Council publishes latest COVID-19 data for the district

Wakefield Council has published the latest COVID-19 data for the district to keep residents up to date.

The figures show that for the latest set of weekly data (between 5 and 11 January) Wakefield’s positive case rate has decreased from the previous week – from 2,625.2 positive cases to 1,678.7cases (per 100,000 population).

Cllr Maureen Cummings, Wakefield Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities, Poverty and Health, said: “Although cases have decreased this week, they are still at the highest level that we have recorded since the start of the pandemic.

“I urge everyone to continue to be cautious – think of others and protect each other by wearing a face-covering in indoor public places (unless exempt) and use lateral flow tests before you mix with others.

“We ask everyone to please consider your own risk and play your part to help keep yourself and others safe.”

Anna Hartley, Director of Public Health for the Wakefield district, said: “There were sadly five Covid-19 related deaths in local hospitals in the last week and our sympathies go out to the families, friends, and colleagues of those who have died.

“We continue to urge people to follow the Government guidelines, remain cautious, be kind and think of others who might be vulnerable.

“We know that two doses are not enough for the level of protection needed, so I am asking everyone to get their booster jab now – this is the best way to protect yourself and others.”

To limit the spread of the virus, our advice to residents continues to be:

• To have all doses of the vaccine, and the booster, without delay. There are a range of walk-in sessions available, find out more here.
• To limit mixing with those who are not in your household. Where possible, meet people outdoors or in well-ventilated places, and in smaller numbers.
• Consider getting a lateral flow test before you mix with others who are not in your household.
• Wear a face-covering in all indoor public venues. This is now a legal requirement except in hospitality settings.
• Residents may be eligible for both a COVID-19 booster and free flu vaccination, find out more here
• Anyone with COVID-19 symptoms (a high temperature, a new, continuous cough and a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste) must isolate immediately and take a PCR test.
• If you test positive on a lateral flow test, you do not need a follow-up PCR test. You should report your result on www.gov.uk/coronavirus and self-isolate for 10 days.
• It may be possible to leave isolation early. People will be able to leave self-isolation six days after the date of their first positive test if they get two negative lateral flow test results, 24 hours apart, on days five and six. If they get a positive result on day five, they can leave isolation the day of their second negative test.
• If you have been in contact with someone who has tested positive, you may still need to self-isolate. Check the guidance here.
• If you are a contact who doesn’t need to self-isolate, please be considerate, use lateral flow tests as advised by NHS Test and Trace and limit your contact with others as much as possible.

Anyone over 18 can now get a booster vaccination if their last COVID-19 vaccination was over three months ago. For more information on getting your booster or your first and second dose of COVID-19 vaccines please visit http://www.nhs.uk/CovidVaccination or call the NHS for free on 119. 

The Government has actioned Plan B to slow the spread of the Omicron variant and prevent health services becoming overstretched this winter.

Plan B puts measures in place which can help to control the transmission of the virus while seeking to minimise economic and social impacts. The introduction of Plan B means:

• Face-coverings are required in most indoor settings
• COVID-19 passes are mandatory for nightclubs and venues where large crowds gather. Find out how to get a COVID-19 pass here
• People should work from home if they can.

Stay up to date with the latest developments at https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus

There are currently 155 COVID-19 patients being cared for by The Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust, compared to 148 the previous week.

Jo Webster, Chief Officer at NHS Wakefield Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “Cases in our district are very high and the number of people in hospital has increased this week. It’s important that we all remain cautious to get the rates down and keep life moving. The best way to protect yourself from the virus is by getting all your jabs. Walk-in and pre-booked appointments are available across the district this week. Go to www.bit.ly/GrabAJabWF to find out more about dates and times.

“You can also visit togetherwe-can.com for further information and tips on how to keep yourself and your family well this winter.”

Wakefield Council is continuing to monitor the COVID-19 situation across the district with effective monitoring to map relevant data and spot trends, which acts as an early warning system.

Working with partners, Wakefield Council has been actively supporting the businesses and communities affected by the previous outbreaks to limit any spread, as well as working closely with partners and local communities to try and ensure everyone knows the symptoms and how to access testing.

The Council is asking all residents to play their part by regularly taking a COVID-19 test. To find out how to get a COVID-19 test, visit https://buff.ly/3uWIBvY

This week, mobile testing units will be based at the following locations:

• Holywell Lane Day Care Centre, Castleford: 17 – 21 January.
• South Elmsall Market: 17, 19, 20 and 23 January.
• Wakefield Sports and Social Club: 17 – 21 January.
• Sacred Heart Catholic Church: 21 January.
• Wakefield Trinity RLFC: 17,18 and 20, 21 January

More information about our testing offer can be found here.

Residents are also reminded to prepare for winter and the Council’s new health awareness campaign will help them to do this.

Branded “Let’s Keep Life Moving This Winter,” the campaign stresses the key role the public have in helping to drive the district forward towards recovery following the pandemic and avoid disruption caused by further restrictions and pressures on the local NHS. More information is available at www.wakefield.gov.uk/letskeeplifemovingthiswinter

The dashboard published today (Monday 17 January) shows the available data up to 11 January. 

The dashboard and briefing can be found at www.wakefield.gov.uk/about-the-council/coronavirus-information/covid-19-weekly-data