Coronavirus update

This update includes important information on:

• Stoke-on-Trent named area of concern for coronavirus cases
• bet365 Stadium Regional Testing Centre name change
• Back to school advice
• Newcastle Under-Lyme coronavirus cases
• Use of face coverings

Stoke-on-Trent named area of concern for coronavirus cases

Today (Friday 28) the government announced that the city is on a national watch list of areas of concern for coronavirus cases.

The government announces each week areas of the country that fall into three categories, the most severe being ‘in intervention’, where local and national leaders can enforce restrictions such as local lockdowns; ‘in receipt of enhanced support’, where a range of extra resources are put in place for additional testing and contact tracing; and ‘areas of concern’, where authorities, Public Health England and the NHS Test and Trace service work together to target activities in particular areas, and are monitored nationally.

The data used by government in its watch list is based on the previous two weeks of data – 10-16 August and 17-23 August, at a time when a local increase in cases in the Normacot area of the city and a large increase in testing across Stoke-on-Trent, was seen as a ‘tipping point’ in cases in the city.

Last Thursday saw a spike of 84 positive cases in the previous seven days – the highest total of new cases in the city in a seven-day period. It also followed an increase in testing, where 593 people were swabbed for the virus over three days at a local testing station we put in the heart of the community in Normacot, and where more than a thousand people across the city were tested in that period at the Stoke City FC (South Car Park) regional testing centre.

The announcement by government today takes into account this spike in cases, and is therefore to be expected. Being named an area of concern does not mean we face a local lockdown, and does not come with any sanctions. But what it does mean is that the threat of this virus is very real. We are being watched by government, and our response as a city to the coronavirus is being monitored closely. We continue to work extremely closely with health partners and, as has been seen in Normacot, this targeted work is having a clear, positive impact.

However, as a city, if we all – residents, businesses, communities – don’t continue to do all we can do to stop the spread of the virus then we face some very tough decisions in the coming days and weeks.

As we are entering a bank holiday this weekend we remind residents it is not the time to disregard the very clear public health guidelines that are there to protect us all. No-one wants a local lockdown. We all have to continue to act responsibly now, so that our destiny remains in our own hands.

For more information and advice about coronavirus please visit Public Health England: https://publichealthmatters.blog.gov.uk/2020/01/23/wuhan-novel-coronavirus-what-you-need-to-know/ and the NHS: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/.

Back to school advice

It is important that children and young people return back to school and learning, not only for their education but also for their wellbeing. Last week we shared the news of the government's campaign to get children #backtoschoolsafely- for more information and practical guidance to help manage any anxieties and plan for children’s safe return to school visit gov.uk/backtoschool.

From Tuesday, 1 September new advice will apply to the use of face coverings by staff and pupils in some schools, and to learners in further education. You can read the latest guidance released this week here – this follows the World Health Organisation advice around children aged over 12 wearing a mask in areas where distancing can’t be maintained, such as corridors. Nationwide, the government is not recommending face coverings are necessary in education settings generally because a system of control, applicable to all education environments, provides additional mitigating measures. Schools and colleges will have the discretion to require face coverings in indoor communal areas where social distancing cannot be safely managed, if they believe that it is right in their particular circumstances.

The Chief Medical Officers from all four nations in the UK have made it clear that the overall risks to children from Covid-19 in relation to being in education settings is low and are outweighed by the impact of not being in school for a prolonged period.

The Government has also updated guidance for students travelling to school from September. The Department for Education says pupils should avoid public transport in order to ensure sufficient capacity on buses and trains for those who have no other means of travel. The guidance states students can share a car to school with someone outside of their support bubble or household, providing that they share with the same people each time, keep the windows open for ventilation and wear a face covering if older than 11. It also states that schools and colleges may need to stagger or adjust start and finish times to keep student groups apart – this should not however affect how long students spend in lessons.

Newcastle Under-Lyme coronavirus cases

Thirteen cases of Covid-19 have now been linked to an outbreak at Silverdale Working Men’s Club in Newcastle. All of the cases and their close contacts are isolating. Some of the cases visited seven other venues whilst infectious and Newcastle Borough Council is advising people who attended any of the premises on the dates below to get tested.

• Silverdale Working Men’s Club ­­– August 16 to 21
• The Bush pub – 20 August to 22 August
• The Vine pub – 20 August to 22 August
• The George & Dragon pub – 20 August to 22 August
• Newcastle (King Street) Working Men’s Club – 22 August
• The Kiln  – 22 August
• The Roebuck pub – 23 August
• The Bilash restaurant – 24 August

A walk-in Local Testing Centre at the Ryecroft Car Park, Newcastle, ST5 2AA is open 8am to 8pm today (Friday 28) and a drive-in Mobile Testing Unit is at the former recreation centre in Knutton, ST5 6BX from 10.30am to 3.30pm from Friday 28 August to Monday 31 August. Walk-through is also available.

People should book tests online if possible via www.nhs.uk/coronavirus  by phoning 119.  Alternatively they can drop in without an appointment at the above locations, but should wear face coverings and bring ID.

Use of face coverings

A face covering is a covering of any type which covers your nose and mouth. Surgical masks or respirators used by healthcare and other workers as part of personal protective equipment (PPE) should continue to be reserved for people who need to wear them at work.

Face coverings are not a substitute for maintaining social distancing and good hand hygiene.

It is the law that you must wear a face covering when travelling in England on public transport. You must also wear a face covering by law in some other public places such as supermarkets and shops, unless you have a face covering exemption because of your age or health, or if you have a legitimate reason not to. Please be reminded you must wear a face covering when shopping in our indoor markets across the city.

You are strongly encouraged to also wear a face covering in other enclosed spaces where it is difficult to maintain social distancing, or where there are people you do not normally meet. For example, in taxis and private hire vehicles. A taxi driver or private hire vehicle operator may be entitled to refuse to accept you if you do not wear a face covering.

If you do not wear a face covering in these settings you will be breaking the law and could be fined £100, or £50 if you pay the fine within 14 days.

These laws apply while you are in England. If travelling from any other UK nation, you will be required to wear a face covering when you enter England, regardless of the rules in the nation you are transiting from.

Face covering exemptions

Some people don’t have to wear a face covering including for health, age or equality reasons.

Government and some operators have produced cards and badges which you can choose to wear to show you are exempt. There is no requirement to do this though, and if you rely on an exemption, transport staff should not ordinarily ask for evidence. Some transport staff may also not wear a face covering if it is not required for their job.

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