Covid infection rate expected to decline as Wakefield remains 'area of concern'

The district remains classed as an "area of concern" by the government after 197 new confirmed cases of the virus were recorded between July 1 and 25.

Neighbouring Kirklees and Bradford are in a similar situation.

But the council's chief legal officer, Gillian Marshall, who's played a significant role in Wakefield's response to the pandemic, said the local rate was closely linked to outbreaks in a number of specific workplaces and buildings.

Forza Foods factory in Normanton, Deep Sleep Beds in Ossett and Urban House - a residential complex for asylum seekers - have all been hit by the virus.

But speaking about the pandemic at a scrutiny meeting on Monday, Ms Marshall suggested the handling of those outbreaks was likely to result in the number of new cases falling.

Public Health data released later showed that there were fewer cases between July 13 and 19 compared with the previous week.

Ms Marshall said: "We're working very hard on understanding the numbers in Wakefield, but also those in the rest of the region, because obviously the virus doesn't stop at administrative borders.

"Wakefield's increase in numbers is related to the outbreaks we've had in quite complex settings, like Urban House.

"It's also clear that there's been huge national support for the actions our Public Health team have taken and so it's expected that we will see some improvements in those numbers very shortly."

Asked if Wakefield was in "good stead" to cope with a potential second wave of coronavirus cases, Ms Marshall said: "Absolutely.

"What we hope to have is a plan ready for all the various scenarios that may come forward in the winter.

"We obviously hope there won't be, but a second wave is something we are preparing for."

Ms Marshall said that the council was still working through new powers handed down by government to all local authorities, which will allow them to close premises and cancel events to address spikes.

One senior Labour councillor accused the government of "playing pass the parcel" when that move was announced earlier this month, as the powers were not accompanied by extra cash to help authorities take those decisions.

And Councillor Olivia Rowley told the meeting: "I personally think the government's control of this has been shambolic, to pass it onto local authorities now.

"One the one hand they've taken one stance in Leicester (where the government itself imposed a local lockdown) and then elsewhere left it local authorities.

"I just hope we have some uniformity."

Local Democracy Reporting Service

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