A sharp rise in Covid-19 case numbers in Stockport in recent days is largely being driven by spread amongst those aged 10-30, the majority of which remain currently ineligible for vaccination, the borough’s Director of Public Health has warned.
In her weekly coronavirus statement, Jennifer Connolly warned that the Delta variant that accounts for 95% of cases in the borough is more transmissible and more likely to lead to hospitalisation, even amongst younger people who have been less susceptible to Covid-19, compared to previous virus variants.
She called for Stockport residents to continue doing their part to control the spread of the virus by getting regular lateral flow tests, both doses of the vaccine and by following government advice over social distancing, mask wearing, ensuring fresh air when meeting others, and most importantly, ensuring the whole household self-isolate on receipt of a positive Covid-19 test or under advice of Test and Trace. The government’s advice for people living in enhanced support areas including Greater Manchester can be found here.
In her full statement, Jennifer Connolly said:
We have seen a significant increase in coronavirus cases in Stockport in the past few weeks, rising most in unvaccinated age groups, most especially in the aged 10-30 cohort. Stockport currently has the 6th highest number of cases in the country, with rates at 230.4* cases per 100,000, up from 141.4 cases per 100,000 last week. There are around 96 new cases each day, up from 59 last week. The latest published data can be found here.
On Tuesday the government announced Greater Manchester, including Stockport, had been designated as an Enhanced Support Area, in light of rising case rates of the Delta variant. This is now the dominant strain in the borough, is around 50% more transmissible, accounts for around 95% of all our cases and can be found across all areas.
While we know we’ve good uptake of the vaccine in our most vulnerable groups, which reduces the link between cases rising and increased hospitalisation, Covid can lead to admissions in all ages. However, harms and effects caused by the Delta variant are more wide reaching than increased hospitalisations. With higher rates there may be a knock-on effect in the NHS of further delaying or curtailing routine and elective work. There is also more chance of disruption to children’s education, as they may have to self-isolate frequently when cases occur in school bubbles. This could also affect businesses if their staff must self-isolate. There is also an increased likelihood of more people suffering detrimental long-term ill effects of Long Covid on their health. Further information on this can be found here.
So, please do all you can to prevent the further spread of the variant. The government’s advice for people living in enhanced support areas can be found here. This advice is just that – advice to help us consider how we can stop the spread of the virus. There are no lockdowns or travel bans for Greater Manchester.
The more people we meet, especially in enclosed spaces, and the more we are in close contact, the more opportunity the virus has to keep spreading. So, now more than ever, I would urge you to please keep up your actions such as social distancing (2m), wearing face coverings (unless exempt), washing/sanitising hands regularly, meeting outdoors where possible and keeping enclosed areas well ventilated by having windows open (15 minutes each hour). Further information on reducing the risk of transmission can be found here.
To stop the spread please take a lateral flow test twice a week, even if you have already been vaccinated. Think about testing before you’re going to meet up with people, before the kids go back to school on a Monday, before you’re going out to a hospitality venue. Free home testing kits can be picked up from pharmacies, libraries, Fred Perry House Test Centre, and the car park on Chadwick Street in Marple. Find your nearest test centre or collection point here.
If you test positive, or been informed by NHS Test and Trace you have been a contact of someone who has, you must self-isolate for 10 days, as this is now
law and helps break the chain of transmission. Information on support available during self-isolation can be found here. You will need to take a confirmatory PCR test, which can be booked by calling 119 or via here. If you need to self-isolate and are finding this difficult, please phone our Coronavirus helpline on 0161 217 6046 or for further information visit here.As primary pupils return to school on Monday, family members (older children and adults) should do an LFT test beforehand. Record results, follow Test and Trace advice and let schools know so home learning can be arranged if necessary. If anyone in the household tests positive, then everyone who lives in the house is a contact and the child MUST NOT return to school on Monday. Additionally, remember that if anyone has symptoms, they need to isolate and take a PCR test – children with symptoms should not be taken to school on Monday unless they’ve had a negative PCR result. When picking them up and dropping off, please wear your face covering, socially distance and limit time spent near the school site.
The vaccination programme continues, with 75.8% of Stockport’s adult population having received their first dose and 55% both doses. If you haven’t had yours and are eligible, take up the offer by attending a pop up clinic (check our social media for details of dates, times and venues) or call the national booking line on 119 or book online here. If you don’t get a suitable appointment online straight away, keep trying. New slots are being added all the time. Also, get a second vaccination as this will ensure maximum protection. If you need any help with answering vaccination questions, we’ve prepared a useful FAQ with NHS Stockport Clinical Commissioning Group which will give the information you need here.
Also remember to take care of your mental health and wellbeing. If you’re finding things difficult, reach out as we have lots of offers of help and support listed here. For further information on how you might look after yourself, visit our Health and Wellbeing page or Healthy Stockport.
*This is the latest figure for Stockport validated on 11.6.21.