, or 750 per cent, on the week before.

Herefordshire's public health team has not confirmed or denied an outbreak in any setting.

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Herefordshire’s acting director of public health Dr Rebecca Howell-Jones said: “Some increase in cases is to be expected as society reopens and more asymptomatic cases are identified through regular rapid testing.

“It’s likely that there will be outbreaks within settings where people are closer together, such as workplaces, which is why the Test and Trace system is important, to help us pick up on any potential problems and swiftly to take remedial action to reduce spread.

"Our priority is to protect the health and wellbeing of all residents in our community.

“We encourage people to play their part by making sure they take up the offer of the vaccine, get tested regularly, and remember hands, face, space and fresh air.

"It is also essential that workplaces maintain, and workers support, Covid secure arrangements in the workplace."

She added: “It continues to be essential that anyone who has a fever, persistent dry cough, or loss or change in their sense of taste or smell isolates immediately and calls 119 or goes online to arrange a Covid-19 test.”

For more information on booking a test visit: www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test