Stockport Director Of Public Health updates on coronavirus cases in the borough

Following the easing of local restrictions in Stockport, the borough’s Director of Public Health, Jennifer Connolly, has issued an update as coronavirus case numbers begin to rise once again. She comments:

It has been a week since the additional restrictions placed on Stockport residents in August were lifted, schools have reopened and many people have gone back to work. Already the 7 day rate of positive tests per 100,000 people in Stockport is rising rapidly, taking us to a current rate of 26.2 per 100,000 and last week this was 9.2.

This puts us in the national amber category. We have seen in other areas of Greater Manchester how quickly and steeply things can increase, so it is really important that you all keep going with all the efforts to try to reduce transmission. In addition to the increased risks to people’s health that comes with rising community rates, we also want to stop us moving into the national red category when additional restrictions may be imposed.

We all need to continue to:

• keep 2 metres from people you do not live with, you need to do this with friends and relatives that you do not live with (or are not in a bubble with) as well as with other people.
• regular sanitise (or wash) your hands
• meet no more than six people outside – for more information visit GOV.UK
• wear a face covering where needed (unless exempt)
• follow the safety guidance at your place of work and within your school or college

For a full list of what you can and can’t do please visit GOV.UK.
For a list of frequently asked questions please visit our FAQ page.

I can’t stress to you enough how important it is to isolate at home if you have any symptoms of coronavirus, and to get tested immediately, even if you feel well. The symptoms are:

• high temperature
• new, continuous cough
• loss of change of taste or smell, no matter how mild

Your household members will also need to self-isolate if you have symptoms. Please keep yourself and your family at home whilst awaiting your test result and do not continue to go about your normal activities.

We have testing available in Stockport locations, as well at the airport and the Etihad stadium. You can also book a home test if you do not have access to a car. You can visit www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test; or ring 119 to book a test.

It is important we all play our part in keeping ourselves and others safe.