Wakefield residents urged to 'be mindful' of Covid risks ahead of Christmas - latest coronavirus figures for Wakefield, Pontefract and Castleford

The rate of cases in the district has fallen sharply in recent weeks, and now stands at 120 per 100,000 people, far below the national average of 263 per 100,000.

But the district, along with the rest of West Yorkshire, remains under Tier 3 restrictions, meaning pubs and restaurants remain closed, and people are encouraged to leave home only for essential trips such as food shopping and work.

Strict rules around socialising on Christmas Day will also be in place this week, following a government u-turn at the weekend.

Now, Wakefield Council is urging people to be aware of the potential risks of mixing with others over Christmas, warning that doing so will "significantly increase" the risk of contracting the virus.

Councillor Faith Heptinstall, Wakefield Council’s Cabinet Member for Adults, Health and Wellbeing, said: “The infection rate in the district is steadily heading in the right direction and this is thanks to people doing their bit to help keep everyone safe.

“However, the decrease has slowed in the last week, proving it is more important than ever that we following the latest guidance and restrictions in place to ensure that this trend continues to help take away some of the pressure our local NHS services are under and help save lives. We absolutely must avoid the infection rate rising again.

“Although the Government is allowing household mixing on Christmas Day, this does significantly increase your risk of contracting the virus and passing it on to your loved ones, so please be mindful of this, whatever you choose to do. The fewer people you mix with the lower the risk to everyone.”

There have been 15,198 confirmed cases of the virus in the district to date, up from 13,762 at the start of the month.

At least 785 people have died after testing positive for Covid-19, including 667 in hospitals run by the Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust and a further 118 at the district’s care homes.

There are currently 191 people receiving treatment for the virus at Mid Yorkshire Hospitals.

Anna Hartley, Director of Public Health for the Wakefield district, said: “Although the infection rate is slowly decreasing, we cannot become complacent – as sadly there were still 28 deaths from Covid-19 last week. These are all incalculable losses to the families, friends, and colleagues of those who have died.

“One of the most important actions people must take is to self-isolate if they have tested positive, have been confirmed as a contact of someone who has tested positive or are in the same household.

"You must also isolate if you have symptoms and are awaiting a test or results. If you do this, you will save lives.”

A local testing offer for Covid-19 is on offer in Wakefield, to work alongside and 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.

Those without symptoms (asymptomatic) should not be seeking a test unless they have been advised to do so by a health professional, Public Health England or the Council’s public health teams – it could take a test away from someone who really needs it.

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 get a test by accessing local testing or by visiting nhs.uk/coronavirus or calling 119.