Statement from the Director of Public Health, Stockport

Stockport is now in the ‘Very High’ alert bracket after another week of rising cases

Jen Connolly, Director of Public Health:

Stockport, along with the rest of Greater Manchester, has moved to the Tier 3 – Very High Alert level in response to concerns about the increasing numbers of Covid-19 cases in the region.

We are working hard to make sure everyone in Stockport understands what moving into Tier 3 means for their daily lives, to support people to follow the guidance and protect the most vulnerable residents in the borough. This is especially important with so many of our winter celebrations coming up, including Halloween, Eid Milad E Nabi, Bonfire Night and Diwali.

To help stem the spread of infection people must not meet socially with anyone not in their household or support bubble (this should be just one adult from another household), either indoors or in outside venues, including private homes and gardens. However, socially distanced groups of up to six people can still meet in outdoor spaces such as parks and the countryside.

We’ve increased from 280 cases per 100,000 last week to more than 300 per 100,000 this week in Stockport* and we must all acknowledge that this situation is serious and requires all of us to work together to limit the damage of the virus.

Cases are occurring in all 21 wards across Stockport – the latest data can found here.

Of particular concern is a rise in the number of cases in those over 60, as these rises lead to more resulting hospital admissions. With half term coming up, we recommend being cautious about any visits with older relatives, remembering to keep visits socially distanced and outdoor wherever possible.

The government has refreshed advice and guidance on shielding and protecting people who are extremely clinically vulnerable

It is important to remember that you are encouraged to continue to go outside with your household and/or support bubble because of the benefits of exercise, but if you do choose to meet other households outside of your support bubble, this must be outside, must be in groups of less than 6 people and we advise you to keep the numbers low.

We know there are multiple factors linked to the spread, the virus will spread wherever it can, the risk of that increases when we’re close to others, indoors, or with lots of people, so avoid the three Cs – close contact, crowds, closed spaces. For information about what you can and cannot do visit GOV.UK.

We ask everyone to remain vigilant about the basic steps – to distance (keep 2m from people you do not live with, even in shops), wear face coverings, wash hands and reduce your social circle. These measures stop us from unknowingly spreading the virus.

Limiting the number of times you encounter others outside your household or bubble – in a shop, at the school gates or in the gym – will also lessen your exposure and help reduce the rising rate of transmission.

Very importantly, if you have any coronavirus symptoms – a high temperature, cough, loss/change to smell or taste – then please stay at home and book a test via GOV.UK or by phoning 119. If you are positive you must stay at home, not go out for any reason (other than getting your test) for 10 days.

Limiting social mixing is one of the most important steps in breaking the chain and protecting others. The virus wants to spread to others, so do your bit and don’t let it out. Stay at home and isolate, along with anyone who lives in your house. They must isolate for 14 days, as they too could become infectious in this time. Try to minimise transmission within your home by staggering the use of the bathroom, giving each person their own towel, keeping kitchens and bathrooms clean and stopping visitors attending your home.

It is equally important that if you are told to self-isolate through the NHS Covid 19 app that you follow the instruction. This relatively new tool also identifies those who have been in proximity of someone who has tested positive even if you don’t have symptoms.

If you need support while in self isolation and don’t have any family or friends who can assist you, please do not leave your house. The Council coronavirus helpline and website offers help with shopping, medicine supplies, money concerns, food, housing, loneliness, caring responsibilities and help with being digitally connected.

Visit Stockport Council Coronavirus help
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.

We know that this is a really challenging time for everyone. Thank you for all that you are doing to keep Stockport a safe and happy place. We encourage all our residents to check our webpages for ways to remain healthy.

We also know that this will be a very difficult time for some, and want you to know that there are services available to help.

*This is the latest validated figure for Stockport as of 22.10.20