'Keep it up:' 'Zero cases' of coronavirus at Doncaster hospitals for 48 hours

A spokesman for Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust posted the good news on Facebook yesterday.

It said: “Zero cases of Covid-19 confirmed for 48 hours - how's that for a Good News Tuesday?

"We currently have seven patients with us at Doncaster Royal Infirmary, and just one at Bassetlaw Hospital, having discharged two people earlier today – we wish them the very best!”

“Remember, hands, face and space - local people are doing an awesome job keeping hospital admissions down, keep it up.”

The comments are in contrast to GP and Chair of Doncaster CCG Dr David Crichton who said yesterday that the number of infections was rising across Doncaster.

In a statement, he said: "Here in Doncaster, the majority of people followed the guidance and we were able to bring the infection rate right down. Even when restrictions were eased in July and August, our collective efforts helped to keep the infection rates low, one of the lowest in the country in fact.

“Over recent weeks however, the infection rate has started to rise again across the whole country as the virus has started to take hold.

"Doncaster is no exception and our rate has increased from a low of 3.2 per 100,000 population at the beginning of September to 29.0 per 100,000 now. The number of people being treated with coronavirus in Doncaster Royal Infirmary has started to rise again and sadly we have seen two deaths in the last week.”