Calderdale health chief says infection increase is 'worrying’

Deborah Harkins, Director of Public Health at Calderdale Council, said the rate going up is ‘worrying’, but has said the rise could have been down to easing of recent lockdown restrictions.

Ms Harkins said the rates of Covid-19 cases across Calderdale have risen to 19.5 (43 cases) between July 3 and 10, compared to the week before where the figure was 12.4, while neighbouring councils like Bradford and Kirklees have seen rates fall.

She said: “It’s worrying to see the rate going up.

“We were always going to see it rise when reducing restrictions, because the chances the virus will spread are increased.

“It’s true, Covid-19 is here and we’ll have to live with it, but the council is working with businesses and others within the community.

“We’re increasing testing and access to testing across Calderdale and we have published an outbreak prevention and control plan.”

Ms Harkins said the council is supporting high-risk occupational groups, including care workers, taxi drivers and shop workers.

The council is also bidding to test everyone in every care home (staff and residents) every two weeks to prevent outbreaks.

“We’ve also identified high-risk workplaces such as food processing factories, and are visiting them to offer support and ensure they are adhering to good practice,” said Ms Harkins.

“We’re working closely with schools, places of worship, visitor economy, and the hospitality industry to support them reopening safely.

“I would like to highlight the NHS’ Test and Trace system has been received very poorly, but this is because there has been a high number of scams that have come out of the coronavirus pandemic.

“The Test and Trace asks for certain details, so I implore the public who are asked for their information during a Test and Trace to give them as it’s important.

“It is a system which will ask for key information only, and not financial details like many of the scams that have popped up.

“If you get symptoms, stay at home for 7 days, self isolate and book a test online by visiting the NHS website, there are different ways you can get a test to suit your circumstances.”

To reduce the rate of infection, members of the public who have been in contact with some infected with coronavirus, should isolate for 14 days at home.