'More important than ever' to follow Covid rules in Wakefield after case rate rises

People in Wakefield have been warned that it is 'more important than ever' to abide by Covid restrictions, after the rate of new cases rose further.

According to the latest data from Public Health England, the rate of cases of Covid-19 in Wakefield and the Five Towns currently stands at 64.3 per 100,000 people.

This is up from 45.1 per 100,000 on April 19, and follows several weeks of steadily increasing case rates in the district.

And Anna Hartley, the district's director of public health, has urged people to keep doing their bit to keep case rates low.

Referring to figures for the week up to April 27, Ms Hartley said: “Infection rates have increased this week and we now have the fourth highest rate in the country.

"This is why it is more important than ever that we do not become complacent and work hard to ensure that rates do not keep rising.

“We are also deeply saddened to report that there were two Covid-19 related deaths in local hospitals in the last week and our sympathies go out to the families, friends, and colleagues of those who have died.

“I urge everyone to keep going and continue to take immediate action to protect ourselves and others from the very real threat of Covid-19, even if you have had your vaccine, by following the regulations.

"By working together we can continue to slow the spread and save lives.”

There are currently 10 Covid-19 patients being cared for by The Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust, compared to 21 the previous week.

And three deaths from the virus have been recorded in the district since the start of the month, just days after the district recorded its first week without a Covid-19 death in more than eight months.

Jo Webster, Chief Officer at NHS Wakefield Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “The increase in Covid-19 infection rates across the district shows that it still remains vital that we continue to do all that we can to reduce the risk of getting ill with the virus and avoid spreading it to our families and communities.

"Remember that you can still spread the virus even if you do not have symptoms. For the latest information and advice on COVID-19, including the vaccination programme, visit the NHS website at www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19.

"Choosing the right local service is also crucial in helping the NHS. If you or your family are not experiencing a life-threatening emergency but still require healthcare, please call NHS 111 or visit 111.nhs.uk.”