Covid-19 in Wakefield: Almost 400 new cases confirmed as district at 'pivotal point' in fight against virus

The government confirmed over the weekend that almost 16,000 positive test results had gone unreported between September 25 and October 2.

These cases, including almost 400 in Wakefield, were added to the official figures on Sunday and Monday, accounting for a large rise in the number of new cases.

Public Health England said all those who had tested positive for the virus had been informed, but their details had not been passed on to the test and trace system, meaning their contacts have not been contacted.

In Wakefield, an additional 387 cases of Covid-19 have been confirmed since Friday, bringing the total positive cases in the district to 3,203.

The infection rate in the district has now risen to 107.2 per 100,000, according to the latest NHS data.

It comes just days after Wakefield was declared an area of concern due to a spike in the number of new cases.

Councillor Faith Heptinstall, Wakefield Council's Cabinet Member for Adults, Health and Wellbeing, said: "We have seen a sharp increase in positive cases over the last week which has seen us added to the Government's watchlist as an 'area of concern'.

"It is crucial that everyone must act now and follow the important guidance in place. We all need to play our part to protect not only ourselves, but all of those around us, from this virus.

"If we don't, the harsh reality is that cases will continue to increase, there will be more hospital admissions and inevitably, and sadly, more lives lost.

"With such a serious increase in cases, tighter lockdown measures will soon be unavoidable unless we all continue play our part. So I urge everyone to please remember the simple steps of hand washing regularly, wearing a face covering, maintaining social distancing and limiting our contact with those outside of our household."

Last week, Wakefield Council confirmed that it would begin prioritising schoolchildren and essential workers for tests booked through its local testing system, after a number of outbreaks at local schools.

​Anna Hartley, Director of Public Health for the Wakefield district, said: "The situation in the district has reached a pivotal point – we've seen a significant increase in cases and a rise in hospital admissions.

"We all must all take immediate action to protect ourselves and others from the very real threat of COVID-19. If we don't, we will have much tougher restrictions imposed on our lives, just as we are seeing in neighbouring areas.

"Please act now - isolate and get tested if you have any symptoms. If you do not have any of the symptoms of coronavirus - of a high temperature, a new continuous cough or loss of taste or smell - please do not get a test as we need to make sure tests are readily available for those who really need them.

"We are seeing a trend of mild symptoms among those testing positive, particularly in younger people. So I urge people – please do not ignore any symptoms you might have, as you could unwittingly be spreading the virus to others who may be more vulnerable and at risk."

The local testing service is available from Monday to Friday and bookings for appointments can be made at www.nhs.uk/ask-for-a-coronavirus-test or by calling 01924 224497. Or email the person's name and contact details to [email protected] so the booking team can get in touch.

Anyone displaying coronavirus symptoms is urged to get a test by accessing local testing or by visiting nhs.uk/coronavirus or calling 119.