Rise in Covid-19 cases in Coventry prompts public health warning - The Coventry Observer

Rise in Covid-19 cases in Coventry prompts public health warning

Coventry Editorial 30th Jul, 2020 Updated: 30th Jul, 2020   0

COVENTRY’S top public health official has warned people not to become complacent of Covid-19, following a small increase in confirmed cases across the city.

Over the last 10 days, the number of people testing positive for the virus has slowly but steadily risen, officials say.

The authorities add that they have ‘nearly all been people of working age’ who have not needed hospital treatment but live across the city rather than in one area or of one demographic.

Liz Gaulton, Director of Public Health at Coventry City Council said that although the number of cases remain low overall, it was important people did not become complacent.




“With the continued easement of lockdown restrictions and people moving about and doing more, the risk of catching the virus increases which is why it is as important as ever to follow the national advice and guidance,” she said.

“Covid-19 will take every opportunity it can to spread and this increase, although relatively small, is a timely reminder that we all have a part to play in containing the spread of Covid-19.”


The number of positive tests remain low. Coventry currently has an infection rate of 6.8 cases per 100,000 people, compared to a West Midland Combined Authority rate of 8.49 and a rate in Leicester of 159.1 when it went into further lockdown measures earlier this month.

But Ms Gaulton says she is anxious that the good work of the city in creating a low rate is not undone because of complacency

She said: “Unfortunately we are all going to be living with Covid-19 for some time to come which is why following national advice and guidelines must be part of our everyday lives. That way we reduce the risks and protect our family and friends at the same time – some of whom may be vulnerable.

“If you start to show any symptoms, no matter how mild, then you should self-isolate and seek a test. If you have come into contact with someone who has tested positive, then you must self-isolate for 14 days and seek a test if and only when you start to display symptoms. Seeking a test immediately may bring back a negative test and give you a false sense of security as you may have it, but the virus could be in the incubation stage within you.”

She added: “A key theme from the start of this pandemic has been to protect the NHS which everyone agrees with. We can protect the NHS now by following advice, acting responsibly and immediately seeking a test if we develop any sort of symptom.”

To book a test, visit the NHS website or dial 119. All tests are free and anyone asking you to pay for one means it will be a scam.

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