Latest Covid data for Wakefield as district is put in Tier 2 of lockdown

The weekly dashboard has been adapted based on feedback.

It now identifies Wakefield's alert level on the Government's new three tier alert system and also provides trend data and ward case numbers and rates.

News: Wakefield in Tier 2 lockdown: Latest guidance on childcare, public transport, weddings, fitness classes and more in Wakefield, Pontefract and CastlefordWakefield is in Local Alert Level 2 (high alert) – the figures show that for the latest set of weekly data (between September 30 and October 6) Wakefield's positive case rate has increased significantly from the previous week – from 106.2 to 191.8 positive cases (per 100,000 population).

The previous week's figure of 66.1 positive cases featured on the last dashboard was revised during the week due to ongoing Public Health England data validation processes.

The information, compiled by the Public Health team, shows the most useful information about what's happening now and what has happened in recent weeks, so that people can understand how the virus is currently affecting the district's population and if the situation is improving, getting worse or staying the same.

News: What are the new lockdown rules in Wakefield? All of your questions answered about the new Tier 2 restrictions in West YorkshireThe dashboard published today (Tuesday October 13) shows the available data up to October 6. It will now include the Local Alert Level information produced each week by Public Health England which categorises local authorities based on a number of key measures.

​Coun Faith Heptinstall, Wakefield Council's Cabinet Member for Adults, Health and Wellbeing, said: "Following a surge in positive cases, we must now follow additional local restrictions to help control the rapidly increasing infection rate in our district.

"I understand that the new restrictions placed on our lives are difficult but they are vital to protecting each other and saving lives.

"If we don't follow the new rules, we run the real risk of further measures being imposed and even more lives could be lost to this virus.

News: The Big Conversation: Forty percent of people in Wakefield will be spending less this Christmas because of the pandemic"I urge everyone to take action now and please follow these new restrictions at all times."

​Anna Hartley, Director of Public Health for the Wakefield district, said: "The High Alert level we now find ourselves in is due to the rapid rise in positive cases across our district.

"We are at a critical stage of the pandemic. The virus is prevalent across the district and the increase in cases does not just relate to a handful of community or work place outbreaks.

"The new measures are in place to help reduce transmission. It is vital that everyone takes the necessary action to protect ourselves and others from the very real threat of COVID-19.

"Hospital admissions are already starting to increase across the district. We need to act now to break that cycle and we can only do that by working together.

"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.

News: West Yorkshire leaders reveal seven-point plan to control coronavirus due to 'major concern' over rising rates"Remember that you can make a massive impact on your own health and the health of family and friends if you following the new measures set out by Government and these simple rules:

"Wear a face covering, if you can, in any enclosed public space

"Maintain social distancing, wherever possible

"Avoid any close contact with anyone outside your household

"Avoid car sharing with anyone outside your household, if you can

"Maintain regular handwashing."

Wakefield Council is continuing to monitor the Covid-19 situation across the district with effective monitoring to map relevant data and spot trends, which acts as an early warning system.

Working with partners, the council has been actively supporting the businesses and communities affected by the previous outbreaks to limit any spread, as well as working closely with partners and local communities to try and ensure everyone knows the symptoms and how to access testing.

A local testing offer 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.

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. 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.