After a spike at the end of July, followed by a drop earlier this month, cases of COVID-19 in Trafford have now increased slightly, and our rates are over twice the average rate of infection for England.
The most recent figure for the week ending 15 August was 26.1 cases per 100,000 people, compared to 23.6/100,000 for the previous week. This is slightly below the average for Greater Manchester.
While the July spike appeared to be driven largely by young people aged 17-23, and was centred in the south of the borough around Hale and Hale Barns, the most recent data shows cases in all wards of the borough, with most cases in people aged 18-40. The number of cases in the over-70’s age group remains low but is increasing slightly, which is a particular concern.
Restrictions on household mixing that were introduced at the end of July remain in place for Trafford and it is important that people continue to abide by these restrictions to reduce the spread of the virus.
Eleanor Roaf, Director of Public Health for Trafford Council, said:
“While the drop in cases since July is good news, we are now seeing numbers increase again and there is no room for complacency. Cases are rising in nearby Manchester and Salford and as we saw in July, a spike can occur very rapidly when we drop our guard.
Please continue to maintain all the measures that stop the virus from spreading; wash hands frequently, maintain social distance and wear face coverings if you can as required. If you have symptoms get a test, and if you test positive or have had contact with anyone who tests positive, follow the guidance to self-isolate.”
Cllr Jane Slater, Trafford’s Executive Member for Health, Wellbeing and Equalities added:
“We know how hard it is for residents not to be able to socialise within their homes and gardens, and do not underestimate the sacrifices people are making to stop the spread.
The restrictions on households mixing remain in place because the evidence shows that this is where most infections have been transmitted, but we are confident that through concerted collective effort we can continue to drive cases down and hopefully see these restrictions removed before too long.”
Posted on Thursday 20th August 2020