Doncaster Public health boss says Covid infections are finally falling again - but urges people to get tested

In his weekly coronavirus briefing to the public, director of public health Dr Rupert Suckling said the weekly infection rate had finally fallen after several weeks were it had not been falling much.

Latest figures, revealed today, after his message was published, however, reveal a slight rise in the rate in the borough.

And he warns that with schools returning on Monday March 8, it is important to stick to social distancing and Government guidance.

He said: “Our latest data across all age groups shows our infection rate is 148.8 per 100,000 people for the period February 20-26. Our positivity rate is 6.2.

“Following my update last week I’d like to thank everyone for their support and dedication in driving down our local rate. After a few weeks where our numbers remained relatively static, I’m pleased to see a decline. That’s down the efforts of both the public and local businesses in following and sticking to the guidance.

“We still need to make sure we continue this downward trend do its important we stick to these principals, particularly as this week sees us take an important step on the road to normality.

“Schools across Doncaster will begin to welcome students back from Monday. This is of course very welcome news and I’d like to thank teachers and staff who have worked incredibly hard to implement a range of protective measures to ensure schools are as safe as possible for our children and young people.

“I’d also like to remind people of the importance of testing as a tool in the fight against coronavirus. I would encourage anyone who is offered a test to take it up. “That includes local businesses who can access community testing at our sites in Hexthorpe, Stainforth and Conisbrough if they are unable to access test via the Government private sector route.

“Together lets keep doing everything we can to make a difference.”

According to latest figures confirmed Covid-19 cases in the last seven days in Doncaster, as of 9am February 27, were 155 people per 100,000, with 483 cases in the last seven days from that date.

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