Doncaster now has second worst coronavirus rate in Yorkshire as deaths pass 300

Cases have rocketed in the town in the last week, with the number of Covid-19 patients in the town’s hospitals doubling in just a week.

Doncaster is now second only to Barnsley in a rundown of places in Yorkshire with the highest rates of coronavirus.

In the week to October 23, the rate per 100,000 in Doncaster was nearly 500 – coming in at 499.9 people per 100,000. The Barnsley figure was 545.6

In the week prior to that up to October 16, the rate in Doncaster was 314.9 – an increase of 185 cases per 100,000 people.

Dr Rupert Suckling, Director of Public Health in Doncaster said in a statement: “I am seeing the virus touching all age groups so this is now a critical time for everyone to absolutely follow the guidance – no matter how old you are. We all need to work to help bring the rate down. The harsher Tier 3 restrictions are to help slow the infection rising and our progress will be reviewed in four weeks’ time.

“We are seeing more people going into hospital with Coronavirus now and sadly we have started to see more deaths. So far 302 people have died in Doncaster from Coronavirus or presumed Coronavirus and my thoughts go out to family and friends of those who have passed away.

"We all have to behave responsibly and follow the guidance to protect ourselves, our families and the NHS. We are heading into winter when pressures will be felt across all our health and care services and especially the NHS as the staff there continue to care for people with COVID including those that also need ventilation.

“I would urge everyone to behave appropriately and to remember face, space and hands – the basics are critically important. If we do not follow the guidance then the infection rate will continue to rise. It is as simple as that – do the right thing and we will see the rate fall.”