Doncaster health chief rubbishes claim of impending local lockdown

Director of public health, Dr Rupert Suckling, said the most recent available data published every week shows the infection rate is 21.6 per 100,000.

He did concede this has increased from 17.4 but said this has down to a ‘well managed outbreak’ in one care home.

National reports suggest Doncaster could be locked down like Leicester after an increase in the number of people testing positive for Covid-19.

But Dr Suckling said the rate would have to climb to 70 infections per 100,000 before he would consider a local lockdown. He added the infection rate was lower than many other places in England.

“There are a lot of reports currently quoting figures and statistics which could cause confusion and unnecessary concern and worry in our communities in Doncaster,” Dr Suckling said.

“One of the key measures is the number of infections in every 100,000 people - this data now includes positive tests not only from care homes and hospitals but also the wider community.

“Previously, test results I’d seen were not complete in that not all of the community testing results were available to me.

“In Doncaster, we’re not at any impending risk and lockdown our figures are lower than many places in England.

“There’s been speculation about an impending lockdown for Doncaster but this is not the case.

“If a lockdown was put in place, then I would only consider a lockdown if the rate was 70 infections per 100,000 or higher. We are nowhere near that rate.

“The figures are updated on a weekly basis and I’ll monitor them and advise accordingly. We now receive the data we need from Public Health England.

“This does help reconsider our position in Doncaster. Although not live data with it being infections from the previous week, its one element of the data that is improving our response.

“I want to reassure there are no plans to lockdown Doncaster and advise to wash your hands and keep your distance and follow guidance.”