Coronavirus Doncaster: Update
Introduction
Hi, my name is Dr Rupert Suckling and I am the Director of Public Health in Doncaster.
Our latest data across all age groups shows our current infection rate is 133.4 per 100,000 for the week between 19-25 March.
Over the past week, we have continued to see slight increases in the number of cases in Doncaster, a closer look at the data does show the main reason for this is the continued increase in cases of school age children. Although a rise in cases in this group is to be expected following the return to school, the concerning element is it seems that a lot of the cases are due to transmission away from the classroom. For example, we have been managing an outbreak of school age children that has been traced back to a birthday party.
Although it is really important for children's mental health that they are able to see friends socially outside of school, it is vital that you stick to the rules when doing so – which currently are rule of six / two households meeting outdoors and strictly no indoor mixing. Also please remember to keep doing the basics, like washing your hands regularly and keeping your distance where possible, and this will really help to keep our infection rate down.
We are encouraged by the fact that hospitalisations are significantly decreasing, and infection rates amongst people who have received at least one dose of the Covid-19 vaccine are also low.
Together, let’s keep doing everything we can to make a difference.
Let’s Do it for Doncaster.
Dr Rupert Suckling
Director of Public Health
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Shielding Advice for those that are Clinically Extremely Vulnerable
Government advice to residents identified as Clinically Extremely Vulnerable to shield ends from today.
After a year of shielding, some might be feeling anxious about mixing with others again.
So let's check on those who may be feeling nervous over the upcoming weeks and months.
Local Test and Trace
The Local Test and Trace programme is now being completely managed at a local level.
That means we can now get in touch and identify contacts within an hour of a confirmed positive test, as well as offer advice if needed.
If the national NHS Test and Trace team is unable to contact you within 24 hours, your details will be passed to our Doncaster Test and Trace team who will contact you by text or by phone.
If we are unable to reach you by telephone or text message, our team may visit your home address.
Children under 18 will be contacted by phone. We will ask if a parent, carer or other family member over the age of 18 is present, we cannot continue the call with a child under the age of 16 without the adults’ consent.
If you have been contacted by Doncaster’s Test and Trace team and missed a call or a home visit, you should call 01302 734581.
Lateral Flow Test Information
Lateral Flow Tests (LFTs) are an important tool in our fight against COVID-19. When used properly, they will be key to unlocking Doncaster and getting us back to the life we all miss so much. However it is important to remember that an LFT is not the answer to all problems and should NOT be used in certain scenarios.
When NOT to use an Lateral Flow Test
1. If you have symptoms
Lateral Flow Tests are for those who are not displaying symptoms of coronavirus. If you develop symptoms of Coronavirus you must book to get a PCR test immediately and isolate until you receive your results.
2. Children Under 11 years old
Children of primary school age or younger should not be taking routine tests if they are not showing any symptoms. Public Health England have advised there are currently limited public health benefits attached to testing primary pupils with lateral flow devices. If your child develops coronavirus symptoms please book a symptomatic test either online at www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test or by calling 119 and isolate until you receive the result. Please do not attend a Community Testing Site or use a home lateral flow test.
3. If you are isolating as an identified contact
If you have had a positive PRC test or you have been contacted by Test and Trace to tell you to isolate as you been in contact with a positive case, you can not use a negative home Lateral Flow Test to release you from your isolation period early. The virus can take time to develop and so a test early on does not prove that you won’t go on to develop the virus.
That means you could still be at risk of spreading the disease to other people so in these instances the best course of action is to self-isolate for the full 10 days, if you develop symptoms during this time you can then book a PCR test.
My lateral flow test came back positive, what should I do?
All positive results from a Lateral Flow Test now need to have a confirmatory PCR test, within 2 days of a positive result. You can book a test either online at www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test or by calling 119, and you and your close contacts will need to self-isolate until you receive your results back.
Cusworth Park: Easter Update and Guidance
Cusworth Park is expected to be very busy over the Easter holidays so please ensure that you stick to the government guidelines on social distancing.
If you're visiting green spaces like Cusworth Hall in the next few days, PLEASE use a bin to dispose of your rubbish or take your litter home if the bins are full.
Please note toilet opening times are different over the Easter weekend:
Good Friday: 10am - 4pm
Saturday: 9am - 3pm
Sunday: 9am - 3pm
Bank Holiday Monday: 10am - 4pm
Vaccination Update
Eligible for a Covid-19 vaccine and not had a jab yet? Come forward now!
If you are in an eligible group for the Covid-19 vaccine and you haven’t booked your first dose yet, the time to do so is right now. People eligible for a jab now are:
- aged 50 or over
- at high risk from coronavirus (clinically extremely vulnerable)
- have a condition that puts you at higher risk (clinically vulnerable)
- have a learning disability
- a carer who receives Carer's Allowance, gets support following an assessment by local authority or GP records show you are a carer
It’s quick and simple to book at nhs.uk/covid-vaccination or by phoning 119.
Take a moment to double check the health condition list on the NHS website to see if you are eligible for a jab.
If you are not eligible yet, please wait to be contacted. The NHS will let you know when it's your turn to have the vaccine. It's important not to contact the NHS for a vaccination before then.
GPs contacting eligible patients overdue a vaccination:
Local practices are actively calling people who are overdue their first dose vaccination in order to try and encourage as many people as possible to have their jabs. If you receive a call from a private number or 01302 area code, it could be your GP calling to book you in. Please answer the call and take the opportunity to protect yourself from Coronavirus.
Local Vaccination Transport Services:
Community Transport providers across South Yorkshire are offering free return journeys to Doncaster Covid-19 vaccination sites for people who cannot access public transport and have no alternative. For more information and booking details please visit the Covid-19 transport webpage.
Second dose Covid-19 Vaccinations:
People waiting for a second dose vaccination appointment will be contacted by the NHS to arrange an appointment around 9-10 weeks after the first dose. You do not need to contact the NHS or call or visit your GP surgery to book a second dose. For more information about second doses please click here.
Testing Q&A
Public Health Covid Team Manager, Clare Henry and Service Manager Jonathan Frary answered questions about testing that were sent in by Doncaster residents.
Sharing is caring
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They may also be interested in signing up to receive these emails (and other updates from us):
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How is Covid impacting your life?
We are still running our Doncaster Talks survey to find out how the coronavirus pandemic is affecting YOU.
Please take a few minutes to let us know how you think your experience should shape what we do in the future. Help further shape what we do going forward:
COVID app
You can download the NHS COVID-19 app here:
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