Posted on Monday 28th September 2020
Image of a billboard that reads 'Coronavirus is in Burton Upon Trent'
People living in Burton where extra coronavirus advice is in place, are being told their efforts are having an impact but to be wary of complacency.
The extra measures cover the wards of Anglesey, Shobnall, Horninglow and Eton Park and have been in place since 8 September. Their introduction was in response to 123 cases in the four wards being recorded since July.
Asking residents not to mix with other households and under 3’s and over 65’s not attending gatherings and are just two of the measures currently in place.
On top of extra measures, the last few weeks has seen mobile test centres in Burton, and a re-doubling of partner and community activities including a ‘Go the extra mile’ awareness campaign backed by Burton Albion Football Club.
The most recent figures available have shown a fall in the number of new cases in the affected areas. Six cases were reported in the seven-day period of 13 - 19 September, reducing the four-ward rate to around 20 cases per 100,000 people, just below the county average.
However, the council is issuing a strong warning against any complacency setting in. They ask residents and businesses to continue in their resolve to go the extra mile, follow the extra measures alongside the new national rules.
Dr Johnny McMahon, Staffordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Health, Care and Wellbeing, said: “Although the latest figures in the four wards are promising we are pleading with residents not to allow complacency to creep in, as it is still imperative they follow the extra measures in place.
“We know how quickly this virus can spread if it gets out of control. With the help of local people we have managed to limit the number of new cases and it is important that we continue to do everything we can to stop the infection spreading.
“We are doing well – we all need to keep it up and not lose the gains we’ve made, as we are in this fight together.”
All the Burton extra measures are available at: www.staffordshire.gov.uk/burtonextra.