Coronavirus Doncaster: Update
Introduction
Hi, my name is Dr Rupert Suckling and I am the Director of Public Health in Doncaster.
The current rate of infections in Doncaster remains at over 40 per 100,000 people. This is similar to what we were seeing last week, which in itself is good news as we have seen elsewhere in the country how quickly rates can rise. However it is still much higher than the single figures we were seeing regularly over the Summer, so we need to continue to stick to all the guidance to ensure we slow the spread locally. I cannot stress enough that we all have a collective responsibility to help keep ourselves and each other safe. Let’s not take our foot off the gas.
Over the last few weeks, a lot of residents have wanted to know if there are particular areas in Doncaster with higher infection cases than others.
Whilst it’s really important to bear in mind that the virus can be picked up anywhere, in the last 7 days the two areas where we’re seeing the highest number of cases are Bessacarr and Armthorpe.
Bessacarr has been an area with a high case rate for the last month or so, but last week Armthorpe was one of the lowest. This shows just how quickly things can change.
We believe that the majority of this spread in these areas is due to community transmission (people socialising together, household visits etc), so please make sure you're sticking to all the safety guidance during the weekend and beyond.
This doesn’t mean that we’re not seeing infections in other areas of Doncaster because we are.
It also doesn’t mean that things won’t be different next week – as we’ve seen with Armthorpe things can change very quickly.
But it does mean that we all need to continue to stick to the guidance of physical distancing, washing our hands, wearing masks where required and the ‘rule of 6’ to slow the spread and avoid Doncaster’s infection rate getting any higher.
Find out more on local rates:
Finally, it's good to see how many people have already downloaded the NHS COVID-19 app which was launched last week. It really does forms a key part of the Test and Trace service; it speeds up the effectiveness of our efforts locally and allows a better chance of slowing the spread by identifying contacts. If you haven't downloaded it yet then please do and help break the chain.
Thank you.
Dr Rupert Suckling
Director of Public Health
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Do it for Doncaster!
We all need to do our bit to keep each other safe from COVID-19 and help break the chain of infections.
We know that it can seem a bit monotonous to go over again the simple ways we can help stop the spread of the virus...but we're going to do it again anyway!
Here we go...
- Maintain physical distancing at ALL times where possible, whether indoors or outdoors, from those not in our household bubble (2m is still the best distance).
- Stick to the 'Rule of 6'. This means we can now only socialise in groups of up to 6 people in any setting; indoors or outdoors, at home or in the pub.
- Wash our hands regularly
- Wear face coverings in all locations we're required to
- Self isolate if we get any symptoms and book a test as soon as possible
Let's do it for Doncaster!
Have you downloaded the NHS COVID-19 app?
As of Wednesday, the new NHS COVID-19 app had been downloaded over 14 million times across the country.
It's still available to download for free at the Apple App Store or Google Play and provides the fastest way to see if you’re at risk from Coronavirus, and the faster you know, the quicker you can alert and protect your loved ones and community.
If you've already downloaded the app you'll have noticed a number of features which including alerts to let you know the level of Coronavirus risk in your area and help with booking a test and getting the result quickly.
You may also have used the app to easily 'check-in' to venues across the borough by scanning an official NHS QR poster displayed at there.
Check out all the information about this app:
Download the app here:
Mobile Coronavirus Testing Unit in Balby
If you were in Balby today, you may well have noticed a temporary mobile Coronavirus testing unit. It was providing tests alongside the other local test sites at Doncaster airport and Dearne Valley Leisure Centre.
This isn’t anything to be too worried about. Balby was selected as it’s central in Doncaster and easily accessible to everyone. We asked for this mobile unit to be brought in temporarily as we know people in Doncaster have been struggling to get tests locally. However, it was not a walk-in service, with people still needing to book via the national portal (this is the ONLY way people can book a COVID test).
It remains as important as ever that we are vigilant in recognising the potential symptoms of Coronavirus in ourselves and our family members, and to book a test as soon as you are able to by visiting the NHS website or by calling 119.
Council services update
We have a webpage detailing the council services affected or suspended due to Coronavirus:
Sharing is caring
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