People in Stoke-on-Trent are being urged to get tested ahead of the festive break.
The advice from the city’s leading public health expert comes following news that Stoke-on-Trent remains in the top 10 for the highest number of coronavirus cases in England.
The city currently has 314.8 cases per 100,000. And while this is a slight decline on previous days, with only 92 cases reported today, numbers are not falling as quickly as had been hoped.
Coronavirus transmission trends are also seeing more prevalence of COVID-19 cases in some parts of the city compared to others. As a result, people who live in and around Tunstall, Burslem, Hanley and Longton are being urged to take up the community testing on offer ahead of the festive break.
The public health data has also confirmed that the main cause of coronavirus continues to be community transmission where households are mixing with other households.
Cllr Abi Brown, leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council said: “Transmission of coronavirus within the city is continuing at pace and we remain the highest for COVID-19 cases in the West Midlands and in the top 10 nationally. I’ve said before that these are definitely not lists that we want to be top of and I’d urge people to do all they can to help us break this cycle. We’ve done it before and we can do it again but we need to act now to brings our cases down.”
“We have a number of lateral flow rapid testing appointments in locations across the city – it is free and gives results within 30 minutes. I’d urge everyone to take up these tests ahead of the festive period. That way people know they are playing their part in trying to kick coronavirus out of the city.”
Dr Paul Edmondson Jones, Director of Adult Social Care, Health Integration and Wellbeing said: “With the Christmas break fast-approaching, it has never been more important that people follow the guidance and take up the opportunity to get tested, particularly in those areas of the city where we are seeing a higher rate of community transmission.
“While some areas within the city have been identified as having the highest levels of coronavirus, this will often reflect relatively small numbers at ward level and this means that across the city and indeed the country, there will always be variation in numbers and people are being urged to take account of many things in a local area that can cause variation to the figures. This can include care homes, houses of multiple occupation, sheltered housing blocks, extra care facilities as well as general households.”
Lateral flow testing next week for residents in Stoke-on-Trent is as follows:
- Wednesday 9 December - Dimensions Leisure Centre, 9:30am to 3pm.
- Thursday 10 December – Northwood Stadium, 9:30am to 3pm.
- Friday 11 December – Northwood Stadium, 9:30am to 3pm.
People attending will be asked to isolate either in their own cars or in a designated area at a social distance at the site to receive their results. If results are positive then individuals will be asked to return for a further test and receive additional support and advice. Should they be negative, they can continue about their normal day-to-day business.
Residents can book an appointment by visiting www.stoke.gov.uk/bookacovid19test
At a ward level, given the relatively small numbers are recorded, there will always be a random variation in numbers. In the last week, case numbers by day of test have ranged from 67 to 184 which is a near three fold variation. This means day by day the highest ward will change.
For the latest information on council services and support during the coronavirus, and frequently asked questions, please visit www.stoke.gov.uk/coronavirus. For latest health advice on the coronavirus, please visit www.nhs.uk/coronavirus, and for further information on the virus visit www.gov.uk/coronavirus.
All residents are reminded about the critical importance of regular handwashing with soap and hot water for 20 seconds. The significance of this action cannot be underestimated. If residents have symptoms, please get tested. All residents must continue to follow the guidance of wash hands, cover face and make space.
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