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Cause of concern as Newcastle tops county list of coronavirus cases

Posted on Wednesday 7th October 2020

Residents and businesses in Newcastle are being urged to stick to the COVID-19 rules, after a surge in cases has seen the area rise to the top of the county coronavirus list.

If cases continue to rise people are being warned not only could more lives be but at risk, but the Government may step in and impose further restrictions.

Since September 1, there have been nearly 250 confirmed cases and a seven-day rate of 90 per 100,000 of population. This compares to an average Staffordshire rate of 65 per 100,000 population.

Geographically cases are increasing right across the borough, with the working-age group most affected. There has been no one single source of infection as transmissions have been identified within and between households, care homes, schools and businesses. Incidents, at Keele University in particular, are being investigated further.

There are no additional restrictions being advised at this stage, but leaders are quick to point to the additional restrictions introduced in the North West and Birmingham and say now is the time to re-double efforts.

To bring the rate of cases down people are being urged to strictly following the national rules and do what they can do in their local communities to help reduce the risk of virus transmission.

Additional testing is being made available to try and identify people who may have been infected.

Dr Johnny McMahon, Staffordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Health, Care and Wellbeing, said:

“Cases in Newcastle are a genuine concern. People need to act now to prevent the risk of COVID-19 cases increasing further, which could lead to the government stepping in with additional restrictions.

“Simple measures do make a huge impact and by educating and encouraging all our communities there is a great chance to get the situation back under control.” 

Simon Tagg, Leader of Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, added:

“It is important that we all adhering to social distance, wearing masks and regularly hands washing so we can reduce the spread of infection.”

“I am confident residents in the borough will heed this warning, work together and get the rates going in the right direction.”

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