COVENTRY’S director of public health and wellbeing has expressed concern that Covid-19 cases have surpassed 1,000 for the first time – despite a second lockdown.
A spike in numbers reveals the highest number of positive coronavirus tests Coventry has seen so far.
Latest figures show there were 279 cases per 100,000 people in the seven days up to November 12, when the average area in England 221 in. There were 1,036 confirmed cases, an increase of 214 compared to the previous week.
Liz Gaulton, Director of Public Health and Wellbeing for Coventry City Council, said: “This is the first time numbers have passed 1,000 per week in the city and is obviously a cause for concern. It shows that, despite the national lockdown there is clearly a high rate of Covid circulating in the city.
“We would urge everyone to follow all Government and Public Health advice, obey the lockdown restrictions and remember ‘Hands, Face, Space’ – wash hands regularly and well, wear a face covering, and keep to social distancing.
“Also, people must self-isolate if they have had a positive test, and book a test and self-isolate if they have any symptoms.
“With the support of all our communities and if we all work together as one city to keep everyone safe, we are confident we will see numbers start to fall as we enter the third week of national resections.
“If anyone needs more information and advice, please see our website at www.coventry.gov.uk/coronavirus”
It was announced on November 10 that Coventry has been chosen as one of 66 councils to be part of a pilot national programme rolling-out Covid-19 antigen testing. Unlike Liverpool, the scheme will not be available to every city resident but only to priority groups who do not display Covid-19 symptoms.
One of two UK ‘megalabs’ based at neighbouring Warwickshire town, Leamington Spa, is set to open in 2021 with a capacity to process up to 300,000 Covid-19 tests a day.
Yesterday (November 17) the UK recorded 598 coronavirus deaths in the latest 24-hour period – the highest daily number since May 6, according to government figures.
Overall a slight drop in daily cases was reported on November 17, with 20,051 new infections, compared with 25,329 in the previous week. There are currently 1,410,732 cases in the UK.
But statisticians say it is still too early to see the effects of the national lockdown, which is now in its second week. During the pandemic a total of 52,745 people in the country have died within 28 days of testing positive.
England remains in locked down until at least December 2.
