Harsher Doncaster lockdown 'sooner rather than later' unless rules followed says health chief

In his weekly update on the state of Covid-19 in the town, Director of Public Health Dr Rupert Suckling says infections have increased by more than 60% on last week with more and more people being admitted to hospital.

He said: “It is clear that the virus is spreading within our communities, touching all age groups and is growing also in the over 65 age group so we all have a responsibility to stop the spread.

“We're seeing more people being admitted to hospital, there are now over 80 people in Doncaster Royal Infirmary at the moment with Coronavirus - several of those need intensive treatment including, unfortunately, ventilators.

“If we do not stop the spread then harsher restrictions might come from government which will limit our lives even further - this could be sooner rather than later.

“This is a significant point in time now to the borough, and we do need to bring infection rates down. We've all got a responsibility to behave appropriately, follow the guidance and if we have symptoms to self-isolate and organise to get tested.”

Dr Suckling described it as a ‘very busy week’ in managing the number of coronavirus cases in Doncaster after the town was put on ‘high alert’ status in Tier 2 of the Government’s three tier Covid-19 restrictions scheme.

He said: “Here in Doncaster we're now seeing rates of nearly 200 infections per 100,000 people. This is an increase of over 60% on last week.”

The new rules mean households should no longer mix indoors, either at home or at any hospitality venues but different households may meet outdoors – including in gardens - but must continue to stick to the 'Rule of 6'.

Where possible people should aim to reduce the number of journeys they make and 10pm curfews will remain in place for all pubs and restaurants.

He added: “We've been placed in this tier based upon our infection rates and not for any other reason so it's important that we all still follow the guidance and follow the basics. We need to keep washing our hands, wearing face coverings where required to do so and keeping 2m physical distancing. If we do all of this we can bring our infection rate down.”