Health officials praise young people for coming forward to be tested in Trafford

Health leaders in Trafford are thanking the increasing numbers of young people coming forward to be tested for coronavirus.

Coronavirus cases are going up in the borough, with most of the increase in people aged under 40. However health officials are keen to stress that while there has been a rise, overall cases are still very low.

The most striking aspect is the number of people aged 17-23 who have tested positive.  This age range accounts for around half of all new cases in the borough and the Public Health team at Trafford Council has attributed the increase to more people in this age group coming forward to get a test.

Health officials in the borough are working hard to make sure more people of all ages can access tests and that businesses comply with guidance on social distancing.

This work includes:

• A mobile testing unit has been set up at University Academy 92 this week, making it easier for local people to reach the site
• Using social media to remind people of the testing opportunities, including that tests can be ordered online for home testing
• Inspections of restaurants, pubs and bars since the reopening to remind them of the importance of social distancing and personal hygiene of staff
• Health officials are also out and about in communities promoting testing and risk reduction messages
• GP practices in the borough contacting their patients directly to make sure people are getting tests if they have symptoms

Eleanor Roaf, Director of Public Health at Trafford Council, said:

“We have seen a rise in young people coming forward to be tested and this has led to an increase in positive cases.
We don’t know exactly why this is but we are thanking younger people for acting responsibly in coming forward for tests when they feel ill.  We think that the young people have been contacting each other and raising awareness of the importance of testing.  If this is the case, we would like to thank them for their efforts, as this will help us stop further spread of the disease.

I would urge everyone to continue to stick to the rules around social distancing and hand-washing when they are meeting up with friends or going out to pubs and restaurants.”

Cllr Jane Slater, Trafford Council’s Executive Member for Health, Wellbeing and Equalities said

“While any increase in cases are a cause for concern I am reassured that people are coming forward to be tested and I would urge anyone showing symptoms to make sure they are tested and if they test positive to self-isolate. No-one should be complacent as the virus has not gone away and still poses a risk especially to the vulnerable in our society.

Dr Mark Jarvis, Medical Director at NHS Trafford Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), said:

“My colleagues and I have witnessed first-hand the effects of this virus and it is absolutely true to say that this pandemic is not over.

Together, we have done an excellent job in keeping cases very low in Trafford but we cannot allow complacency to creep in and undo what we’ve achieved. Please, if you feel unwell and are showing symptoms such as a change of taste and smell, have a new persistent cough or have a fever, book a test as soon as possible.

You are not just looking after yourself, you are looking after the people around you, whether it’s your friends, family or local community.”