200,000 Covid jabs given out in Doncaster as new figures show rise in town's rates

The milestone was reached earlier this week, the town’s Director of Public Health, Dr Rupert Suckling has said in his weekly update on the coronavirus situation.

Latest figures show that Doncaster is one of 103 places in the country where Covid-19 infection rates have risen in recent days – although in his update, Dr Suckling said the data for the period between April 3-9 showed a reduction in infections.

It also comes as the number of people receiving treatment in Doncaster’s hospitals fell to 11 – half last week’s total.

He said: “So the good news is that the number of local people in hospital receiving active treatment for COVID is under 20.

"This is the lowest number since September last year.

"Our rate of infections has fallen to 80.5 infections per 100,000 people for the period 3-9 April and the rate amongst the over 60 age group is now 40.6 per 100,000.

"This is encouraging and thank you for the sacrifices you have and are continuing to make to help. We are still seeing the majority of cases in the 15-34 year olds.”

More recent Public Health England data for the last seven days showed that cases were rising in 103 areas in England, with Doncaster among them.

In the last seven days.the rate in Doncaster has risen slightly from 85.9 (268 cases) to 86.6 (270 cases) per 100,000 people.

Added Dr Suckling: “As more of our pre-COVID world begins to reopen, this increases the risk of the infection spreading so hands, face and space and the rule of six or two households mixing outdoors is critical. It would be a shame if we see infection rates spike so please do follow this guidance as we go into the weekend and if you plan to enjoy shopping in our town centres and the alfresco hospitality in the borough.

“Our vaccination programme has seen the 200,000th jab being given this week – that’s first and second doses combined. That is a major milestone. I’d like to thank everyone in the NHS, council staff and the range of volunteers who have worked so hard to make this happen. When you are invited to get your vaccination, please take up the offer.”