Latest statement from Stockport Council Director of Public Health

Stockport Council Director of Public Health, Jennifer Connolly has issued the following statement as coronavirus cases continue to rise across the borough.

We have now been placed on high alert by the Government after another week of rising cases.

Stockport, along with the rest of Greater Manchester, has now been in Tier 3, the ‘Very High’ alert level, for a week. However, case rates continue to increase rapidly. In the last week we have seen a rise from 300 cases per 100,000 last week to 440 per 100,000.* Cases are occurring in all 21 wards across Stockport. The latest published data can found here: https://coronavirus.data.gov.uk.

This situation is serious and requires all of us to work together to limit the detrimental impact of the virus on our community.

As more people in the community have the virus, there are more opportunities for the virus to spread, so it is important to be even more vigilant. The virus thrives if we allow it to pass from person to person. The best ways to stop that transmission is by consciously limiting the number of direct contacts with others, and by keeping your distance (two metres) in everyday life from people you do not live with, including at work, shops, gym, or when meeting outdoors, as well as by washing hands, and wearing face coverings.

This is a challenging time for all of us. The way we can overcome it is by following existing guidance to stay safe and thus not giving the virus a chance to spread further, and by looking out for each other. Leaflets are continuing to be delivered to households across Stockport with advice on how to keep safe from the virus, and how to get support if you need it, including for your mental wellbeing.

For more information on how you might look after your health and wellbeing during these difficult times, please visit our Health and Wellbeing pages.

If you have any symptoms of Coronavirus – a new continuous cough, high temperature, or a change or loss of smell/taste – however mild, the most important thing is to stay at home, and to book a test via GOV.UK or by phoning 119. You and your household members need to self-isolate at home while you await your results. If you are positive you must stay at home, and not go out for any reason for 10 days; your household members must stay at home for 14 days, as they may still develop the illness.

If you need support while in self isolation and don’t have any family or friends who can assist you, the Council Coronavirus helpline and website offer help with shopping, medicine supplies, money concerns, food, housing, loneliness, caring responsibilities and help with being digitally connected. Call 0161 217 6046 from Monday – Thursday from 9.00am – 5pm and Friday from 9.00am – 4:30pm. If you’re deaf or have difficulty hearing, you can use our textphone on 07860 022 876. Find out more by visiting our helpline page.

The virus will spread wherever it can so remember to avoid the 3 C’s – close contact such as hugs, closed spaces and crowds. Follow the safety guidance at your place of work and within your school or college. This will help to keep you and others safe. For information about what you can and cannot do visit GOV.UK.

*This is the latest figure for Stockport at 27.10.20 validated on 30.10.20