Decline in Covid-19 infection rate beginning to slow in Stockport, warns Director of Public Health

Stockport Council’s Director of Public Health, Jennifer Connolly, has warned that the decline in rate of new Covid-19 infections in the borough is beginning to slow and encouraged anyone yet to take up the offer of vaccination to do so to help control the spread of the virus.

In her weekly statement on the pandemic, Jennifer Connolly advised continuing to take precautions against the virus, such as limiting time spent in crowded, indoor settings, the use of masks, good ventilation and regular testing against the virus. She also echoed England’s Chief Midwife, Jacqueline Dunkley-Bent, in encouraging pregnant women to get vaccinated, citing data from the US that indicates the safety of the jab for this group. In her full statement, she said:

We are still seeing a decline in numbers of people testing positive for coronavirus in Stockport, but this fall may be slowing and rates are still very high at 302.3*cases per 100,000, which is around 126.7 new cases each day. The latest published data can be found on the GOV.UK website. We all need to continue to be cautious if we want to see rates fall further. This means getting the vaccine, limiting the time we spend in crowded indoor spaces, wearing face coverings and maintaining a social distance where appropriate and getting tested and self-isolating when we need to.

“Large numbers of Stockport people have taken up the offer of vaccinations against coronavirus: 84.6% of Stockport’s adult population have received their first dose and 72.1% both doses. We urgently need to reach those people who have not yet had their first dose or are now overdue (over 8 weeks) their second. Everyone over the age of 18 is eligible now, and those aged 16 and 17 will be invited to attend for their first jab soon. Parents of children aged 12 to 15 with underlying health conditions, or who live with someone with a weakened immune system will also be contacted by their GP to be offered vaccination for their child in the coming weeks.

“In the past week the Chief Midwife for England, Jacqueline Dunkley-Bent, has has urged pregnant women or those planning to become pregnant to get their vaccine and second doses as soon as possible, as many have not yet received the jab. In the USA, over 130,000 pregnant women have been vaccinated, mainly with Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, and no safety concerns have been identified. Data shows that vaccines are effective in protecting people from serious illness from COVID-19. Though uncommon, severe illness due to COVID-19 is more likely in later pregnancy. Pregnant women who do get symptomatic COVID-19 infection are 2 to 3 times more likely to have a stillbirth or give birth to their baby prematurely. This leaflet provides more information.

“To take up the vaccination offer, attend a pop-up clinic visiting various locations across Stockport in the next few weeks – see the full timetable. You can also book your vaccine online, or call 119 to arrange an appointment.

“Remember, if you have symptoms of COVID-19 or your lateral flow test comes back positive, you will need to take a PCR test and self-isolate. You can order your PCR test online or book a test by calling 119.

“Also, continue to carry out regular lateral flow testing. Free home kits can be picked up from pharmacies, libraries, Fred Perry House Test Centre, and the car park on Chadwick Street in Marple. Visit our website to find your nearest test centre or collection point.

“If you test positive, or been informed by NHS Test and Trace you have been a contact of someone who has, it is essential to self-isolate for 10 days – this is
still law until 16 August and helps break the chain of transmission. Visit our website to find information on support during self-isolation.

“If you need to self-isolate and are finding this difficult, please call our COVID-19 helpline on 0161 217 6046. You can also visit our website for more information on where to find help if you’re a vulnerable person.”

*This data is validated from 6.8.21