Covid cases in Wakefield reach 20,000 as rate falls slightly - but health chiefs warn of high hospital admissions

The number of cases of Covid-19 in the Wakefield district has topped 20,000 for the first time.
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According to the latest data from Public Health England, a total of 20,325 cases of the virus have been confirmed in the district since March.

This includes 3,692 new cases confirmed since the start of the year.

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The number of cases of Covid-19 in the Wakefield district has topped 20,000 for the first time. Pictured are staff at a vaccination centre at Spectrum Community Healthcare, Wakefield.The number of cases of Covid-19 in the Wakefield district has topped 20,000 for the first time. Pictured are staff at a vaccination centre at Spectrum Community Healthcare, Wakefield.
The number of cases of Covid-19 in the Wakefield district has topped 20,000 for the first time. Pictured are staff at a vaccination centre at Spectrum Community Healthcare, Wakefield.

However the seven day rate of Covid cases has continued to fall, and now stands at around 219 per 100,000 people, down from 250 per 100,000 last Monday.

But health chiefs have warned that it remains "extremely important" to follow all government guidance relating to the virus, as a rise in cases could see the district's health services overwhelmed.

​Anna Hartley, Director of Public Health for the Wakefield district, said: "Rates are continuing to decrease, but at a very slow pace.

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"Hospital admissions are still high and sadly, there were another 21 deaths from Covid-19 last week. These are all incalculable losses to the families, friends, and colleagues of those who have died.

"We must all take immediate action to protect ourselves and others from the very real threat of COVID-19.

"Evidence suggests that the new variant does spread at a much faster rate which will risk our local health services being overwhelmed if we don't do all we can to limit the spread.

"We must all play our part, pull together and follow the national restrictions to help slow the spread and save lives."

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Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust is currently caring for 255 Covid patients, up from 254 last week.

At least 624 people in the district have died within 28 days of a positive test.

A local testing offer for Covid-19 has opened in Wakefield, to work alongside and to enhance the national programme.

Residents in the district who suspect they have symptoms of the virus can now access tests via a home delivery service but people are urged to try the national system first.

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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.

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

Anna Hartley added: "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."